At ISQua, our female Board members embody compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to quality and safety. To honour International Women’s Day, we asked them to reflect on leadership, impact, and what IWD means to them.
Anna Edwards | ISQua Honorary Advisor | Deputy Director, Environment Agency
Dr Anuradha Pichumani | ISQua Board Member | Executive Director, Sree Renga Hospital; Director, Narbhavi Multispeciality Hospitals, India
Camilla Covello | ISQua Board Member | Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, QGA
Ellen Joan Van Vliet | ISQua President Elect | CEO, Qualicor Europe
Dr Piyawan Limpanyalert | ISQua Board Member | Chief Executive Officer, The Healthcare Accreditation Institute
Dr Tina Janamian | ISQua Board Member | Group Chief Executive Officer, Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL)
Salma Jaouni | ISQua Board Member | CEO, Health Care Accreditation Council
Prof. Ulfat Shaikh | ISQua Board Member | Professor of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine
What does leadership in healthcare quality mean to you?
“For me, leadership in healthcare quality has always been deeply personal. It’s about creating the conditions in which people feel safe to speak up, learn, and improve the care they give daily. I’ve learned that leadership is less about directing and more about listening to what patients, professionals, and communities need. At ISQua, this belief guides my work. Our mission is global, but the heart of it is human. I see my role as giving people the confidence to take the next step toward better, safer care in combination with personal and professional development.” (Ellen Joan)
“It means leading with respect, dignity, and shared purpose. As a woman leader, I embrace co‑production, listening, honouring every voice, and strengthening systems to ensure Patient, Personnel, and People Safety and Well‑being. At ISQua, this guides me to build a culture where quality, compassion, and accountability are inseparable.” (Piyawan Limpanyalert)
“For me, leadership in healthcare quality starts with listening to patients and frontline clinical teams and letting their experiences guide what we prioritize and act on. The people who do the work know the work better than the people who manage the work. At its core, leadership in health system improvement is about listening deeply with humility, using robust real‑time data, and having the courage to challenge the status quo when it fails the people we serve.” (Ulfat Shaikh)
“Leadership in healthcare, to me, means touching people’s lives in every decision, research, initiative or guidance you undertake… it is bringing everything and everyone together to make it better for people seeking healthcare or preventing disease.” (Salma Jaouni)
“Leadership in healthcare quality means doing what is right for the patient, always having the patient at the front of your mind when making decisions and staying true to our overall purpose in healthcare i.e. providing high quality safe care to those accessing our services.” (Anna Edwards)
“In healthcare quality, leadership means taking responsibility to make care safer — turning values into action and evidence into practice. From strengthening standards in my hospital in India to collaborating with CAHO and NABH, I learned that quality is not a department but a culture. At ISQua, this philosophy guides me to connect global discussions with practical realities, advocating for adaptable, inclusive frameworks that reflect diverse contexts. Through strategic partnerships, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and co-authoring an international white paper on patient safety, I help translate global principles into meaningful action—building resilient systems that learn, adapt, and continuously improve.” (Anuradha Pichumani)
“To me, is about stewardship — of standards, trust, and the care people receive. It means keeping patients and communities at the centre, while creating the conditions for health services and professionals to thrive. In my work, I’ve seen that sustainable quality is not achieved through compliance alone. It comes from a culture where improvement is expected and embedded into everyday practice. At ISQua, that belief guides my focus on strengthening systems that enable quality across diverse contexts, recognising that while healthcare systems vary, the principles of safe, person-centred, equitable care are universal. ISQua’s global role is vital, and I’m proud to contribute to a mission that supports quality improvement at both policy and frontline level.” (Tina Janamian)
To me, it means taking responsibility for what must remain central: patient safety, ethical decision-making and reliable care — never optional, even in complex environments. Throughout my career, this has guided my work to strengthen resilient, human-centred systems capable of continuous improvement. At ISQua, it means shaping governance, standards and evaluation frameworks that support learning systems that adapt and improve — ensuring strong systems translate into safer care, better outcomes and more dignified experiences for patients and communities. (Camilla Covello)
How do women on ISQua’s Board strengthen its mission to improve healthcare quality worldwide?
“They bring experience from diverse health systems, a strong commitment to collaboration, and a deep understanding of the human side of quality and safety. Their leadership helps ensure that our global standards, programmes, and partnerships reflect the realities of the people delivering and receiving care. Diversity is not symbolic — it is strategic. It sharpens our thinking, broadens our reach, and ensures that our work remains grounded in equity, compassion, and practical wisdom.” (Ellen Joan)
“Women on ISQua’s Board strengthen our mission through collaboration, resilience, and the gentle strength of inclusion. We connect perspectives across cultures, foster trust, and prioritise holistic, people‑centred approaches that integrate safety, well‑being, and humanity into global standards.” (Piyawan Limpanyalert)
“The women on ISQua’s Board bring both rigor and empathy. We tend to ask, ‘Is this effective?’ but more importantly ‘Who does this affect?’ I see us as bridge‑builders — connecting perspectives, cultures, and disciplines. We carry the saying that quality is not compliance only; it is compassion embedded in systems.” (Salma Jaouni)
“The women on ISQua’s Board strengthen its mission by modeling leadership styles essential to quality improvement: collaboration across disciplines and cultures, psychological safety, and humility. These behaviours mirror the conditions needed for healthcare teams to improve, reinforcing ISQua’s credibility as a global organization advancing healthcare improvement. Their leadership demonstrates that quality improvement is not just technical work — but also relational and deeply human.” (Ulfat Shaikh)
“Women on ISQua’s Board have an equal voice that is heard and acted upon, that is respected and challenged in the same way as other voices, and that can drive improvements in healthcare quality using our knowledge and experience. The entire Board, regardless of protected characteristics, share the same goals and values, and it is a pleasure to be part of discussions that lead to tangible results for the ISQua Community.” (Anna Edwards)
“Women on ISQua’s Board bring more than representation—they offer practical insight shaped by leading in complex, resource-variable settings. This ensures standards are aspirational yet adaptable across diverse health systems. Through collaborative leadership, mentoring, and engagement initiatives, women leaders strengthen the organisation by making quality more inclusive, context-sensitive, and impactful worldwide.” (Anuradha Pichumani)
“Women on ISQua’s Board strengthen the mission through diverse perspectives shaped by leadership across health systems and by the countries and communities we represent. We understand how culture, governance, resources and workforce realities influence safe, high-quality care, and why equity must be embedded from the outset. This experience strengthens governance, sharpens decision-making and ensures the voices of women are reflected at the highest level, reinforcing ISQua’s credibility as a truly global organisation.” (Tina Janamian)
“They bring a multidimensional perspective that integrates systems thinking, empathy, accountability and ethical judgment. We ask not only whether a standard works, but for whom and in which context. This strengthens ISQua’s mission by keeping global frameworks relevant and implementable across diverse systems. By connecting policy and practice, governance and lived experience, women leaders help advance healthcare quality worldwide in a sustainable and meaningful way.” (Camilla Covello)
What advice would you give young women aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare?
“Trust your instincts — they are wiser than you think. Don’t wait to feel “ready”; step forward even when you’re unsure. Healthcare needs women who bring courage, curiosity, and empathy into the room. Surround yourself with people who see your potential. And remember; leadership is about being present, willing to learn, and being brave enough to ask the questions that matter. Your voice can change a conversation, and a conversation can change a system.” (Ellen Joan)
“Lead with competence and with compassion. Cultivate a growth mindset — see challenges as opportunities to learn. Practice compassionate innovation by applying digital and AI technologies thoughtfully, while safeguarding dignity, meaning, and human connection.” (Piyawan Limpanyalert)
“Protect your confidence from structural bias. Imposter syndrome is common, but it is often a response to inequitable systems. If you’re the only woman (or one of few) in the room, your discomfort is not a deficit. Track and share your accomplishments objectively through your outcomes, leadership roles, presentations, publications, and grants. Being underestimated does not mean you are underqualified.” (Ulfat Shaikh)
“Prepare deeply and lead boldly. It is ok to feel the scare and the stress to push ideas forth and be true to your values and commitments. It is ok not to make a difference from Day 1. What you see in me today is 50 years in the making… take your time, master the science and never lose sight of the human story. Do not wait to be invited into leadership. Build credibility, build coalitions, and lead with purpose. Remember empathy is not weakness — it is one of the strongest forms of leadership!” (Salma Jaouni)
“See barriers as opportunities — the question is not whether you can become a leader in this space but how you can change the story, so you become a key character on the healthcare and quality improvement stage.” (Anna Edwards)
“Health systems need women ready to face complexity, break barriers, and create new leadership pathways. For young women aspiring to lead, start before you feel ready, stay committed to lifelong learning in quality and patient safety, and trust that your voice matters. Seek mentors—and become one as you grow. Leadership begins with purpose and accountability, not titles. Platforms like ISQua offer opportunities to raise your voice, connect with global networks, and help shape meaningful change in healthcare quality and safety.” (Anuradha Pichumani)
“Trust yourself, trust your judgement and let purpose shape the leader you become. Healthcare quality needs leaders who combine courage with compassion, and ambition with humility. Stay grounded in why you entered healthcare, especially when leadership becomes challenging. Seek mentors and sponsors who will advocate for you and learn the language of systems and governance. Finally, don’t underestimate consistency. Leadership isn’t only the big moments — it’s the daily commitment to improvement, integrity and service.” (Tina Janamian)
“To invest deeply in your competence. Credibility is your strongest voice. Seek knowledge, understand systems beyond your role, and never underestimate the power of preparation. At the same time, be willing to step forward when opportunities arise. Leadership is built in motion, through responsibility and courage. Find mentors but also become one early. Remember that you do not need to fit a traditional leadership mould to lead effectively. Healthcare needs diverse leadership styles, and your perspective, experience, and values are not obstacles. They are assets.” (Camilla Covello)
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a leader in global healthcare quality?
“Being a woman leader has taught me that strength and vulnerability can coexist. Empathy is not a soft skill — it is a strategic one. It has shown me that women often lead with connection, purpose, and a deep commitment to leaving things better than they found them. That, to me, is the essence of quality. International Women’s Day is a reminder of progress and responsibility. It celebrates the women who have opened doors in healthcare and quality improvement and challenges us to continue building systems where every woman can participate fully and safely.” (Ellen Joan)
“International Women’s Day reminds us that leadership is service and continuous growth. It is about patience, perseverance, and the courage to build cultures of safety and trust. As women in global healthcare quality, we have the responsibility to shape systems that are safer, kinder, and spiritually grounded.” (Piyawan Limpanyalert)
“International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on whose voices are shaping healthcare and whose still need to be heard. As a leader in global healthcare quality, it reminds me that better care is built through diverse perspectives and intentional mentorship. When women are supported to lead, innovate, and change systems, healthcare quality and patient safety improve for everyone. For me, this day is about remembering to pay attention to power dynamics in meetings and during my day-to-day interactions — who speaks, who decides, and who is absent.” (Ulfat Shaikh)
“It is a day to stop and reflect — be kind to yourself, look at all the add‑on responsibilities that you have (being a mother, daughter, driver, cook, emotional supporter… on top of being a career professional), be proud, thank God, and shine. It is indeed a day to honor the women patients, professionals, and leaders who shape healthcare every day — often quietly. It is also a reminder that equity in leadership is essential to equity in health systems.” (Salma Jaouni)
“It means showing kindness, respect, tolerance… valuing each other regardless of our background, sex, culture etc… it means being part of a team that shares a common desire to raise the bar for all across the world and never being afraid to lift the lid even when what we find may be uncomfortable.” (Anna Edwards)
“For me, International Women’s Day honours the women who created pathways for us and challenges us to widen them—especially by strengthening representation of women from low- and middle-income countries in global decision-making. Being a woman leader has shown me that strength and empathy go hand in hand. It has built my resilience, patience, and commitment to collaboration in complex systems. This day reaffirms my purpose: to lead with courage and compassion, and to help build safer, more equitable health systems for all.” (Anuradha Pichumani)
“International Women’s Day is a celebration and a call to action. It recognises the extraordinary contribution of women across healthcare — especially those whose leadership is less visible, but essential. It reminds us that quality and equity are inseparable. We cannot improve healthcare worldwide without addressing gender equity in leadership, opportunity, safety and recognition. It is not only about recognition, but commitment — to use our influence to lift others, expand opportunity and create environments where the next generation of women can lead with confidence and impact.” (Tina Janamian)
“International Women’s Day is a moment to honour the women who opened doors before us and to consider the leadership we are passing forward. It prompts reflection on how we use our voice and position. Leadership in global healthcare quality carries influence and responsibility — not only for what we achieve, but for how we create space for others to lead and be heard. For me, it reinforces a commitment to lead with integrity, think long-term, and support the next generation of women so leadership continues to evolve and reflect the world it serves.” (Camilla Covello)
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the remarkable leaders within ISQua who continue to elevate healthcare quality through wisdom, compassion, and unwavering determination. Their reflections remind us that progress is both a shared responsibility and a collective journey — one strengthened by diverse voices and courageous leadership. May their insights inspire the next generation to lead boldly, listen deeply, and continue shaping a safer, more equitable healthcare system for all.
