Reflecting on Filipino American Heritage Month and a Truly Inclusive Culture

With this year’s Filipino American Heritage Month theme, “A History of Struggle, Solidarity, and Resilience,” we wanted to connect with two of our Filipino-American team members, Ronald and Jennifer, from our Asian-Bridges BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) about their career journeys and finding success at Northwell.

Ronald Nonaillada, Director, Rehabilitation Services, Plainview Hospital and Syosset Hospital

Ronald Nonailada began his career at Northwell in 1999 as an occupational therapist. He held the same title, working at different sites including Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation and North Shore University Hospital. In 2008, Ronald took on a new role as a program manager where his efforts revolved around program development, performance, and quality improvement. This led Ronald to his current role as a director of rehabilitation services at Plainview Hospital and Syosset Hospital. In his role, Ronald is responsible for strategic planning, development, and daily operations of his department. He is also involved in staff management and development, revenue cycle, physician relations and patient satisfaction.

Over these two decades, Ronald’s career development has been supported at Northwell in many ways. With the help of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, he earned his Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Health Policy from City University of New York at Bernard M. Baruch College. Ronald also took courses at Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation to further his career growth on topics including strategic planning, change management and emotional intelligence.

Ronald is passionate about being a part of the Asian Bridges-BERG and the impact his membership has on his career journey. “Becoming an active member of the Asian Bridges BERG at Northwell has expanded my professional network and helped reinforce my skills to drive many of Northwell’s business goals and objectives in providing elite patient care.” Ronald also emphasized the importance of BERGs in promoting tradition, culture and well-being. “It is important for Northwell to have resources like this because the BERG provides a safe space for proud and passionate Filipino and Filipino-American team members to share and celebrate our traditions and culture.”

Jennifer Reyes, MS, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, Director, Patient Care Services, North Shore University Hospital

In her role as director of patient care services of the magnet program at North Shore University Hospital, Jennifer Reyes oversees the Magnet designation, which highlights nursing excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration for patient care. Jennifer’s focus is fostering a healthy work environment and nurse development. In addition, she also co-founded and coordinated efforts with the System Domestic Violence Taskforce, which works to address the issue of domestic violence in our communities. Jennifer began her career at Northwell in 2007 as a critical care nurse fellow in Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. Five years later, she began working as a critical care nurse in the same hospital’s Coronary Care Unit before she worked as an assistant nurse manager in 2016 in the same unit. Three years later, Jennifer worked as a critical care educator at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. In 2021, she took on the role of associate clinical professional development educator until she was promoted to clinical professional development educator a year later. This led her to her current role today.

Northwell has supported Jennifer’s career journey in many ways these past 17 years. Through benefitting from Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, and also went back to school to obtain her master’s degree in nursing education. Jennifer also participated in Northwell’s Diversity and Inclusion Mentorship Program in 2019 where she was able to embrace her passion for learning while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Jennifer is passionate about Filipino American Heritage Month and her role in the Asian-Bridges BERG . As a member of this BERG, Jennifer participates in and promotes events through her networks at Northwell with the goal of spreading awareness and reaching as many team members as possible. “This month, I think about how important it is to remember those who came before us and honor our Filipino American community members,” she shared. “I am so glad the Bridges BERGs bring awareness and understanding to cultures like mine, and that my team members feel a sense of belonging.”

Ronald and Jennifer are individuals who celebrate inclusivity, connection and share Northwell’s commitment to fostering a culture of equity and belonging in the workplace. Discover a career well cared for with our Truly Inclusive team.