Allow us to introduce Vidya Ayyr, the Director of Social Impact with the Parkland Hospital!
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Let us tell you a little bit about Vidya Ayyr.
As Director of Social Impact with the Parkland Hospital, Vidya Ayyr provides strategic direction and leadership to promote social innovation, with a commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. Prior to transitioning into this role, Vidya served at Children’s Health spearheading the Volunteer and Outreach initiatives benefitting pediatric patients across the North Texas area.
Ms. Ayyr has a strong educational foundation; she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and earned her Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health. Vidya remains active in her community, serving on several non-profit boards, and partnering with the Junior League of Dallas. Additionally, Ayyr functions as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and actively promotes positive health and wellbeing.
Explain how COVID-19/ George Floyd's death has impacted you (emotionally, physically, finically, spiritually, and mentally) in a positive and negative way.
COVID-19 is one of the greatest public health challenges our world has faced thus far. Working in health care, we have had to learn, rapidly adopt best practices (for the current times), and establish innovative ways to properly meet the growing needs of our patient population. This means waking up every day to a new challenge, but knowing you are making a difference!
Tell us about your company/occupation. What’s your biggest professional or personal accomplishment? Explain how you felt working towards it and how you felt when it was achieved.
I am truly proud of the team that I lead. We collaborate wonderfully to provide information, outreach services, resources, and education to patients with social barriers. If we help even one person get the food, medicine, or care they need—that feels like a worthy accomplishment.
What was your childhood like? Describe your environment from your house to your neighborhood to your school. How did these experiences shape you and your future success?
I had the opportunity to live in 3 different countries growing up, and I am multi-lingual; I have the ability to speak 4 languages. My experiences have taught me to appreciate diversity, promote human rights, and celebrate every culture.
Tell us about your inner circle (close friends, family, mentors, relationship). How does their support impact your success?
Whether through your friends, peers, colleagues or mentors, it is important that you surround yourself with positive and uplifting people. In the same way, as you grow, and others reach out to you I believe you should always be kind, supportive, and offer your help. This is what I think it means to be a part of a "circle" or "sisterhood".
List a few habits that a young person should start implementing to set them up for a successful future?
1) Stay Curious
2) Be Organized
3) Always do your best, in whatever you do.
4) If you fall, get back up.
5) Share a big mistake you made.
6) Stay confident and be patient-you’ll grow as you learn.
Share a big mistake you made professionally or personally. How did you fix it and what did you learn?
As you begin your career, it will be easy to compare yourself to others with many more years of experience. You will learn as you grow. I learned this lesson and the solution through my experiences.
What are you afraid of for girls and women in the future?
There is nothing to fear, as long as we continue to make progress. You have the power to create the future you want to live in. That means to stay educated, strong, and engaged, and VOTE.
If you could give your 18 -year-old self-advice about the adult you are today, what would it be?
Do something today that your future self would be proud of!