In honor of Black History Month 2024, we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of several team members within our health system.
These team members come from diverse backgrounds and serve in various roles, and they are united in their passion to serve the communities we are privileged to serve. This year’s Black History Month national theme is “African Americans and the Arts” spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements and more.
Curry Allen, MHA
Director of Operations
Our Lady of the Lake
Curry Allen, MHA, director of operations for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, has been a part of our ministry for three years. Throughout his career, senior leaders have provided mentorship, influence and inspiration for him to advance his career. Reflecting on Black History Month, Curry expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a leader in healthcare and contribute to society at large. He holds deep admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Maya Angelou, and he creates Christian music that can be found on streaming platforms.
Tiffany Coleman
Grant Development Coordinator
Our Lady of the Lake
Tiffany Coleman is a grant development coordinator at Our Lady of the Lake Health. She directs the development, implementation and coordination of policies, programs and procedures covering grant and research activities. Coleman says Black History Month serves as a reminder of African Americans’ heritage, talents and victories. Outside of work, she sings at her church and writes stories with a group of friends. “I am proud to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to maintaining community health, and I’m blessed to work with the most compassionate people,” Coleman says.
Tonia Pierre
Executive Assistant
Our Lady of the Lake
Tonia Pierre has been with our health system for nearly 22 years, and she currently serves as an executive assistant at Our Lady of the Lake Assumption Community Hospital.
To Pierre, Black History Month is a time to talk about great people who did great things. “I strive to be great because of [my ancestors’] sacrifices and pray that my kids, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and kids in my community continue to open doors and break down barriers for years to come,” she says.
In her spare time, Pierre loves to cook. “During one of the most difficult times of my life, dealing with my husband’s kidney disease and caring for my ill mother-in-law, I was able to find peace and relaxation in cooking,” she says. Pierre plans to retire in three years and pursue her passion for cooking and food presentation.
Thomika Segar
Director of Human Resources
Our Lady of the Lake
Thomika Segar, director of human resources at Our Lady of the Lake, has been working in healthcare since 2018. With a professional background spanning various industries, she takes pride in contributing to the life-changing work at FMOLHS. Reflecting on Black History Month, Segar sees it as an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and achievements of African Americans throughout history. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value that African Americans bring to the country and the world. When thinking about the contributions of Black Americans, Segar admires Black women in the arts, such as Maya Angelou, Josephine Baker, Whoopi Goldberg, and Beyonce, who celebrate Black female empowerment. Segar has been practicing pottery since 2017. She specializes in crafting bowls, mugs, tumblers and other functional pieces.
Malinda Taylor
Clinical Services Representative
Our Lady of the Lake
Malinda Taylor has been working at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center for 24 years in different roles. Working as a clinical service representative in healthcare allows Taylor to feel a strong sense of purpose. Reflecting on Black History Month, Taylor is reminded of the achievements of Black individuals in art, music, literature, sciences and all aspects of life. Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Henry Ossawa Tanner, Taylor is an artist who creates wreaths, wooden signs, table centerpieces, holiday garlands and more.
Monica Young, BSN, RN, CPPS
Case Manager
Our Lady of the Lake
Monica Young, BSN, RN, CPPS, has worked in the health system for more than 20 years and currently serves as a registered nurse and case manager.
For Young, honoring the generations of Black Americans who endured hardships to achieve full citizenship in American society is not limited to the month of February. “Black History Month showcases the achievements and contributions of Black Americans that were either overlooked, unrecognized or dismissed. The level of intelligence and excellence fills my heart with pride,” she says.
As a child, the choir was always Young’s favorite elective. Her passion for singing continues today. She currently sings and plays violin with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and will perform Haydn’s “Creation” in this year’s spring concert.
Carlton Perry
Case Technician
Our Lady of Lourdes
Carlton Perry has been a team member at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital for six years. He started his career in the housekeeping department and now cares for patients as a case technician. He has a passion for bringing peace and comfort to his patients and colleagues and offers his help wherever it is needed. He was honored to receive the Franciscan Service Award in 2021.
Perry has been singing since he was 7 years old, and outside of work, he loves to write music. “I like making people happy and entertaining through my singing whenever I can,” Perry said. He is named after both his grandfathers, who taught him to love others and serve them with a good heart. Reflecting on Black History Month, Perry says, “It remains a powerful symbolic celebration and a time for acknowledgment, reflection and inspiration.”
Youlicea Williams, PharmD
Pharmacist
Our Lady of Lourdes
Youlicea Williams, PharmD, has dedicated 21 years to Our Lady of Lourdes, where she serves as a pharmacist. She was inspired by her sister’s career as a medical records coder and part-time pharmacy technician. As a child, Williams’ mother instilled in her the power of prayer and faith, working hard and doing your best.
Williams believes Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and to teach and encourage Black youth to learn from our ancestors to keep moving forward and succeeding. She finds inspiration in leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Jackson, and the Obamas, who embody the spirit of perseverance and progress.
Williams’ favorite Black artist is her daughter, Airyn. “She is a creative free spirit, and I will, without a doubt, encourage and support her,” Williams says.
Tamara Pittman
Medical Assistant
Our Lady of the Angels
Tamara Pittman has worked at Our Lady of the Angels for nearly three years. As a medical assistant, she collects patients’ vital signs, gives vaccines and injections, and makes sure that patients feel comfortable. Growing up, she wanted to be just like her cousin Tiffinee, who became a nurse. She continues to be driven by her husband, Ronnie, and her two boys, who are her biggest cheerleaders. Pittman says Black History Month means celebrating African Americans for their sacrifices and dedications towards making a change in this world. When she is not working, she enjoys singing in the choir at her church.
Faith Anderson
Physical Medicine Aide
St. Francis Health
Faith Anderson is a physical medicine aide at St. Francis Outpatient Rehabilitation. For Anderson, Black History Month holds special significance as a time not only for celebrating Black American heritage but also for fostering a deeper appreciation. “It almost feels like the world is invited to understand and value a culture that has played a major part in the world today. It always does my heart good being recognized as a people,” says Anderson.
Anderson has a passion for various forms of art, including drawing, painting, singing, writing poetry and crafting. She has established her own art business specializing in commissioned artwork with oil painting as her preferred medium.
Lakisha Garretlseah
Clinical Care Partner
St. Francis Medical Center
Lakisha Garretlseah is a clinical care partner at St. Francis Medical Center. She believes that Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past struggles of Black Americans. “When you look back and reflect on the impact that the leaders of the Black community made, there is a feeling of being proud,” says Garrelseah. Garretlseah is inspired by Black leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Malcolm X and especially Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress.
Garretlseah channels her artistic creativity into crafting customized cakes and treats in her free time.
Mingo Thames
Senior Graphic Designer
St. Dominic Hospital
Mingo Thames has dedicated 11 years to St. Dominic Hospital, where he currently serves as a senior graphic designer. Thames’ biggest career influence has always been his father, who constantly reminds him that “God had a plan before you had a problem.”
Thames believes there is no future without knowing the past and sees Black History Month as a time to reflect on the struggles of his ancestors and the African American culture.
Thames has always enjoyed art and finds himself creating video and digital illustration as his preferred art platforms. “Being able to take a thought in your mind that you could not give words to, but then bring it to life through a media is what fuels my passion for design,” he says.
Our DEI Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Black History Month each February.
