Kindness Corner: Stories from Our Colleagues
Respect and Kindness: we're focusing on building a more inclusive and welcoming workplace by taking the time to understand each other's stories. We'd love to hear from you. What experiences and identities shape who you are today?
What does it mean to see the world through the eyes of a colleague? It starts with empathizing with each person’s unique background – their personal story. After all, when we know more about someone, it is easier to find common ground and create deeper relationships based on mutual respect. This helps us put into practice our values of kindness and respect in interactions with one another.
"We all have a story. A story of who we are, where we come from, and where we have been. Whether our stories are different or similar, we all want to feel seen, heard, and respected. When we are fully present for others to tell their story, we help to meet these needs and experience our shared humanity. Together, we can build a bridge of kindness, generosity, and respect that connects us all and serves the greater good,” says Randi McKinney, Director, Corporate Coach, Cook Children’s University, Team Experience.
I Am From: What's YOUR Story?
Many of us attended the Breaking Ice theatrical performances about diversity, equity and in the workplace. In an exercise facilitated by the performers, participants reflected on their identities, how they grew up, how they see themselves and how others see them by writing their own "I Am From" stories.
We are sharing some of these stories here on the Kindness Corner. If you have a story to share about your background, please send it to us at InternalCommunications@CookChildrens.org. Please note whether it is okay to use your name and title or if you would like it to be posted anonymously.
I Am From
I am from refugee parents who fled a genocide.
I am from a single mother and a father who passed too soon from cancer.
I am from poverty, abuse and trauma.
I am from family and friends who I love and adore.
I am from an amazing work team.
I am from a journey of healing and faith building.
I am from a God who loves me.
By Chansey Pullen, RN, BSN, Pain Management Service Coordinator
I Am From
I am from poverty and wealth. Education and ignorance. Small towns, big towns, small minds, great minds. Addiction, bipolar, broken families and nuclear families. I am from shame. I am from IL, IA, MN, CA, and TX. I am from abuse and unconditional love. I am from lived experiences, immense joy, and privilege. I am from closed mind sets and growth mindsets. I am from hope and forgiveness.
Rachel Wenthe, RN, BSN, MBA-HCM, CPHQ, LSSBB, Quality, Safety, and Health Equity Integration Coordinator
I Am From
I’m from a non-racist, loving, curious, immigrant mom.
I’m from a depression era father, who found it difficult to show love and hard to not be somewhat racist.
I’m from a globe-trotting family.
I’m the parent of two extraordinary young women, that I mostly raised alone.
I’ve come from a broken marriage to one with true love.
Michele Cyr, Concierge Services
I Am From
I am from a family that loves and accepts me for who I am, faults and all.
I am from rejection and low self-esteem but accepted by my sweet family and true friends.
I am from a military family that loves this country and am proud to be an American.
I am from hurt, disappointment, and pain but have overcome with the help of faith, family, and friends.
I am from a job I love and co-workers who are a joy to work with and appreciate me for what I have to offer.
I am from making poor decisions but look for the lessons to be learned.
I am from busyness but take time to slow down and embrace the things that bring me joy.
I am from a forgiving, loving God who guides me through all life has and loves me unconditionally.
Lori Parrott, MSN, RN, Quality Improvement Coordinator
I Am From
I am from the land of olive trees where the purity of oil flows.
I am from the land of poppy seeds that blossom and grow.
I am from my refugee parents that fled a genocide that on goes.
I am from my grandmother’s hand stiches in beautiful dresses that flow.
I am from hateful stereotypes that assume what my religion will show.
I am from Islam, an Arabic translation of peace, that the stereotypes appose.
I am from my Hijab, the symbol of a Godly love and modesty enclosed.
I am from life’s foundation built upon little moments of greatness and lows.
Esraa Almasri BSN, R.N.
Clinic RN
Cook Children’s Heart Center
I Am From
I am from a childhood with not many good memories…
I am from a mother who suffered/suffers from drug addiction.
I am from a mother who lost her children to the system.
I am from 8 foster homes until a single mom adopted me.
I am from knowing I never belonged and hearing it every day.
I am from unhappiness
I am from abandonment issues, abuse, traumas, AND FEAR.
I am from ANGER!!
I am from EMPATHY!
I AM FROM BREAKING CYCLES!
I AM FROM FORGIVENESS!
I AM FROM ACCOUNTABILITY!
I AM FROM HEALING!
I AM FROM GROWTH
I AM FROM HAPPINESS!
I AM FROM TRUST!
I AM FROM GIVING BACK … AND PAYING IT FORWARD.
I AM WHERE GOD WANTS / NEEDED ME TO BE.
Nicole Fowler, Patient Care Technician
I Am From
I am a girl from a blended family,
I am rooted in love and affection.
I am a wife, mom, and Gigi who treasures her family so dear,
I am guiding them through both laughter and tears.
I am acceptance, flowing from my heart’s gentle stream,
I am embracing all, in every shade and dream.
I am YOUR cheerleader, rallying all souls to strive,
I am urging you to reach for greatness as you come alive.
I am a survivor of storms, medical and life’s test,
I am enduring each trial, a testament to zest.
I am one who’s known loss, parents gone too soon, carrying their love, a timeless blessing.
I am a proud military veteran’s wife, strong and true,
I am standing by, as duty calls you.
I am love, regardless of return.
I am a child of God, in His grace I stand,
I am a daughter of the King, held by his hand.
In every facet, in each part of me,
I am, I am how God created me.
Sherry A. Zanca, MBA, Director, Practice Operations, Cook Children’s Physician Network
Building Connections Through Listening: Lunch & Learns
You’ll have the opportunity to hear from Cook Children’s employees, who will lead Respect and Kindness Lunch and Learn events at noon every Tuesday in May and June on Zoom. These staffers will speak about their personal experiences and provide tips and conversations on how to connect and support one another at work. These sessions will focus on respect and kindness and should be encouraging and uplifting. Our amazing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will be leading four of these sessions, sharing their valuable experiences. We'll also have four additional sessions centered for employees who share similar interests and identities.
- May 7: Latinos Engaging, Advancing, Developing & Supporting (L.E.A.D.S.+) ERG
- May 14: Veterans+ ERG
- May 21: Employees over 40
- May 28: Young professionals
- June 4: Pride+ (LGBTQ+) ERG
- June 11: Women Professionals
- Wednesday, June 19: Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD+) ERG
- June 25: Cancer survivors and supporters
Here’s where to tune in:
https://cookchildrens.zoom.us/j/92639234995?pwd=aDVEUEhMcFR0WXdLN2d3blZ5bytDdz09
Meeting ID: 926 3923 4995
Passcode: 121210
More on listening to others' stories
Randi has a course on ULearn called LISTEN to Elevate Every Experience with more information on improving your listening skills. Sign up here.