Published: March 8, 2019 | Updated: March 10, 2023
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the achievements of women.
This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, with a call to build a more gender-balanced world.
Norton Healthcare was recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Women, ranking No. 67 out of 300 companies in the nation. That’s good news for a workforce that is 82 percent female. That’s right — 82 percent!
Women touch every aspect of the organization and occupy many roles — from leadership and support teams, to nursing, physicians and surgeons. Women are on the front-lines caring for patients and connecting with the community, and women are behind the scenes, driving the organization forward.
Throughout the month we’ll recognize the achievements of Norton Healthcare employees. We’ll begin by recognizing six women who recently received awards or special honors for their accomplishments in their career and within their community. They are a representation of the many women across Norton Healthcare who are achieving personal and career successes.
Related Content: Certified nurse midwife dropped medical school plans to spend more time at the bedside
Cyndi Benedict YMCA Black Achievers
Cyndi Benedict, project manager, marketing and communications, is a champion for Louisville’s young, African- American girls, managing a nonprofit that helps girls navigate challenging environments in health care through mentorship and other support services in an effort to achieve academic success and personal growth.
Cyndi also serves as a co-leader for Synergy, an employee resource group at Norton Healthcare. Synergy has established itself as a group focused on supporting youth in the Louisville community through Unity Jam — a back-to-school and health fair. Through Cyndi’s leadership, Synergy will continue this successful event with plans to grow its community presence as well as champion cultural competency among Norton Healthcare staff in an effort to better support patients and employees.
Tamekka Cornelius Human Rights Campaign Special Advisory Committee
Tamekka Cornelius, program manager, diversity and inclusion, was named to the Human Rights Campaign’s special advisory committee focused on LGBTQ inclusion and health equity in children’s hospitals.
The two-day conversation in Washington, D.C., included representatives from other children’s hospitals and health care systems across the nation.
Some of the topics covered during the roundtable included patient nondiscrimination policies, staff training, sexual orientation and gender identity issues, LGBTQ-specific resources and services, community engagement and more.
Norton Healthcare received the Leader in Healthcare Equality Index designation by the Human Rights Campaign in 2018.
Charlotte Ipsan Health Care Heroes
Charlotte Ipsan, chief administrative officer, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, was named a 2019 Health Care Hero by Business First. She joins a select group of local health care professionals and organizations recognized for their significant impact in health care.
Norton Healthcare is focused on creating a strong employee culture led by the Norton Way.
Learn more
Charlotte was a finalist in the Health Care Manager category, which recognizes outstanding leadership and organizational effectiveness. Under her leadership, the hospital has exceeded customer service goals while seeing record growth in the number of patients seen. This comes on the heels of a major construction project that resulted in new patient rooms and services offered for children. She also helped the hospital become the only facility in the area to earn designation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology and Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery as well as Baby Friendly designation.
Sheron Lear Histotechnologist of the Year
Sheron Lear, immunohistochemistry, research and development specialist, CPA Lab, was named Histotechnologist of the Year by the National Society for Histotechnology at the organization’s annual awards banquet. The award is given to an individual who best exemplifies the qualities of dedication, service and involvement within the profession of histotechnology.
Allison Ledford Well-being 100 Awards
Allison Ledford, director, employee wellness, received the Well-being 100 Awards distinction for her work with N Good Health —Norton Healthcare’s employee wellness program. The award honors professionals who “”make wellness happen” for an organization, specifically in the area of employee wellness innovation.
The awards are sponsored by the Corporate Health and Wellness Association in conjunction with Corporate Wellness Magazine.
Allison joined Norton Healthcare in 2009 to develop, launch and strengthen the organization’s employee wellness program in an effort to become the region’s healthiest health care system. Since its launch, N Good Health has grown to see an 80 percent insured employee participation rate with significant improvement in health outcomes and reduced health care costs.
Norton Healthcare recently was recognized as the No. 4 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America for 2018 by Healthiest Employers.
Jo Singleton Kentucky Nurse of the Year
Jo Singleton, R.N., DNP, director, ambulatory care management, part of the clinical effectiveness department for Norton Healthcare, was honored with the Nurse of the Year award at the Kentucky Nurses Association’s 2018 conference.
Jo joined Norton Healthcare in July 1977 and currently oversees ambulatory nurse navigators, the diabetes education program and clinical counseling services.
She serves as president of the Kentucky Nurses Foundation board of trustees. Jo earned the award for her professional leadership, which has advanced the nursing profession across the state.
Related Content: Science and Empathy: Dr. Agrawal mixes leading-edge cancer care with the human side of healing
Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.