Dr. Margaret Larkins–Pettigrew. Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Allegheny Health Network.
1. What role has the support of other women played in your success?
Many women, living and deceased, are role models within my wellness circle and are responsible for who I am today. I reflect on wellness because these women protected me from my self-doubt, kept their pulse on my heartbeat of value, and fueled my soul with resilience and empowerment. They are the mothers, aunts, sisters, and sister-friends who were attentive listeners with answers that reflected both wisdom and love.
2. Are you where you thought you would be? And how did you get here?
Today, I am in a place and space that allows me to be the optimal servant leader that I knew I would be. The location and the job title were never in my definition of “success,” but the role, responsibilities, and community engagement were never in doubt. Some of us chart a path for our careers and do well to navigate this journey to success. Some of us are chosen, and a path is chosen for us. I believe that I represent the latter as my path to expertise with passion and purpose has now resulted in what I consider “significance” in the lives of others. Hard work and dedication are always ingredients to success, but my core ingredient is my biggest fan, mentor, and friend, my love and life partner.
3. What would you tell other women about overcoming obstacles?
Take each win as a stair-step toward greatness. Take each failure as a stair step to greatness. Both will ultimately allow you to show up with power, authenticity, and clear direction. They will also allow you to pull other sisters and brothers up with you.
4. What does the phrase “Sis, I see you! “mean to you?
“Sis, I see you” is similar to ‘the nod.’ The lowering and raising of the head when acknowledging one with recognition and respect. This was often used as African Americans found themselves with few others in places typically occupied by whites only. This still happens today. Today my ‘nod’ to other sisters is “I recognize and respect you; I support and admire all of who you are, no matter where you are. I see you; I hear you.”
Photography credit: Anthony Artis
She is also an author: https://www.amazon.com/Colors-My-Heart-Embracing-Blackness/dp/1734776307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XUZ763L3QUHW&keywords=larkins-pettigrew&qid=1646146092&sprefix=larkins-pettigre,aps,346&sr=8-1&pldnSite=1
