As a Human Resources Business Partner at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Morgan James-Lightner partners with leaders across various departments to provide strategic human resources support. For nearly three years, she has offered collaboration and guidance for teams across our health system.
A Passion for Healthcare Sparked by Service
Morgan was initially inspired to start a career in healthcare after her active role in Key Club, a service organization for high school students. Her favorite Key Club activity was participating in Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps to build and improve homes for people in the local community.
While building a house with her club, she met a child who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy caused by a severe lack of oxygen to the brain during childbirth. The child’s family expressed that the healthcare facility in town was underserved, underfunded and poorly managed.
“At 17 years old, I heard a firsthand account of what a lack of health equity looked like, and the effect it had on a family. After that experience, I was always interested in healthcare,” Morgan says.
Family as a Source of Strength
Morgan credits her husband and parents for being her biggest career influences. She met her husband when they were freshmen at LSU, and they’ve supported each other throughout their careers. “He’s my anchor and counselor,” Morgan says.
“My parents are responsible for instilling the values of hard work, leading by example, making good choices, having faith, and serving others.”
Whenever she feels stressed, she remembers her parents’ advice, “The problem doesn’t get solved in a frenzy.” Both of her parents were leaders in their careers in education and finance.
Honoring Black History and its Legacy in Healthcare
Morgan celebrates Black History Month as a time when the contributions of Black people are highlighted and their experiences acknowledged. “I celebrate my Blackness 365 days a year, but the four weeks in February are the happiest because the beauty of our culture and history is on full display.” She feels as though God smiled on her by giving her a February birthday, in alignment with Black History Month and Mardi Gras season.
When Morgan thinks about this year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, she thinks about the contributions (sometimes involuntary) of Black women in healthcare.
“Without the experience of Henrietta Lacks, the field of medicine doesn’t get one of the most important cell lines in medical research,” she says. She also reflects on the experiences and contributions of three enslaved women named Anarcha, Lucy and Betsy, which provided the foundations of American gynecology.
Although these disparities in history come to her mind, she is also reminded of pioneers who worked to make things better, including Daniel Hale Williams, Charles Drew, Rebecca Crumpler and Mary Mahoney.
Inspired by Trailblazers and Family Values
Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist and civil rights activist, inspires Morgan, mainly for her staunch support of education, which reminds her of her grandmothers.
“My grandmothers on both sides were born in the World War II Generation and pushed all their children, especially their daughters, to seek higher education,” Morgan says.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Balance
Morgan prioritizes rest and self-care by recognizing when to disconnect from work and take a break. She spends time on her hobbies, including cooking and reading. “I also love to spend time with my family and friends.”
Fulfillment in Our Mission
Morgan describes joining our health system as one of the best career decisions she’s ever made.
“Accepting this position ushered me into healthcare, and every day I am grateful that I get to support the mission of such a wonderful organization,” she says.
She strives to make an impact with her career by living according to a quote from Maya Angelou: “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Our Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to a culture of belonging supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Black History Month each February.
