When you meet María Cecilia, a Manager in the International Department at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, it's not long before you realize that she is a special person.
Her smile, hopeful attitude, and dynamic spirit light up a room. Last year, the UPMC Careers team had a chance to meet María Cecilia and hear more about her life and story. In her own words, María Cecilia shares about three phrases that describe her: Family-Focused, Optimist, and Cultural Advocate. Read on to meet María Cecilia, and learn what the phrase “Be You, Be UPMC” means to her.
Family Focused
“Family is at the core of everything I do, both in my personal and professional life.”
For me, family is at the core of everything I do, both in my personal and professional life. My family is my driving force. My husband and our beautiful daughter are my best gift!
When facing challenging situations my question is always: “What would my parents do?” When I was diagnosed with diabetes at 13, my mom, my light, my guide, taught me that my condition can be a friend, by accepting it, and embracing the changes with patience and discipline. I learned from my dad, my hero, that honest work and kindness take you long way! And my brothers are my example and my support, they are some of my favorite people. Every step of the way, life gives me the chance to expand my family, through those wonderful people I am fortunate to meet.
And at work, at the International Department, I am fortunate to witness firsthand the importance of family. Providing support to our patients and families, when they most need it, we become members of their family too. We provide to them a home, while they are away from home.
Optimist
“I believe that we have countless opportunities to make a difference in everyone’s life.”
I love life. I truly believe that there is good everywhere and in everyone, that people want to always do their best. I want to be source of happiness. I believe that we have countless opportunities to make a difference in everyone’s life, just by smiling or by asking with genuine interest how others are doing and by offering a smile, an encouraging word, or even a warm and loving silence.
During a spiritual retreat that my mom once attended, after three days of silence, someone approached her and thanked for her “daily encouraging smile”. I carry this story in my heart and inspires me to always smile. And with a smile, positive thoughts come along!
Cultural Advocate
“I am passionate for equity in health care, specifically in what relates to language access.”
Recognizing and embracing our cultural differences help us grow as individuals and as a community. As a Colombian in Pittsburgh, I am actively involved in activities to promote my native culture while promoting the participation of Colombians in the civic, cultural, and economic life of Pittsburgh.
And at work, my job gives me the opportunity to advocate for the diverse populations we serve. I am passionate about equity in health care, specifically in what relates to language access. I dream of a world with no language barriers and am committed to doing everything I can to make my dream a reality.
"Be You, Be UPMC" Means...
“We witness miracles every day.”
My role at UPMC is the perfect fit for me and allows me to put in use my language skills. I look forward to starting my workday, to embark in new projects, to partner with colleagues to make a difference in people’s lives.
At UPMC we witness miracles every day and are lucky to cross paths and become close, to brave and courageous families, who every day, through their love and patience, teach us to appreciate the little things, those that make life, worthwhile to live and fight for.
Interested in joining María Cecilia on our team in another position that fits your interests? Visit our Careers site to explore roles!
