For Lisa Ferraro and Mary McCormick, leadership at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes is personal. Lisa's journey was shaped by witnessing care in the ICU as a teen, and Mary's by her own experience with type 1 diabetes. Together, they've cultivated a culture where every team member has purpose and every patient feels supported.

They share lessons from 17 years of leading side by side, offering insights and philosophies that guide how they inspire teams and make decisions. They also explore how living the mission of being "Here for Good" shapes their culture and the care they provide every day.

NFL legend and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith joins our Here for Good Podcast for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of giving back. Together, Dennis and Emmitt reflect on the discipline and resilience that shaped his iconic football career, the mentors who guided him, and the mission behind Emmitt's charitable work, which creates meaningful opportunities for youth and families.

Get ready for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jen Khelil, chief clinical officer, who turned her passion for patient care into purpose-driven leadership. She reflects on how her early clinical experiences continue to shape her approach today, and Virtua's efforts to combat clinical burnout. Dr. Khelil also highlights our partnership with Rowan University and its role in preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Don't miss this episode that reminds us why purpose and people matter the most.

For Debra Moran, senior vice president of health advancement and community programs, Virtua Health has been a place to grow, serve, and make a difference. Growing up in Camden, Debra always knew she wanted to work in health care. What began as a career in radiology became a 50-year commitment to improving access, equity, and care for her community.

Debra's work reflects what it means to be a champion of humanity, addressing health disparities and building stronger communities through compassionate care and meaningful connections.

Natalie Jensen, a pediatric occupational therapist, brings both skill and heart to her work, inspired by her brother Luke, who has autism. Beyond her role at Virtua, Natalie is a leader with Luke's Place, a nonprofit in Audubon that provides community-based experiences for neurodiverse and special needs adults. Founded in 2017, the program currently supports 35 participants through outings, advocacy, and connection. Whether at Virtua or in the community, Natalie's dedication to helping others thrive is at the center of all she does.

For Jennifer Wright-Wey, nursing supervisor at Virtua Willingboro, being a part of Virtua is like coming home. Her family's connection to our organization spans four-generations—from her grandmother, a switchboard operator, to her son, who serves in the security department. Jennifer also shares how Virtua's tuition reimbursement program helped build her own career. Now, she's proud to pay it forward by encouraging her team to grow, pursue opportunities, and build their own futures at Virtua.

Dr. Gerald Collins, podiatrist, has been a cornerstone of Virtua for 16 years, helping grow his practice from a single specialist to a team of 13. While his surgical work in foot and ankle reconstruction is his main passion, his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his patients thrive during their post-operative visits. Outside the hospital, Dr. Collins balances a busy family life coaching his kids' sports teams and plays guitar and sings in a 20-year-old Irish band. Whether in the operating room or on stage, Dr. Collins' commitment to his craft—and his community—shines through.

Khatib Abdelaziz, director of supply chain, applies the discipline of martial arts to the complex world of healthcare logistics. In just two years, he has used his engineering and manufacturing background to streamline the delivery of critical supplies, ensuring they reach colleagues by the next morning or within hours for urgent needs. Now, he's spearheading a major automation upgrade, inspired by the efficiency of Amazon, that will double the warehouse's storage capacity and significantly improve forecasting—a crucial lesson from the pandemic. Khatib's leadership style, shaped by his time as a martial arts instructor, focuses on instilling discipline, confidence, and the mindset to never give up.

This month, Kevin Darby celebrates his sweet sixteenth year at Virtua, a journey that began in patient transport and has since seen him rise to Lieutenant of Security for Virtua Marlton and Berlin. Kevin champions an integrated approach to campus safety, highlighting the successful implementations of the weapons screening and personal panic alarm systems, as well as collaboration with local law enforcement. Kevin also stresses the vital role of colleagues actively practicing "when you see something, say something." A former college basketball player at Rowan, Kevin modestly describes himself as a "very solid" shooting guard. And for those curious, he confirmed that he can "still move and put the ball in the basket, even if it's a little slower" these days.

For 16 years, Claire Smitley, manager of absence management, has guided colleagues through life's pivotal moments—from maternity leave to unexpected illnesses. She finds immense reward in being a listening ear, helping people understand their pay and benefits during time off. Beyond Virtua, Claire co-launched "Young Lives," a mentoring program providing support and practical resources to teen parents. Whether at work, volunteering, or even on DIY projects, Claire is committed to caring for those around her.