Did you know that when you joined ACHE, you were automatically enrolled in your local chapter? For instance, if you live in Manassas City, Va., your chapter is National Capital Healthcare Executives, which is highlighted in this issue. You can search for your chapter at ache.org/Chapters.
The ways in which you can benefit from participating in your chapter are endless: network and learn from healthcare leaders at every career stage, earn ACHE credits by attending educational programs, volunteer and so much more.
Below are three examples of how your peers engaged with their chapter, and it’s likely yours has similar opportunities.
Mentoring Program at the National Capital Healthcare Executives
The evening of July 11 was a night to remember for 16 participants who celebrated the completion of their seven-month mentorship program that fostered growth, development and invaluable connections. National Capital Healthcare Executives serves Washington, D.C., and parts of Virginia.
The diversity of this year’s cohort, which included eight mentors and eight mentees, underscores the chapter’s inclusive spirit, with participants bringing varied experiences from different sectors of healthcare.
Reflecting on their mentorship experience, several mentees shared their insights:
“I was thankful to have the space to talk through my confusion and challenges in my career path options.”
“Leaders in my organization have recognized my shift and have commented on my growth.”
“I am more confident, speak up a lot more and share my opinions in meetings.”
“I volunteered as a panel speaker at a Women in Business Conference at George Washington University. I could not have imagined doing something like that in the past.”
“We discussed my goals with networking and preparing for my military retirement.”
These testimonials highlight the program’s impact on these mentees’ professional and personal development, demonstrating the true value of mentorship. Mentees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain clarity in their career paths, increase their visibility within their organizations, and build confidence in their abilities. “The program has empowered them to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges,” said Aparna Gupta, DNP, FACHE, mentorship director, National Capital Healthcare Executives.
Following the evening’s mentorship graduation ceremony, chapter attendees took part in an education offering that covered three areas:
- Finding and fostering relationships with mentors and mentees.
- Discovering the benefits and distinctions between mentorship and sponsorship.
- Learning the critical role of diversity, equity and inclusion in mentorship.
A dynamic panel discussion covered themes such as the intersectionality of sponsorship and mentorship, imposter syndrome and self-empowerment. The panelists addressed the challenges of feeling like an outsider in professional settings and offered strategies for overcoming self-doubt. They also stressed the importance of seeking out supportive networks and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.
ACHE of Indiana Shares the Value of ACHE Resources
To engage with and give back to its members, ACHE of Indiana started 2024 off strong by providing members with an ACHE Member Appreciation Drawing during the year’s in-person education events. It created engagement with program attendees and highlighted available ACHE resources.The membership committee believes these drawings remind members of the several resources that ACHE can provide to a leader. The drawing takes place at the end of the program, providing members with a memento of their time together and a small token of gratitude for attendance. Drawing prizes have included one book from Health Administration Press, access to the Interview Prep Tool—Self-Directed, Board of Governors Examination Flashcards with digital access, one registration fee covered for the member and a guest at an ACHE of Indiana event in 2024, and an ACHE career assessment.
Volunteering, Collaborating, Networking in East Texas
East Texas ACHE Forum is a small but active chapter, where members have plenty of opportunities to network. A community service volunteer event at the East Texas Food Bank in June fulfilled the chapter’s aim to have an annual volunteer event for giving back to the community.
The food bank has plenty of volunteers around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so the chapter decided to hold a June event. Twelve East Texas ACHE Forum members packed boxes for needy families then helped in the store assisting recipients with their shopping. Overall, the experience was regarded as an excellent way for the chapter to give back, and participants recommended doing it again next year.
East Texas ACHE Forum collaborated with ACHE of North Texas and Texas Midwest Healthcare Executives in May to host a two-day ACHE Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum: Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation. These chapters have a history of collaboration, but this was their largest and longest collaborative event.
Additionally, East Texas ACHE Forum had a successful networking event for the second year in a row in Texarkana, hosted by CHRISTUS St. Michael. The location is more remote from the usual gathering places in Tyler, Texas, but still an important location for many participating members. Finally, the chapter met its goal of advancing new Fellows, and it hopes to have even more by 2025. s
To find your chapter, go to ache.org/Chapters and search the chapter directory. To discuss your ideas for chapters, contact Stacey A. Kidd, CAE, director, Chapter Relations, Department of Executive Engagement, at (312) 424-9323 or skidd@ache.org.