FROM LINCOLN’S HELM TO LEHMAN’S HIGHEST HONOR
C ristina Contreras, the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln, recently received a prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from her alma mater, Lehman College. The recognition, bestowed during Lehman’s commencement ceremony, celebrated Contreras’ exceptional leadership in healthcare and her profound impact on the Bronx community. As a proud Lehman alumna, the honor held special significance for Ms. Contreras, who has risen to become a prominent figure in New York City’s healthcare landscape. In her inspiring acceptance speech, Ms. Contreras spoke candidly about her journey. She highlighted the rarity of being a woman of color in a CEO position, acknowledging the
unique set of challenges and responsibilities that accompany such a role. With a message of empowerment, she passionately encouraged women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to break barriers and to not be afraid of pursuing high-level positions. Ms. Contreras emphasized the importance of resilience, mentorship, and unwavering belief in one’s capabilities. Looking to the future and deepening her connection with Lehman College, CEO Contreras also recently forged a stronger partnership between Lincoln Hospital and the institution, by launching a paid internship program for college students interested in careers in healthcare. The Leadership
(LEARN) Program at Lincoln provides college students with an opportunity to gain valuable skills and hands-on experience in hospital administration, allowing them to learn, gain practical experience, and contribute to the vital mission of providing quality healthcare to the community. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders from within the Bronx, further solidifying the bond between the two anchor institutions. As the program grows, we will partner with additional colleges, students currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university. especially in the Bronx, to provide opportunities for
Education Administrative Rotation and Networking
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