Employee Spotlight: Lin Velasquez – AHS Director of Talent Management

I think it is an honor to serve a community of the uninsured or underinsured. How we do that in Human Resources (HR) is by hiring the right people who have the right cultural fit. We believe in the mission of the organization and so it is our job to make sure that we bring people on board who can serve the community in keeping with our collective mission.

We’re looking for people who have the heart and desire to work here. It’s not easy work and it’s a complex organization, so they must be able to thrive in the environment and love the work.

Professional development is important to the organization too. We’ve done health equity, diversity and inclusion focus groups where employees can weigh in on what is important to them. Some of the questions that bubbled to the top were, “Do I have to be a manager to get professional development? If I am a food service worker are there any development opportunities available to advance my career? Finally, “Is there a program that will allow me to move laterally or upward into another area of the organization?”

So we are taking a deeper dive and looking at career ladders for certain segments. We’re starting small and going to expand. We heard those voices loud and clear and we’re going to open more doors to career paths at Alameda Health System (AHS).

Every employee is a leg of the table and together we hold it up. Maybe our roles and responsibilities are different, but we can’t do one without the other. Everyone is important.

Regardless of what you do in the organization, you need to do your best. My grandmother used to tell me that if you’re going to be a bum, be a good one. And I’d say, “What does that mean Grandma?” She replied, “You just be your best.” She lived to be 107.

AHS is a good place to work. There are many different opportunities here, all you need to do is seek them. HR is the people pillar. We are here to serve you. We have your back.