(CHCC) — Since the inaugural Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health or DELPH cohort in 2021, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation has been proud to have employees selected as scholars each year including this year’s 2024 cohort.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials or ASTHO partnered with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of medicine, to establish the Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program. The DELPH program aims to enhance participants’ visibility and presence within public health systems, expand their professional networks, and offer valuable leadership development opportunities.
CHCC’s DELPH scholars are:
• Halina Palacios, MPH, Chief Operations Officer for Population Health (Cohort 1)
• Heather Pangelinan, MS, Director of Public Health Services (Cohort 2)
• Amber Mendiola, BS, Administrator for Non-communicable Disease Program (Cohort 3)
• Emman Parian, BHS, MH, Immunization Program Manager (Cohort 4)
As a member of the inaugural DELPH cohort, Halina Palacios reflects on her experience with three key lessons: be present, own your space, and recognize the privilege of having someone believe in your potential as a leader. She emphasizes that once you embrace and inhabit that space, it becomes your responsibility to inspire, motivate, and create opportunities for others to step into leadership roles.
“Being a leader is not in anyone’s job description or requirement, but it is a part of our responsibility when moving in a forward direction,” said Palacios. “We are in these positions to advocate, build, and strengthen our healthcare system and the health of our people. Often times this means taking the first step in unchartered territories or paving what has for the longest time been a kaskau’ road, because our people don’t just need better but they deserve it,” she added.
The DELPH program is designed to be a 10-month cohort program accommodating up to 32 participants. Throughout the program, participants attend monthly virtual sessions, a cohort retreat, and an ASTHO leadership meeting. They also complete self-study modules and take part in cohort discussions. Additionally, participants are expected to engage actively with an assigned mentor and executive coach, volunteer through association leadership opportunities, and serve as ambassadors to recruit and retain diverse leadership candidates for their agency.
Heather Pangelinan’s primary insight from participating in Cohort 2 of DELPH was how critical it is for Pacific Islanders, especially those from the CNMI, to be actively engaged in national convenings and conversations around policy and regulation. She underscores how essential it is to bring awareness and voice to the issues and unique challenges faced in our territory while at the same time highlighting many of the beautiful aspects of the CNMI that motivate us, our families, and our communities to continue to thrive.
“Like many before us, we have the power to continue making improvements in our community that impact not only our world today, but the lives of our children, grandchildren and generations to come,” said Pangelinan.
“Participating in DELPH has helped shape the person that I am today and has strengthened my professional skills so that I can use them in creating the CNMI that we envision for our children,” she added.
Upon graduating the program, Pangelinan has received an award certifying her role as a Diverse Executive Leader in Public Health by ASTHO and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine.
During her time in DELPH, Amber Mendiola expressed that the participation in the DELPH program provided an invaluable opportunity to network and learn from exceptional public health professionals at the national level. The experience of entering a room filled with like-minded individuals dedicated to improving community health and eliminating barriers to health injustice was truly awe-inspiring. Mendiola highlights that DELPH fostered a supportive “professional growth” family, offering space for support, skill development, and encouragement.
“Being a DELPH scholar is an invaluable opportunity to represent the Pacific Island communities I am blessed to serve, said Mendiola. “DELPH has edified my purpose to leave this world better than I found it- battling health inequities for the pacific. We are from Micronesia, but there’s nothing “micro” about us,” she added.
Mendiola was honored with the “Legacy Leader” award. The award is given to the DELPH scholar who seeks to create a meaningful impact within their organization and community fostering growth, mentoring future leaders, and establishing a culture of excellence and integrity. The Legacy Leader award recipient is voted on by the cohort and the ASTHO DELPH team.
CHCC Chief Executive Officer, Esther Muna, expresses pride in the organization’s continued representation in the DELPH program. “We are thrilled that our talented employees have been recognized for their commitment to public health. Their participation in DELPH will not only advance their professional development but also bring innovative ideas and leadership skills back to our community.”
Emman Parian, member of Cohort 4, highlights the powerful and effective connections and conversations fostered by the program. Bringing together a group of motivated individuals, the program aims to make positive changes in their communities through genuine dialogue, enhancing each participant’s professional and personal capacities.
“Participating in national programs like DELPH, increases the visibility of our jurisdiction and the Pacific Islands to help educate/provide awareness of our Public Health”, said Parian. Parian has also been honored with “The Helper” superlative award, described as, “Need a helping hand, or have a question? This person is always swooping in with the assist.”
CHCC is committed to the development and growth of its employees. Investing in its employees is essential to the organization’s overall success. Through comprehensive training programs, continuous educational opportunities, and clear career progression paths, CHCC stives to empower its employees to reach their full potential. By prioritizing the well-being and advancement of the workforce, CHCC not only enhances individual capabilities but also drives collective excellence.
