You emigrated to the States in 1974. What was the reason for your move to the United States?

There were multiple circumstances and reasons. The two primary ones are my history as a student leader and activist and my desire to work as a professional nurse in a country where my work as a student activist did not impede my freedom and safety. I along with Ed Jopson and others were not guaranteed a safe haven in the Philippines at that time, so that voluntary exile became the only imminent and feasible option. Additionally, I needed to help my family support my other six brothers and sisters in their pursuit of collegiate education. Our financial situation was such that a father and mother working professionally was not enough to meet the restrictive cost of sustaining the viability of a large family.

You are one of the most successful Filipina immigrants in US, what strengthened you in your life’s journey?

I always believed that one’s upbringing served as the indestructible foundation and anchor, which allows one to successfully navigate the tortuous and challenging landscape in this world. I grew up in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro surrounded by a solid family unit, one that was grounded in quintessential values framed along the structure of family, church and community. In our minds were forever inculcated the “the family that prays together stays together”. Not much has changed for me when it comes to values, since I left Mindoro; I continue to be grounded on the same structures and values. It is in fact my sense of spirituality that serves as a strong catalyst in my work and commitment to servant leadership. Virtua Health is successful today because its very essence is solidified by an outstanding performance and unparalleled values.

Did you encounter very difficult moments too?

Absolutely! I had my share of challenges and many difficult moments. It is often said that it can be lonely at the top! The life of an executive can be very gratifying and also challenging. Decisions that an executive makes about people, processes and strategies can be very difficult at times. Changes have to be craftfully designed and masterfully executed. In spite of such mastery the process of implementation and their results can still be daunting, some of which may haunt you forever. In the end, one must simply strive to do her very best.

I hope you have not forgotten our saying “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan” (those who do not know to look back from where they came will never reach their destination.)

It warms my heart to give back to people who have helped me in my life’s journey. Growing up in a simple but beautiful place like Calapan, meant that your connectedness to people went beyond your family. Neighbors, friends, helpers and the community-at-large took care of each other. Until recently, work and family obligations have prevented me to visit Calapan, until this past October and of course now. In May, 2008, I had the great fortune of meeting Frs. Mimo Perez, Andy and RV during Fr. Mimo’s Acoustic Gospel Concert Tour in the US. Such meeting proved to be providential in many ways, because from that emanated the reason for my most recent visit to the Philippines. Having heard of the need by the seminary in Calapan and Tagaytay to raise money to help subsidize the educational needs of the seminarians, I decided, through my Dad’s prodding, to establish the St. Augustine Seminaries Foundation. There are five pivotal components to the work of the Foundation, they are:

1. To be able to raise friends and funds to help support the seminary in Mindoro since many of the seminarians come from poor families. The funds raised will also help support the work of priests and the seminary formators.

2. To develop a network of people in the US and Canada who can sustain this fund-raising campaign and to raise awareness about vocations to the priesthood.

3. To support concert tours just like that of Fr. Mimo Perez, and to allow his concert to be stages in the US regularly.

4. To generate Corporate Sponsors to contribute for the cause.

5. A medical mission in Mindoro, for the priests of the diocese, the Mangyans, the indigenous tribe of Mindoro and for the indigent.

In addition to my work with the Foundation, I have identified select students whom I decided to support through a tuition assistance/scholarship fund.

Last question, how do you live your Christian Faith in America?

It’s really not difficult. My upbringing was firmly grounded in spirituality, bounded by a strong, moral and ethical disposition. As I became accomplished and successful, I became more grounded by humility. In my pursuit of excellence through servant leadership, I try, in spite of my own limitations, to teach the critical balance between outstanding performance and values, the latter exemplified through integrity, respect and caring.

In my work and in my life there are two inspirational messages that keep resonating in my mind. First is that “you must leave a place better than when you first found it”. John Kennedy’s book on “A Nation of Immigrants” professes this as well, when he noted that “America is a nation of people who value both tradition and the exploration of new frontiers, people deserve the freedom to build better lives for themselves in their adopted homeland”. This is what inspires and motivates me to give my best in all that I do, to make a critical difference in the lives of so many through my work. Second, “to those who much is given much is expected”. I have been blessed to have so much and to hold a position of influence at Virtua Health, where I am the only immigrant at the top executive level. Likewise, I have found myself appointed, recognized and differentiated in various associations and organizations in the United States, where often I am the only immigrant and/or Filipino in the midst of so many talented nationals. I feel humbled and blessed indeed to have the opportunity to serve and influence a country, which has amassed incredible talent, resources and skills. For all these, I remain grateful; to God for the many blessings He has given me and continue to give everyday. To Him, I remain forever grateful for giving me the best parents and family in the world. God indeed can never ever be outdone in His generosity and love!!!!

Jose Aranas

A Woman of Distinction

Ninfa Saunders, RN, MSN, MBA, PhD, is responsible for all healthcare operations throughout Virtua's four hospitals, two rehab centers, senior services, home care, ambulatory and outpatient services. Dr. Saunders brings more than 30 years of clinical nursing and hospital administrative experience to this position.

Prior to joining Virtua, she served on the Governor's Georgia Cancer Coalition, which was created by Governor Roy Barnes to develop regional centers of excellence for cancer prevention, detection, treatment and research using funds from the tobacco settlement.

Previously, Dr. Saunders served as chief operating officer for the Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, GA. During her nearly 10-year tenure, gross revenue at the Center grew by more than 59% and the quality assurance program received the Georgia Hospital Association Award for Best Initiative. In this position, she oversaw the expansion of a new surgical center, an expanded intensive care unit, a new emergency department and the purchase of a home health service company.

For the preceding 13 years, Dr. Saunders served as director of nursing resources for Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. From 1974-1980, she held various roles at St. Barnabas in Livingston, NJ, including assistant vice president of nursing, director of critical care, in-service instructor and assistant head nurse. She started her career as a staff nurse in the intensive care unit of Riley Memorial Hospital in Meridian, MS.

Dr. Saunders earned a Master of Business Administration from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, a Master of Science in Nursing from the Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Concordia College in Manila, Philippines. She also attended the Healthcare Executive Program at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, and the International Business Program at the London School of Business in London, England. In 2006, she completed her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Saunders was recently appointed as Dean’s Professor at the Mayes School of Business, University Sciences of Pennsylvania. She is an associate professor at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is a visiting scholar for the Medical University of South Carolina. She also serves as a faculty of the NCHL and GE Leadership Program at GE’s Jack Welch Learning Center in Crotonville, New York. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Forbes Magazine. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a board member of the American Heart Association, vice-chair of the board for the Diocese of Trenton, and a member of the Head’s Council for Moorestown Friends School, a board member of the Georgia Nurses Foundation, past president of the Georgia Organization of Patient Care Executives and past chairperson of the Nurse Executive Council of the VHA Georgia.

In 2007, she was named “Woman of Distinction” by the Philadelphia Business Journal. She was named one of the 25 most influential women in New Jersey in NJ Biz magazine's 2004 "Women of Influence" Awards. Dr. Saunders was also named one of the most "Outstanding Women of Burlington County" in 2004 by the Burlington County Advisory Council on Women and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders. She was recognized for her dedication to bringing the most advanced medical care and the highest clinical quality to the region.