ONE THING I WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT MY COMPANY
I wish more people understood the rich diversity of thought, perspective and talents at Arkansas Children’s. In today’s society, many are focused on what divides our communities. At Arkansas Children’s we’re united. There is always more to accomplish.
THE FIRST THING I DO TO COURSE CORRECT WHEN I HIT A WALL
Seek advice and dare to really listen to what is being said.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MY CAREER
The learning curve. Every day there is something new. In order to help the greatest number of people be successful, I must listen deeply, employ patience and hold high standards for success. When there is more process than progress, I struggle.
LESSON I LEARNED THE HARD WAY
Navigating health care can be an emotional process. Our 19-year-old son recently underwent treatment for cancer. While he’s legally an adult, we walked every step of this journey with him. The systems in place did not support that easily.
WHAT KEEPS ME MOTIVATED
Faith, family and having inspired people around me.
BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR
Working with the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation to advance the future of pediatric care in Arkansas…and honoring Pat’s legacy in that process with a transformational gift of $25 million.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
After our son Elijah died, we were at once, devastated and grateful. Grateful for the care he’d received. The Arkansas Children’s mission is realized through expert care, in a child-centric environment. Most compassionate adults seem to appreciate that!
MY FIRST JOB AND WHAT IT TAUGHT ME
My first paying job was cleaning out chicken houses in the summer. It reminded me to respect the hard work that produces our food and it reinforced my grandmother’s mantra that an education opens doors unseen.
NONPROFIT I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT
Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center: The brightest scientists/researchers working on a broad spectrum of children’s health concerns like biological mechanisms underlying health birth defects and discovering the fundamental biology of the childhood brain and metabolic processes.
WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO MY JOB EVERY DAY
The children. We are a committed team of people (across hundreds of disciplines) that share one mission: to Champion Children by Making Them Better Today and Healthier Tomorrow. There is no top end to this work. It’s daunting and inspiring.
A SKILL I NEVER EXPECTED TO USE IN THIS FIELD
Theater training. In the theater, each contributor must do their own work, compromise, work within the constraints of the project and deliver a time-bound outcome. The artistic product is reflective of the microculture created by the specific team of individuals.
ONE PRACTICE I USE TO MAINTAIN MY MENTAL HEALTH
Daily prayer early morning with a cup of coffee, readings and sometimes gospel music.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
Recently, Nama (my 9-year-old son) said to me, “We should never be too busy to fish.” The wisdom in the moment struck me as profound. No matter what, we must remember to take time for self and family.
IN THE DETAILS
Favorite Local Purchase: Julie Holt’s small batch pottery Christmas trees
Little Rock’s Hidden Gem: Taqueria Karina Cafe in SWLR
Sunday Routine: Prayer, coffee, CBS Sunday Morning and lunch with family
Favorite Local Dish: Strawberry shortcake at Trio’s
Hobbies: Fishing
scarboroughf@archildrens.org
archildrens.org
1 Children’s Way, Little Rock
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