METAIRIE — Access to high-quality health care is a fundamental right— one that InclusivCare fights diligently to honor for the vulnerable and underserved populations of Greater New Orleans.
With five locations—and plans to expand—InclusivCare welcomes all patients, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. At its heart, the organization’s one-stop-shop model is about putting patients first and helping all members of society achieve their optimal wellness.
Shondra Williams, Ph.D., president and CEO of InclusivCare, understands the organization’s mission at hand. Growing up with a single teenage mother, Williams utilized the government programs that she now helps lead. Her passion for underserved populations has guided her entire 26-year career. “Even in the most demanding times, it’s never felt hard because I’ve enjoyed every second of it,” Williams says.
Under her 10-year tenure, InclusivCare has tripled in budget and size. Williams now oversees more than 150 team members, a challenge in itself amid a national workforce shortage.
“In a time when medical professionals have many choices for employment, we want people to feel good about calling this place home,” she says.
Her servant-leadership style focuses on mentorship, resilience, and putting her team’s needs before her own. “Gone are the days when employees don’t have a voice; they want to be heard,” Williams adds. “Good leadership is a delicate balance of supporting people and making sure you’re achieving effective outcomes for the company.”
Her approach has worked. InclusivCare has been named a Top Place to Work for two years running and was awarded the Community Support and Leadership Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“I believe that a happy and healthy workforce translates to happy and healthy patients,” Williams says.
On the Horizon
InclusivCare is forging plans to rebuild, renew, and reconstruct an even greater health care network to ensure every member of society receives adequate medical care. Telehealth services and remote vitals monitoring are reaching vulnerable populations who struggle with transportation and accessibility. These strategies not only address patient concerns faster, but they also reduce the costs of unnecessary ER visits.
The organization’s Early Childcare Center is opening in Summer/Fall 2023 to help address the statewide childcare shortage. “Most of our team members are young women of reproductive age. We’re hoping this e‑ ort helps stabilize the workforce and overall economics of the state,” says Williams.
Further on, InclusivCare is embracing a robust expansion strategy to add health care resources in every neighborhood where there’s a need for care. “Cultivating the ideas of equity, inclusion, and diversity are values I take very seriously,” concludes Williams. “I live by them each and every day of my career.”