March marks Women’s History Month – a month dedicated to commemorating and honoring the important role women have played in history. It’s also a month to recognize and encourage the celebration of the women in your life.
The National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme each year in celebration of this month. And, 2022’s theme is, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” They said, “[The theme] is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.”
We talked with Natalia Meshkova, senior project manager, about her five-and-a-half years at Children’s Minnesota and what Women’s History Month means to her.
Get to know Natalia!
What inspired you to want to work at Children’s Minnesota?
The people and their dedication to doing what is right for kids and their families, even if their work is not directly impacting patients. Seeing this when I was working as a contractor left no doubt in me that Children’s Minnesota was the right place when an opportunity to become a full-time employee came.
What do you want patients, families and staff to know about the work you do?
I and most of colleagues I work with are engaged in not patient-facing activities. But I see how staff at Children’s [Minnesota] strives every day to provide better patient and family experience, create efficiencies in day-to-day work, and how things get re-prioritized and we join together to focus on something that needs immediate attention.
Do you have plans to celebrate Women’s History Month this year?
I try to shop local as much as possible to support small businesses. This time of the year, besides searching for local options, I am giving my preference to female-owned businesses.
What do you think makes kids amazing?
Their ability to smile, enjoy little things and inspire others even when everything is going not how they wanted or what their parents planned for them. These little humans have goals, and they reach them one by one – even if the road is bumpy. They do not give up, and they make us follow their lead.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If something is not coming together or it feels like you are at a dead-end, put this work aside and focus on something different or even go for a walk. Let your brain wander around and a solution will find you!