Please tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing as a volunteer, and why you chose to take that particular role.
I currently serve as a member of the CAHL HEN committee and I am the Vice Chair of the CAHL Student council. In these roles, I bridge the connection from CAHL to current students. Some of the activities I do include organizing networking or panel events and promoting CAHL events. I chose to be a part of the higher education council because I wanted to be able to provide meaningful resources to students interested in leadership in healthcare. A goal of mine is to increase the size of student members in CAHL.
Could you share a “CAHL Moment” with us? We’d love to hear a story of a meaningful relationship you’ve developed and why it matters to you and those you serve or an anecdote about how volunteering with CAHL has made an impact in your role or your personal life.
Volunteering with CAHL has opened my eyes to the various possibilities of careers that I could pursue. As an undergrad without knowing anyone in healthcare, I felt severely lost in terms of the next steps of my career. CAHL has given me the insight and information that will help me pursue my career goals. I am now able to ask questions from experienced professionals. Everyone that I have met through CAHL has been more than willing to offer me guidance.
I would especially like to thank Jackeline Rosas, MHA and Eric Johnson, MHA. Jackie was the first connection I made through CAHL and has helped me navigate the organization. I am grateful that she is always willing to assist with events. I think that she is a great role model.
I was able to meet Eric through the annual CAHL awards ceremony. This was my first in-person networking event. Eric has been so kind and expressed that he is willing to help any student. He even shared with me that I could job shadow him. His genuine kindness struck a chord with me. Eric also volunteered to be a speaker for one of my campus clubs where he shared a presentation on his career journey. I am thankful to have met both Jackie and Eric through CAHL.
Reach out to Kimberly for …
I’m open to being a resource to CAHL members if they need assistance with marketing or organizing panels. I enjoy event planning and can offer a student perspective.
What motto or quote resonates with you as a leader/volunteer?
A quote that resonates with me as a volunteer is by Elizabeth Andrew: “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” I know that many of us have busy schedules yet we find the time to volunteer. Volunteering takes dedication and passion. I strive to remain active in my community and the organizations that I am a part of.
What didn’t I ask that you’d like to share?
I am always willing to network and connect with others! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-lamountry/. I will graduate in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. I look forward to entering the workforce as a full-time employee soon.