Michelle Johnson Tidjani ’24 EMBA receives Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award

That broader perspective has been incredibly valuable as I continue to work in healthcare, especially across our 25-state footprint, where understanding diverse communities is essential. The EMBA program has truly shaped both my professional journey and my leadership approach, and I apply the lessons I learned every day.

2. What does receiving the inaugural SPS Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award mean to you?

Receiving the award was both a surprise and an incredible honor. Early in my career, I often found myself navigating spaces and places, trying to make what I had fit into those environments. But what has truly been meaningful about my relationship with Brown is how much the institution aligns with my personal mission, vision and values. 

For me, learning isn't just about embracing ideas I agree with, but also engaging with perspectives I don't agree with. The opportunity to challenge, debate and grow in an environment that encourages these interactions is something I deeply value. Above all, it’s about creating spaces where education and engagement are not only possible but actively fostered.

So, while I am surprised and humbled by this recognition, I am also genuinely excited, as it affirms the work that I’ve been passionate about throughout my career.

3. The award celebrates the idea of "transforming the way the world works for good." How have you embodied this vision in your professional career?

One of the key principles I often share is that, as one of the largest providers of healthcare services, simply being big is not enough. The true responsibility that comes with our size and scale is the unique opportunity to transform communities. With such a broad footprint, we have the infrastructure to understand what truly works and what doesn’t. 

Our ability to drive outcomes is at the heart of this transformation. Through our widespread presence, we have the resources to test and refine strategies across different settings, learning from each community’s specific needs. This allows us to apply the best solutions, creating a deeper, longer-lasting impact. In healthcare, simply existing is not enough. Real change comes from actively improving lives — and there is no better place to do that than in education and health.

4. In what ways have you been able to promote the values of innovation, excellence and inclusion in your workplace or the broader community?

When we think about equity in healthcare, it's about ensuring that every community receives the highest level of care and service. We approach this by understanding the unique challenges each community faces. Some communities may struggle with hypertension, while others face challenges like diabetes management or other health concerns. By identifying these issues, we can create targeted programs to meet the needs of each community where they are.

Being intentional about addressing these disparities is crucial. For example, in some areas, veterans may be underserved. It’s important to understand the complexities of transitioning from military service and how that impacts healthcare needs. By engaging with communities directly — meeting with organizations, partnering with local groups and immersing ourselves in the areas we serve — we are able to tailor our care and make a meaningful difference.

4. How do you stay motivated to continue making a difference and driving positive change in your field?

What keeps me motivated is hearing stories of positive outcomes and seeing the incredible care that my colleagues provide. Whether it's our physicians, nurses or team members sharing stories of impactful care experiences, or witnessing the genuine sense of pride our employees take in serving the broader community — it’s all deeply inspiring. First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure that our team feels engaged and that their work is fulfilling. When team members feel good about what they do, they are better equipped to deliver exceptional care to the communities we serve.

For me, motivation comes from seeing the tangible results of our collective efforts. It’s not always easy, though. There are always challenges and obstacles, especially with the complexity of today’s world. However, as an organization, we ground ourselves in our unwavering mission. That mission is to care for the poor and vulnerable, and it remains constant. We’re not just here to provide care — we are here to deliver the best possible care experiences to everyone in our communities, particularly those who are most in need. This sense of purpose keeps me moving forward, knowing that every day brings an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

5. What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates seeking to make a meaningful impact in their industries?

My advice is to remain open to learning and evolving. When I entered the program, I was committed to practicing law for the rest of my career. But midway through the program, I found myself taking a new job that wasn’t focused on practicing law. 

I didn’t enter the program with the intention of changing careers. I entered to learn and to gain insights that would help me grow professionally. The program helped me develop a broader skill set and it provided a deeper understanding of how those skills could be applied in a transforming industry like healthcare. The ability to view finance not just for its own sake, but within the context of community impact and mission alignment, has been invaluable.

So, my advice would be this: Recognize that you don’t know everything, and embrace the opportunity to learn from both things you agree with and things you don’t. With more information and a broader perspective, you'll uncover new insights that will help you bring about meaningful change. Whether through formal education or informal learning, that openness to growth is crucial for making an impact.