February is Black History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. At Children’s of Alabama, we are united in our mission and dedication in providing the finest pediatric healthcare to all children. Each of the employees featured here contribute to our core values of trust, teamwork, compassion, innovation and commitment. We thank them for sharing their stories of inspiration and impact.
Dexter Cunningham
Security Manager
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
The opportunity to work in an organization whose primary mission is the care and comfort of sick children piqued my interest. Having spent almost 30 years in law enforcement (University of Alabama at Birmingham Police Department, retired Birmingham Police sergeant), being the security manager here at Children’s of Alabama has been a great fit.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
Colin Powell has inspired me as I am a retired veteran as well. I served 21.5 years in the United States Naval Reserve. The opportunity to work with the present Children’s Security Director Michael McCall has been an inspiration also.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope that others would not dwell on the adversities, but see those situations as possibilities and opportunities to grow and excel. To believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams, but to put written plans to those dreams is what I hope to inspire.
Reggie Hope
Practice Manager, Pediatrics East
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
After retiring from the military and moving back to Alabama, it was divine guidance that directed me to my new mission of compassion, commitment, teamwork, trust and innovation at Children’s of Alabama.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
My initial source of inspiration can be found in the wise, loving words of my mother, Dollie Mae Hope. Her encouraging words empowered me to grow and fully realize my potential. In addition to my mom, Charles Richard Drew, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama are among countless African Americans that continue to inspire me.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
Through my words and actions, I hope to empower and inspire others to raise the bar of excellence in their professional and or personal life.
Delicia Mason MNHSA, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President, Nursing Operations
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
My family relocated to Birmingham from Montgomery in 1998. I worked as a pediatric medical surgical nurse at a hospital in Montgomery, and I wanted to continue working in pediatrics, so I applied to work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children’s of Alabama. At that time, there was a hiring freeze for nursing positions in the PICU. I called the director of the PICU every month, sometimes twice monthly, inquiring about a position. Five months later, after the hiring freeze ended, she called and offered me a nightshift position.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
My parents Jessie and Bernice Posey are lifetime supporters who taught me and my siblings that this world and the people in it owe you nothing. Work hard to earn what you deserve. Be committed to your undertakings and be unshakeable in honoring your commitments.
Delois Spencer is a dear friend, mentor and coach. She is a nurse leader who helped to shape me into the leader I am.
I admire Maya Angelou for her spirit, intelligence and peaceful presence. I am inspired by Cicely Tyson for her strong will, achievements and success despite tremendous social and political barriers rooted on her path. Michelle Obama is a role model of a mother, wife and leader. I admire her poised strength and energy that enables her to endure the tough talk aimed at her and still give positive messages that inspire others.
How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope to inspire others by:
- Role modeling the behaviors expected of others
- Being optimistic and keeping a positive outlook
- Empowering others – building others to be their best professionally and personally
- Keeping a level head – remaining composed even when under pressure
- Being consistent in who I am – not sacrificing my integrity or character
- Being an active listener – my silence can be powerful for others
Dorothy McKinney
Customer Support & Provisioning Manager
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I relocated to Birmingham from Georgia where I was employed at a local hospital. My experience in healthcare and taking pride in providing top-notch customer service/patient care is what I wanted to bring to Children’s of Alabama. I applied for a job with the Customer Support Desk and thankfully was hired. Fifteen years later, I still thoroughly enjoy my job. Children’s of Alabama is an organization that values diversity and offers room for growth.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
I would have to say my maternal grandmother. She was someone who instilled values in me that I hold dear today. She taught me to be kind, respectful and treat everyone I encounter the way I wish to be treated.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope to have a positive impact. I try to show kindness, love, compassion and understanding toward everyone I encounter. I want to lead by example in every way.
Delphene Noland
Manager, Infection Prevention and Control
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
My route to Children’s of Alabama was roundabout. When I first decided I was going to be a nurse, my goal was to be a pediatric nurse at Children’s. When I graduated, there were no openings so I was hired at another hospital. Then, 26 years later I was given the opportunity to join the infection control team, and after the interview, I knew this was the right move for me. I still believe it was the right decision.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
The African American who has inspired me most would have to be my Mother. Growing up, I watched her work as a maid at night and go to LPN (licensed practical nurse) school during the day. She was forced to work two jobs my entire life, and I knew her struggles as a single Black mother. There were many conversations about how there will be many people who will judge you by the color of your skin, but don’t let anyone tell you that you are less than. She was always very honest with us about her struggles with racism in healthcare. She would always tell us that she did not have the educational opportunities we had but she wanted all of us to do more, see more and achieve more.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I would like people of color to know it is not where you start, but how you finish. Do not let society determine your future, and never let anyone dictate your worth. With each generation, we must strive to make change. I hope I exemplify what a poor little Black girl, who should have been a statistic, has accomplished in life.
Alexis Sankey, MS
Development Operations Coordinator
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I love supporting nonprofits and foundations because they provide specialized needs for the most vulnerable in our community. However, the way Children’s of Alabama embodies its mission by addressing and prioritizing the needs of patients for our region was something that has always stood out to me.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
Professionally and artistically, I would have to say some notable African Americans I continue to be inspired by are Shirley Chisholm, Langston Hughes, Michelle Obama and Issa Rae.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope to be able to show people unique ways to be of service to organizations as well as one another.
Dorothy Turner
Food Service Supervisor
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I came to Children’s by a way off Sherry Scarbrough, volunteer services director. I met her when I was working as a manager at Arby’s in Tarrant City, Ala. She would come by for coffee and a croissant every morning on her way to work at Children’s.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
I am inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., because of his simple acts of selflessness. He always thought of what was best for his community, no matter what the cost. And he did it peacefully and freely.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope to inspire others by being present for people, when I am needed and called on, no matter what the cost, in a very positive way. I always believe the greatest gift we can give each other as mankind is to be present for one another in a very genuine way.
Reggie Wilson
Information Technology CyberSecurity,
HIPAA Coordinator
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
In 2002, Children’s was embarking on implementing a new EMR system, and I wanted to bring my IT skill sets and experience to contribute to the solution of that project.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
There are many, many, many, African Americans who have inspired me along my life and career journey. Some are internationally known and here locally in Birmingham.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
There are some things I keep in my heart to help me impact someone in a positive way, two of those I will share:
- “Let my work speak for me.” I must always remember someone is watching me, so I must work hard and positive and hope that impacts their life.
- “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song, If I can show somebody, how they’re travelling wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain.” These lyrics from this Mahalia Jackson song stick with me and describe as how I would like to impact someone’s life with love and laughter.
