Arianna Urquia, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Arianna oversees the financial and support operations for the 309 bed Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and its network of pediatric outpatient centers. She also serves as a partner to operational leaders in assessing strategic initiatives for their financial viability. Prior to joining Nicklaus, she served as the CFO for multiple hospital sites across South Florida operated by Tenet Healthcare.
How would you describe the diversity within the healthcare industry?
Diversity in healthcare is very common because healthcare is about people. It’s about understanding where someone comes from so that you can understand how to help them heal. Medical professionals have an oath to help all those in need regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, economic status, or other differentiators.What is the culture like at Nicklaus Children's Hospital?
Nicklaus Children’s Health System values our diverse workforce where over 80 percent of our employees are part of a minority group (almost 70 percent of employees consider themselves Latin). While we are a remarkably diverse organization situated in the melting pot of Miami, FL, we also understand the importance of promoting a workplace environment that is welcoming and inclusive of people of all backgrounds. This is why, our executive leadership team incorporated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as one of the goals within our three year strategic plan. With their support, we have been able to develop a DEI program, led by a cross functional group of leaders and employees, that guides the path of our decision making, especially when considering programs and practices that directly impact our employee and patient populations.
Why did you decide to focus your career in healthcare?
As a young adult, I would always find myself problem solving, organizing, and fine tuning processes all with a goal of driving value and performance with great precision. This drove me to pursue a degree in business. I also knew that no matter what I did, I wanted to make an impact and be part of something greater than me. While pursuing my college degree, I took on a role as an Emergency Department registrar in a local community hospital. Nearing the completion of my academic journey, I decided to pursue roles within my field of study. I was able to join the accounting department within the same hospital I had been working in, seeing a different side of hospital operations. It was through this work that I became passionate about using my skillset to drive impact on behalf of the patients I had previously served.How does Nicklaus Children's Hospital create and attract a diverse workforce?
The Nicklaus Children’s community is diverse in every sense from foods to traditions and even places to visit. A talented professional with a desire to impact the lives of children and their families is just the kind of children’s champion that we need. To retain and attract a brilliant and diverse workforce we offer a total rewards package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance options, a robust retirement plan that includes an employer contribution program, professional development opportunities at all levels, a tuition reimbursement program, and many other employee benefits, perks and rewards. More than the benefits we offer, Nicklaus Children’s gives employees the opportunity to belong to a family with a common goal creating a healthy future for every child. When you join our organization, you become part of the Nicklaus Children’s Family.What has been your personal experience growing both personally and professionally in this industry?
Each and every one of us will require healthcare services at some point in our lives. Being on the receiving end recently during my father’s passing allowed me to truly appreciate the value of healthcare services, especially in a moment of high vulnerability. Having that perspective from a personal standpoint, not only allows me the opportunity to use my skillset to drive operational and financial performance but it ensures that I keep the patient at the forefront, understanding that the healthcare we build today is for all of us.What have been your biggest challenges?
As a young, Latin female executive, earning a seat at the table hasn’t always been an easy feat. For me, the key to success in this space has been the ability to provide value to others. Whether I am seen as a subject matter expert in my field or as a reliable, ethical partner, this has helped set me apart from others and helped develop my personal brand.
What advice would you give to those trying to become future healthcare leaders?
My advice to anyone looking to become a leader in healthcare is to find your passion. Healthcare has many career paths. Whether as an administrator or a clinical leader role, find the path that makes you excited to show up to work every day. Focus on the quality of services you provide. When you focus on value, everything else follows. Collaborate with other healthcare leaders and solicit feedback often. Everyone has a different perspective depending on their skillset. Use this as a resource to drive value. Become a mentor and help pave the way for others starting their journey in healthcare.