National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Meet Fan Zhang
Fan Zhang
Physician Consultant/Healthcare Management Executive
HBA Chapter: HBA Chicago-Downtown
Current role with the HBA: Director at Large, Programming, HBA Chicago-Downtown
Volunteering with the HBA is especially important to me because not only has it helped develop my leadership skills, but it also provides a safe and warm environment for networking and connecting deeply with like-minded female healthcare leaders who will be my lifetime friends and allies.
Volunteering has impacted my career by teaching me several leadership skills to lead with vision and mission-driven goals. My HBA volunteering experience also gives me a sense of purpose to contribute, support, and care.
My favorite HBA event I ever attended was the HBA San Francisco Career Development Workshop. It was led by a visionary career coach that took us through a very meaningful exercise followed by a great networking session. The members were so engaged and we connected at a deeper level. I made lots of friends during that event and I still remember those career tips.
Volunteering has expanded my network by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and regular professional circle to connect with other fantastic leaders in the field, all through impactful educational events and corporate sponsorship outreach activities.
The most valuable lesson I learned from a fellow volunteer is that great leadership starts with “care” and “connection.” You cannot build the foundation for a great team or a great organization unless you deeply care about the work, the people, and the mission of the organization.
What skills have you acquired or fine-tuned during your time as an HBA volunteer that you feel will help you create a future full of possibilities? I’ve acquired and fine-tuned my leadership, event/webinar/program generation and organization, networking, and career development skills.
I applied for my current role with the HBA because I want to help the HBA Chicago-Downtown chapter create a series of great events for members to learn from, be inspired by, and connect with each other.
I volunteer for the United Force for Change because I love the sense of belonging I get from being part of an organization/team that shares similar values and pushes for what is possible — not just now, but in the future. And I believe that is what our healthcare industry needs as well.
What would be your advice to someone thinking about joining or getting more involved with the HBA? Attend as many events as possible and find a chapter to volunteer with and get involved. Fully use this opportunity to learn and connect with one another. Don’t hesitate to reach out when hungry for connection.
Anything else you would like to share? I have truly enjoyed my time here at the HBA and I have learned so much from the HBA Mentoring Program, the networking opportunities, and the team I am now working with. I would love to continue contributing to and supporting the growth of HBA Chicago-Downtown and making an #HBAimpact.
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