As director of our enterprise contact center, Tangie Lewis leads a team that is an extension of all medical practices. This is because her team assists in scheduling patient appointments for primary care, specialty care and referral management.
In observance of Black History Month, we sat down with Tangie and asked her a few questions about her own history, her experience as a female Black leader and her hopes for the future. Read her responses here!
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Tangie: This month is a reminder to pause, reflect and learn more about the accomplishments of Black people, their journey and the common ground they share.
Who has been the most influential to you personally and professionally, and how have they impacted your life?
Tangie: My mother. How she’s impacted me personally goes without saying, but professionally how she’s handled adversity during her career as a female Black executive. She’s an inspiration and someone I look up to very much.
Are there any Black pioneers in medicine who have influenced you?
Tangie: There are several. However, Daniel Hale Williams tops my list. He founded the first Black-owned, interracial hospital and one of the first to successfully perform heart surgery.
How do the values of diversity and inclusion impact the way you do your job?
Tangie: Engagement, which requires collaboration and transparency, allows one to collaborate, to teach and to lead.
What do you see as the biggest health issue in the Black community?
Tangie: I would say a lack of trust as well as disparity of resources and treatments.
Read more Black History Month profiles on our blog. Also, learn more about our ministry at Mercy.com.
