Achieving the American Dream and Paying it Forward

Asbury Park NJ

07 July, 2021

3:39 PM

Description

At the age of 15, Renita Luke-Siddon moved with her family from St. Joseph, Dominica to Long Branch, NJ. The island nation Dominica has a population of less than 90,000. “It was quite a culture shock coming from our small yet beautiful Caribbean home to plant our roots in such a diverse, expansive country,” said Renita. The Lukes came to the U.S. seeking more opportunity, prosperity and a chance at the American Dream. Now 22 years later, Renita serves as business manager of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Jane H. Booker Family Health Center and recently received a promotion to CPT in the United States Army Reserves. Hackensack Meridian strives to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization, reflective of the diverse communities it serves. Several resource groups are in place, as part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department, to assist its team members in their development and performance improvement, and provide recognition and guidance. “Renita benefited from our Women in Leadership resource group and her mentor Vice President and Chief Medical Informatics Officer Dr. Lauren Koniaris and in turn helped us advance our Veterans Team Member resource group as the co-chair,” said Avonia Richardson-Miller, EdD, vice president, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hackensack Meridian Health. “I became interested in the U.S. military after speaking to a recruitment officer in high school and learning about the growth opportunities and personal support the armed forces provides servicewomen and -men,” said Renita. “After graduation I went on to Brookdale Community College then later enlisted, completed basic training, and was stationed at military bases across the country.” Renita is part of the Medical Corps unit as an Operations and Logistics/Health Services Administrator and served on active duty five years. “I believe Renita's military background and giving nature provides her the tools she needs to be such a successful and caring leader,” said Annamarie Cutroneo, MHA, CPXP, vice president, Operations/Support Services at the academic medical center. The Family Health Center provides a wide range of acute and preventative health services to meet the needs of the community including dentistry, HIV Testing and Care, OB/GYN, pediatric, among other services. “Renita is a wonderful leader and very supportive of her team,” said Annamarie. “I’m privileged to work with her. She makes the most of every opportunity and embraces challenges.” Renita has served as a reservist for the last eight years and diligently completes her annually required training, keeping her in good standing with her superior officers. During this time she juggled family life, her career, as well as education. Renita has a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, Master of Science in Health Service Administration and Executive Education in Healthcare Management. She also is on her way to achieving a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership. “It definitely has not been easy managing all of my responsibilities. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had from my loved ones, professional colleagues and leaders as well as the support services provided by Hackensack Meridian Health. Without them I would not have been able to achieve my goals,” said Renita. “I’m so proud of her accomplishments and her efforts to help other team members throughout the network. In many ways, Renita embodies the American dream, where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and find happiness,” said Avonia. “She is an extraordinary individual and we are fortunate to have her on our team. As we work toward our goal to increase diversity among our leadership ranks, we honor the service of our veterans and value the experience and skills they bring to the workforce - this is certainly a critical pipeline for diverse talent.” The veterans team member resource group’s mission is to provide support and resources for veterans and active military team members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as their families. “As co-chair of the group, I want to help and support others as I have been assisted in my life. Hackensack Meridian aims to be a military friendly organization, attracting, retaining and recognizing our military team members and empowering them to grow in their careers,” said Renita. For information about the Family Health Center, call 732-869-5700 or visit https://www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/services/family-health-center-and-maternity-care-services/.