Business is all about forging powerful relationships – it’s something we do naturally at WBL. We’re excited to supercharge the WBL networking experience for women leaders supporting our country’s underserved populations through the WBL Boundless Scholarship!
This scholarship provides each honoree with a complimentary WBL membership, registration, and hotel stay to attend the 2025 WBL Summit. We are thrilled to honor four inspiring women leaders who demonstrate a commitment to advancing health equity through their leadership roles, organizational initiatives, or industry impact.
They are from healthcare sectors historically underrepresented at the Summit, including non-profit, private provider, or community-based organizations where executive career development funding resources may not be readily available. Learn about our honorees below!
Thank you to our Selection Committee of dedicated WBL members who reviewed the impressive applications received: Wyndolyn Bell, MD, Cindy Chandler, Mary Flipse, Dr. Christine Petersen, Jeannine Rivet, and Jhaymee Tynan.
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WBL Mission:
To connect and convene senior executive women from across the health care industry to create meaningful cross-sector relationships, expand their presence in board and C-level roles, and harness their collective power to improve the industry.
VP, School and Community Programs, Child Mind Institute
Safiya Addison is the Vice President of the School and Community Programs team at the Child Mind Institute, where she works to develop sustained partnerships with schools, school districts, and community organizations across the United States. Safiya has spent over 20 years committed to developing community relationships, with experience in partnership-building with elected officials, community groups, schools, faith-based organizations, and business leaders.
The Child Mind Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of children and families dealing with mental health and learning disorders. It provides clinical care, conducts research, and advocates for better mental health resources. The institute works to raise awareness, improve access to effective treatment, and promote understanding of childhood mental health issues. Through its School and Community Programs, it partners with schools, communities, and organizations to provide resources and support for mental health education, prevention, and intervention programs.
CEO, LifeLong Medical Care
Cecilia Aviles is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive expertise in hospital and ambulatory operations. With a dynamic blend of strategic acumen, clinical expertise, and a deep passion for health equity, Cecilia has steered organizations toward transformative growth and operational excellence.
Currently serving as CEO of LifeLong Medical Care, Cecilia leads over 1,000 staff across 14 primary care centers and multiple mobile units, championing innovation and diversity while enhancing care for underserved communities. Previously, as Senior Director of Sutter Health’s Integration Management Office, she oversaw a $1.4 billion division, mentoring leadership teams and achieving significant revenue growth and operational efficiencies.
A former trauma nurse turned transformational leader, Cecilia has excelled in scaling healthcare operations, implementing value-based care models, and driving patient-centered improvements. Her achievements include launching the Bay Area’s first mass vaccination clinic during COVID-19 and creating a cohesive organization by integrating five newly acquired radiation oncology centers within 90 days.
Cecilia holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BSN from San Francisco State University. A registered nurse with Lean Six Sigma certification, she has also been recognized as a Carol Emmott Fellow and a recipient of the Exceptional Women Alliance award. Fluent in English and Spanish, Cecilia’s leadership is underscored by a commitment to equity and access in healthcare.
LifeLong Medical Care is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing medical, dental, mental health, and urgent care to underserved communities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in San Francisco’s East Bay region.
Chief Workforce Officer, Futuro Health
Laura Beeth is a visionary leader with 25+ years of experience holding healthcare system executive positions in talent acquisition, talent management, and workforce development. Laura is currently serving as the Chief Workforce Officer for Futuro Health. In this role, Laura leads healthcare employer and stakeholder relationships, employer workforce solutions, scholar placements, grants, and philanthropy. Laura has led Healthcare Anchor Mission Employment Commitments, such as outside in/local hiring and inside up/career pathways. Laura was part of a small national team that developed the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) Workforce Impact Commitment.
From 2014-2024, Laura served as the appointed board Chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Laura previously served as a business representative on the Governor’s Workforce Development Council from 2004-2014. In addition, Laura completed a 25-year term as the state chair of the Minnesota State Healthcare Education-Industry Partnership Council/HealthForce Minnesota. Laura is the past Chair of the Minneapolis Workforce Investment Board, and past elected Chair and Officer of the National Governor’s Association of State Workforce Board Chairs.
Laura’s been nationally recognized for her leadership in workforce development including two invitations to the White House and multiple awards given by the Hospital Association, National Fund for Workforce Solutions/CareerSTAT, Government Workforce System, and the college and university systems.
Futuro Health transforms the lives of adult learners by providing supportive, personalized education journeys that lead to meaningful healthcare careers. Each Futuro Health Scholar is empowered with the guidance, tools, valuable healthcare training, and qualifications they need to launch their career in caring for others.
With a nonprofit mission to improve the health and wealth of communities, Futuro Health is addressing the nation’s critical shortage of allied healthcare workers. Their education programs enable diverse adult learners from all walks of life to transition successfully into healthcare careers – no matter their educational or job experience background.
President and CEO, Agrace
Lynne Sexten has been the President and CEO of Agrace since 2012. She has guided the success of this post-acute health care organization, driving tremendous growth and diversification. During her tenure, top line revenue has grown by more than 135% and several subsidiary companies were established to expand Agrace’s portfolio of services and enlarge its customer base.
Ms. Sexten is active in the community, serving on several local and national boards. She has been recognized for her leadership with several awards including being named one of Madison’s Most Influential People, a member of the Power 100, and a finalist for Executive of the Year. She is presently the Chair of the Board for the Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Board Secretary for The National Alliance for Care at Home, and a board member of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation.
She holds a master’s degree in health care administration and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical communications from The Ohio State University. She is certified as a fellow of the America College of Healthcare Executives.
Founded in 1978, Agrace is a nonprofit, community-supported health care organization providing personal care, adult day care, palliative care, dementia care, hospice care, and grief support to people who are aging, seriously ill, dying, or grieving. Every day, nearly 2,000 individuals trust Agrace to see them through very difficult times.