Team Spotlight
Care Rooted in Heritage: Black History Month
Feb 12, 2026
In honor of Black History Month, Adventist Health Glendale is proud to spotlight the voices of our Black and African American associates through Care Rooted in Heritage, a storytelling series that celebrates the connection between cultural identity and the way we care.
This series is a homage to the intersection of who we are and how we serve. At Adventist Health Glendale, we believe care is more than a profession — it’s deeply personal. It’s shaped by the values, traditions, and lived experiences we carry with us, influencing how we care for our patients, support our coworkers, and serve our community.
When we take a moment to look closer, we discover that more starts with understanding — understanding ourselves, one another, and the rich cultures that shape the ways we live, lead, and care.
In that spirit, we’re honored to share the reflections of several of our Black and African American associates. Their stories remind us that care, at its heart, is rooted in heritage. Their words reflect resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others — qualities that strengthen our mission and enrich our community every day.
Read on to learn how their heritage has shaped their careers at Adventist Health Glendale.
Meet Gina Tisdale, Operating Room RN
“I am deeply rooted in my cultural heritage and the values I was raised with, particularly growing up in the South. My upbringing emphasized integrity, respect, humility, and personal accountability. My grandmother taught me that how you treat people matters, because you are accountable for how you handle others, and that lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and career.
Those values shape how I show up at work every day — with professionalism, consistency, and respect for everyone, regardless of role or circumstance. My lived experience has taught me to lead with discernment and compassion, knowing that character is revealed in how we treat people, especially when no one is watching.”
Meet Phillip Williams, Environmental Services / Linen Director
“My cultural values and lived experiences influence how I express care by reminding me that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter their role or circumstances. I was raised to look out for others, to be patient, and to understand that you never know what someone else may be going through. That mindset carries into how I support both my team and the patients we serve at Adventist Health Glendale.”
Meet Kadeijah Williams, Security
“I come from a close-knit family of five siblings, and I am a twin — the best part being that I am the only girl. I am also the proud mother of two beautiful children. My parents are immigrants from Belize, Central America. Belize is a small country located south of Mexico, east of Guatemala, and west of the Caribbean Sea. It is the only English-speaking country in Central America and home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
My rich Caribbean heritage is deeply rooted in care, love, and empathy — values that have shaped not only who I am, but how I show up for others in both my personal and professional life. Growing up in Belizean culture emphasized the importance of community. I learned early that caring for one another is not optional; it is a responsibility. Family members, neighbors, and even strangers are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. This foundation has guided how I build relationships, respond to challenges, and support those around me.”
Meet Howard Ferguson, Emergency Management Manager
“I am deeply rooted in my cultural heritage because it highlights the contributions African Americans have made to our nation. My parents shaped my upbringing by emphasizing integrity, respect, humility, and personal accountability. Those values have guided me throughout my life and continue to influence how I lead, serve, and create opportunities for future generations.”
Meet Vannessa Zanders, Occupational Therapist
“So much of my identity and lived experience is rooted in my culture. I am a Black and Filipina woman who grew up in a multigenerational immigrant household. Family, hard work, community, and faith were central themes that shaped me. These themes are deeply significant throughout Black culture in America and across the African diaspora. However, Blackness is not a monolith, and I believe my lived experience reflects that.
My diverse upbringing gave me the ability to relate to, empathize with, and celebrate many different kinds of people. My culture provided the foundation for me to live my life ‘out of the box,’ to keep an open mind, and to see people for who they are rather than categorizing them based on what they look like.”
