Meet Tracy Arakaki
Volunteering with the HBA is especially important to me because it is an opportunity to continuously learn and push me out of my comfort zone. When I volunteered to help with the HBA Seattle: Insights and Trends from the 2024 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference event, I had to reach out to thought leaders in the industry, some requiring friendly persistence. It was a little uncomfortable, but everyone was so supportive and keen to help identify speakers. The event was well attended and it was incredibly rewarding to learn from the panelists about their insights and observations of trends in the industry. Volunteering also allowed me to collaborate with a brilliant peer, Amy Nguyen, who enthusiastically agreed to be the moderator.
Volunteering has impacted my career by boosting my content creation skills. Volunteering on HBA events gave me valuable experience in not only coordinating teams and ensuring everything runs smoothly, but also creating content that resonates with the HBA community. This has translated into greater confidence at work in stakeholder management and customer engagement when organizing meetings with internal stakeholders and teams, external collaborators, and clients.
My favorite HBA event I ever attended was The HBA Seattle: Insights & Trends from the 2020 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in 2020. It was so insightful to hear from local leaders on the status of the industry. The big hype back then was big data. This event truly sparked my interest in HBA and getting more involved.
Volunteering has expanded my network by fostering meaningful connections with mentors and peers from diverse backgrounds. At the HBA Annual Conference, a serendipitous encounter connected me with someone who shared my curiosity about thought leadership. They generously introduced me to hiring managers, which opened doors to new possibilities and valuable learning experiences. I am excited to see where these connections and learnings take me in the future!
The most valuable lesson I learned from a fellow volunteer is the importance of taking initiative. It has been inspiring to see how Imen Elloumi-Hannachi, PhD formed the HBA Seattle chapter and grew it into a dynamic community.
My employer encouraged me to volunteer for HBA because they are a huge supporter of the HBA and recognize the power of leadership and career development. HBA provides a platform to hone my leadership skills and connect with inspiring professionals across the company. One of the highlights for me was the discussion groups with my work colleagues before and after the virtual HBA Annual Conference during the shutdown. It was like a virtual gathering of passionate minds! We had so much fun gathering and learning!
What skills have you acquired or fine-tuned during your time as an HBA volunteer that you feel will help you Accelerate Transformational Leadership?
Volunteering with the HBA has been a fulfilling opportunity that has enhanced my collaboration skills and ability to build consensus. Unlike a team of colleagues, volunteers bring a variety of motivations and schedules. This experience has honed my ability to motivate and inspire by identifying shared goals and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. While co-leading the HBA events, I learned to delegate tasks effectively while also considering each volunteer's strengths and availability. As a result, we have created several successful memorable and meaningful events, such as Landing Your Next Life Sciences Job with Lora Poepping; Women Who Wine Together, Network Together; and Insights and Trends from J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
My favorite part of volunteering for the HBA is hearing the buzz of networking at successful events. It is such a great sense of accomplishment when all the moving parts fall into place and seeing all the hard work by all the volunteers come together.
I first got involved with the HBA when Imen Elloumi-Hannachi, PhD who was already involved raved about the organization and its mission. Their enthusiasm sparked my interest. Due to other commitments, it took a while to get involved but then the right opportunity came up during the shutdown. I knew that I could be helpful at organizing and facilitating virtual events.
I volunteer for the united force for change because I am passionate about empowering women with the tools and resources, they need to build confidence and thrive in their careers. Organizing events focused on networking, career and leadership development, and education on industry trends is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing how attendees not only gain valuable skills but leave events with smiles and more confident and encouraged. Witnessing this transformation is truly inspiring.
What would be your advice to someone thinking about joining or getting more involved with the HBA?
Show up. Raise your hand.
Anything else you would like to share?
HBA does an excellent job of creating the right culture for networking. Attend the HBA Annual Conference! Last year’s conference was phenomenal. I am still regularly gathering with attendees who I met at the conference. It has been amazing to foster relationships beyond the conference.
Connect with me on my personal social media channels:
LinkedIn