After 12
years as an AT&T Senior Product Manager, Hernandez decided to retire rather
than be relocated to another state after the company merged with BellSouth. She
went home with the intention of relaxing, but soon realized that with an empty
nest and her husband working days that she needed something to occupy her time.
She saw a job announcement for an Office Services Specialist III position at
UAB and decided to respond.
At AT&T,
Hernandez handled everything related to the billing process for
Spanish-speaking customers. Among other things, she developed and prepared
mock-ups for the phone bill, worked with IT running tests and prepared the Spanish
translations for telephone customer service prompts, instructions and
communications. On a daily basis, she helped the Hispanic community -
indirectly. Interestingly, she recognizes that her work at UAB is rewarding in
a different way. She now helps the Hispanic community - directly.
“Throughout
my life, I have had the opportunity to work for many
corporations which have offered me the opportunity to
achieve many of my professional goals. At UAB, I have had the
opportunity to do something more important and significant – serve,”
Hernandez said. “And what a privilege has it been!” Daily, Hernandez assists patients
who are stressed about the health of their babies and their own. The fact that
they cannot clearly communicate with their health care providers makes visits
even more frustrating.
Hernandez’s
work at the OBCC is less demanding than her corporate positions were, yet she
feels it is more fulfilling because every day she has the opportunity to affect
someone’s life. “I have the blessing of being bilingual, and every
day at my job, I have the opportunity of offering support, in many
ways, to all our patients, but [e]specially to those that, due to language
barriers, are not able to communicate with the doctors and nurses, and
are scared and feel alone,” Hernandez said. “My everyday goal is
to make them know that they are not alone, that they are important, and
mostly, deserving.” She exclaimed, “I love that!” Her co-workers can see and
feel her passion.
“Luisa is an absolute joy to work with.
She goes out of her way daily to assist patients and other staff members,” said
Stephanie Samya, Nurse Clinician at the OBCC. “Luisa is so very kind-hearted
and genuine. She goes above and beyond to take care of the patient needs. It is
obvious that this is not just a ‘job’ to Luisa. She puts her heart into what
she does. I admire her greatly.” Sheila Martin, Administrative Support Specialist at the OBCC added, “Luisa is a great
employee. She has compassion for the patients that are seen in the clinic. She
also goes out of her way to make sure that the patients are treated with
respect and kindness if they ever come to her with a problem. She goes to the
extreme to make sure that the Hispanic patients feel comfortable at their
clinic visits.”
Hernandez was shocked, but overjoyed, that she was chosen as Employee of the Month. She said, “I am humbled by it. It took me by surprise, to the point that I was not able to speak English or Spanish!” She added that the clinic is a very busy place with many employees doing a great job. She was “shocked that anyone noticed” her daily activities. Yet, she is so grateful. She said, “It’s not often that you hear people saying good things about you. You do your job. When others notice – It’s incredible.”
Hernandez is married to Jose Santiago (19
years). They are the proud parents of Arturo (33), Ramon (33), Carlos (26),
Camilla (23) and Daranee (21). They also have five grandchildren. In her spare
time, Hernandez enjoys reading historical fiction and inspirational books,
crocheting, and cooking.
Written by Tongia F. Feagins
Written by Tongia F. Feagins
If you would like to nominate an outstanding
Department of OB/GYN employee for “OB/GYN Employee of the Month,” please
click here and follow the instructions.
