In the realm of healthcare advocacy and leadership, Geovannie Gone stands as a beacon of passion, performance, and evolving perspectives. As the Executive Director of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and purpose.
From humble beginnings to her current role, Geovannie’s story is one of resilience, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us as we delve into the life and work of Geovannie Gone, a leader whose impact reverberates far beyond the borders of Kansas.
Passion, Performance, and Evolving Perspectives
For Geovannie, success is intrinsically linked to passion and high performance. “I think success means when an individual can do and perform at their highest in what their passion is,” she explains. This perspective underscores the importance of loving what you do and excelling at it.
Geovannie acknowledges that success manifests in various forms and opportunities, emphasizing that it is ultimately about engaging in work that resonates deeply. “I think you truly reach success when you’re doing something that you truly love doing and that you’re passionate about,” she asserts.
Reflecting on her journey, Geovannie notes that her definition of success has evolved over the years, influenced by both professional and life experiences. “Sometimes, experiences at your job and with life shape the perspectives that you might have and redefine what you believe success is,” she admits.
Diversifying Healthcare for Marginalized Communities
Geovannie’s journey into the healthcare industry began in 2012, marking a pivotal moment of opportunity and inspiration. “It was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she recalls. Initially focused on fraud, waste, and abuse investigations, Geovannie’s path shifted when Kansas redefined its Medicaid program, known as Kancare, requiring expertise in rural communities and interventions for minority populations.
Initially intending to transition back to her desired field after the program’s implementation, Geovannie found herself deeply connected to the community, particularly the marginalized. “Much of the work that I do is very specialized in reaching marginalized families that live within our communities but do not comprehend the healthcare system here in America,” she explains. This newfound passion led her to dedicate the past 18 years to various healthcare departments, including innovations, HealthEquity, and immunizations.
Her work extends to research collaborations with state universities, focusing on indigenous and refugee communities. Geovannie’s diverse experience includes roles in federally qualified health centers, patient-centered care, and her current position as Executive Director of the Immunize Kansas Coalition. Each role has shaped her perspective and approach, allowing her to champion diversity and inclusivity in healthcare.
“Each one of those areas has brought new challenges, and opportunities that have turned into learn experiences that have shape me, some of the new acquired skills is what now allows me to function as the executive director for Immunize Kansas,” she reflects. Geovannie’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion and purpose in healthcare, particularly in serving marginalized communities.
Navigating Challenges and Fostering Change
Geovannie’s entry into the healthcare industry was marked by numerous challenges, many of which have left lasting lessons. Born and raised in Mexico, as an immigrant, she faced the initial hurdle of representation, “In Kansas we don’t see many bilingual or individuals from different ethnic or minority backgrounds within the healthcare field. Being an immigrant that understands the cultural perspective of healthcare has allowed me to be at tables where before there was no representation.” This lack of representation underscored the need for diverse voices in healthcare decision-making.
Another significant challenge was the disconnect between healthcare processes and the community’s needs, particularly regarding social determinants of health and cultural perspectives. Geovannie highlighted the importance of understanding these needs and advocating for change at higher levels of the healthcare system. She noted, “Having that clear understanding of what the community needs and producing the kind of impact needed at the upper level of the healthcare executive and management space has been one of the things that are the most challenging.”
The COVID-19 pandemic further illuminated disparities in healthcare access and quality for minority and marginalized communities. Geovannie shares, “Because of the distrust that still exists within our communities and how the healthcare system functions here in the United States, there are still many individuals that do not have access to quality and effective healthcare.”
Navigating these challenges is compounded by the political environment in Kansas, which Geovannie described as conservative and sometimes affecting the services available to minority individuals. She reflects on the barriers she faces when engaging with administrators and higher-ups within the healthcare space, stating, “There’s still a bit of denial and a reluctance to change some initiatives and interventions to help the populations that need the most help.”
Geovannie acknowledges the political challenges in Kansas, a very conservative state, observing, “I have seen how politics affects the way minority individuals are served. When we talk about the political environment that our state is facing, we know it doesn’t only affect healthcare but other systems such as education, welfare, and workforce.”
Despite these challenges, Geovannie’s journey is defined by her resilience and commitment to fostering change in healthcare. Her experiences serve as a testament to the importance of diverse representation and advocacy in addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable access for all communities.
Leading Statewide Change: Transforming Immunize Kansas Coalition
Geovannie’s journey with the Immunize Kansas Coalition began two years ago, driven by a desire to lead a statewide organization and make a broader impact. Her role involves collaborating with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and other state directors nationwide to address vaccine hesitancy and enhance programming.
“The number one reason why I decided to apply for Immunize Kansas Coalition was for the opportunity to lead a statewide organization and this was the way to do it,” Geovannie explains. Her previous work in rural areas with high diversity percentages prepared her for this leadership position. “I’d always worked in different areas within the state, and been in the western part of Kansas, which is known to be very rural,” she notes.
Joining the Immunize Kansas Coalition allowed Geovannie to expand her focus to the eastern, northeastern, and central parts of the state, building new relationships and collaborations. This shift provided her with a fresh perspective and the opportunity to meet diverse groups, including refugees and asylum seekers. Under Geovannie’s leadership, the Immunize Kansas Coalition has experienced significant growth and transformation.
“At the time I joined Immunize Kansas Coalition, I am the first Executive Director and there were approximately 100 very involved members,” she explains. “Within the past year and a half, we’ve increased our membership from 100 to 700.” This expansion was accompanied by a tripling of the coalition’s budget and recognition for HealthEquity initiatives at the national level.
Geovannie’s tenure has seen the Immunize Kansas Coalition evolve from a small, struggling organization to a nationally recognized force in immunization education and advocacy. Her leadership has expanded the coalition’s reach and deepened its impact on healthcare providers and families across the state.
Empowering Communities Through Immunization
Geovannie’s leadership at the Immunize Kansas Coalition has profoundly influenced the healthcare industry, particularly in the realm of vaccine-preventable diseases. The coalition’s work focuses on protecting all Kansans through community engagement, clinical partnerships, and private funding collaborations. “Much of what we do is bring together community organizations, clinical partners, private funders and foundations to serve the community,” Geovannie explains.
Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC), a leader in the immunization community has taken the next step in building health equity by reaching diverse communities across the state by hosting Entre Mujeres: The Health of Women, the first Spanish-language predominant conference in Kansas City. To increase access to those in other regions of the state, a bus sponsored by Garden City Community College provided transport for women from western and central Kansas! The one-day event in late April was supported by 15 sponsors and exhibitors, brought in 200 people across Kansas, and reached tens of thousands with media coverage and digital campaign efforts.”I’m constantly looking for ways to reach to the underserved community to engage and educate in a cultural, relevant way,” she notes.
The conference also addressed infant mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of prenatal and postpartum care. Geovannie’s commitment to empowering mothers was evident, with a motivational speaker discussing the significance of self-care. “Mothers play an integral role within our society as they are the ones that take care of the health of the family. If women are not meeting their own immediate needs, then it’s hard for them to meet their kids needs,” she emphasizes.
Gone recently received national recognition as “Equity in immunization Champion” for her implementation of HealthEquity initiatives and successfully executed campaigns, through the state of Kansas.
Geovannie’s approach to leadership is rooted in service and community empowerment. “I believe good leaders know how to serve and lead by example. I always feel bless and with a great sense of responsibility. It is my intent in life to serve others and to truly be a voice of advocacy to further expand all the different resources available equitably to everyone within the community,” she states. Her dedication to equity and accessibility in healthcare exemplifies the transformative impact of passionate leadership in the healthcare industry.
The Role of Technology in Modern Immunization Practices
Geovannie emphasizes the pivotal role of technology and innovation in immunization efforts. “Technology is key, especially because all immunizations go through a portal, a technology portal called Web IZ,” she explains. This system allows healthcare providers to track immunizations and access medical records efficiently.
Technology facilitates record-keeping and enhances communication among healthcare entities. Geovannie highlights its importance in research and pharmaceuticals, enabling the development of more effective immunization methods and disease tracking. “Pharmaceuticals and other medical facilities that do research utilizing many different forms of technology to find the most effective way to immunize and to track disease as well,” she notes.
A Journey of Service and Personal Fulfillment
Reflecting on her journey as a leader, Geovannie considers making a difference in someone’s life, including my children, to be her greatest achievement. Her children have been a source of inspiration, motivating her to pursue higher education and excel in her career. “I think my greatest achievement has been to become a mother. My kids were the fuel for me to go back to school and they have been the fuel for me to move forward with my goals and my ambitions,” she shares “they are my biggest cheerleaders”.
Geovannie’s dedication to serving her community has also been a significant accomplishment. She recently received the Equity and Immunizations Hero Award at a national conference, recognizing her commitment to representing minority communities. “I truly do love serving the people that don’t have a voice, so when I look at the accomplishments that I’ve been able to enjoy in life, it’s come from being mindful of the needs of other people and making sure I’m fighting for a more equitable world,” she explains.
During the award ceremony, highlighting her innovative strategies and efforts to build vaccine access and equity initiatives across the state of Kansas.
“What a journey this last year has been!! I feel so humbled to have been recognized nationally with the Equity in Immunization Award. This award has definitely put our state of Kansas in the eyes of all other 500+ national partners allowing us to further our reach and be recognized as innovators in health equity,” Geovannie shared.
As Chair of IKC, Amanda Applegate, expressed her excitement about the award recognition. “Our board was thrilled to celebrate Geovannie’s award – her contributions to equity in immunization access are well known in Kansas, but seeing them recognized at the national level is always heartening. We are blessed to have such a force for good working to help protect Kansans from vaccine-preventable diseases!”, she stated.
Navigating Work and Life with Boundaries and Self-Care
Geovannie understands the delicate dance of balancing a thriving career with a fulfilling personal life. She shares insights into maintaining this equilibrium, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. “Initially, it took me some time to find this balance,” Geovannie reflects. “I learned that it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. There were times when neglecting this led to physical illness or a weakened immune system.”
Despite the difficulties, Geovannie recognizes the value of maintaining boundaries. ” It’s easy to exceed expectations, especially when you love what you do,” she admits. “But it’s crucial to prevent burnout and ensure a fulfilling life both at work and at home. I’ve had to establish clear boundaries, such as working from a set time to a set time, and then disengaging from work-related communication.”
Working from home presents its challenges as it can be tempting to blur the lines between work and personal time. Geovannie emphasizes the need for personal time. “Finding a balance between work and personal life means being fully present in each moment. When I’m with my family, I make sure to be fully there.”
Fostering Team Motivation Through Progress and Understanding
As a leader dedicated to motivating her team, Geovannie believes that progress is a key factor in keeping everyone engaged. “Something that keeps the team very motivated is seeing the progress,” she observes. “We have different tracking mechanisms and keep relevant data on all events and outreach.”
Providing feedback is another crucial element. Geovannie recognizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting individual differences within her team. “Each person has different personality and operates at work according to their past job experiences and individual talents,” she notes. Team building is a cornerstone of Geovannie’s approach. She shares, “I always start our team meetings with a team building exercise, not because I feel we need it, but to ensure that everybody feels part of the team and knows that their influence is important.”
By focusing on strengths and contributions, Geovannie ensures that each team member feels valued. She concludes, “When we get together, we try to focus on the strengths that each individual brings to the table and what they add to the team.”
Empowering Future Generations and Nurturing Organizational Growth
When asked about influencing change in today’s generation, Geovannie reflects on her journey as an immigrant woman in leadership. “I wish to make a change, especially for women who are immigrants,” she shares passionately. “It’s hard as an immigrant to come to the United States, learn a different language, adjust to the culture, and then find out what success means for them.”
Geovannie emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance. “Nothing in life comes easy, especially when you’ve reached a certain level of leadership,” she states. “There had to be some sacrifices. There had to be some hard work involved in it because nothing comes for free.”
Despite the challenges, Geovannie remains committed to her journey of growth and empowerment. ” Life truly doesn’t have any limits other than the ones that sometimes we put ourselves,” she asserts.
Geovannie underscores the significance of mentorship and lifting others. “Once you’ve reached a level where you become an influencer, it is so important to mentor and to lift others,” she insists. “One day we’ll be gone and we want to ensure that other individuals are lifted to positions of power.”
Regarding the future of her company, Geovannie outlines plans for expansion and collaboration. “We are expanding our team,” she announces. “This year we are adding additional staff including community health specialists throughout the state to have a good representation throughout all of Kansas so everybody can have access to the resources we offer.”
Geovannie also highlights upcoming initiatives, including a partnership with the cancer association and participation in national vaccine campaigns. “The future of IKC is bright,” she concludes optimistically. “We’re trying to move more strategically, making sure we have a good foundation and continue training individuals with passion on this work.”
Inspiring Resilience and Pursuing Future Goals
Geovannie’s message to aspiring businesswomen is one of perseverance and resilience. “My message is never give up, continue pushing forward,” she asserts. “Challenges are part of life. It makes the success even better when you know that you’ve jumped through all these hurdles.”
Reflecting on her achievements, Geovannie acknowledges there’s more she wishes to accomplish. One of her goals is to pursue a PhD degree. “I wouldn’t say I’ve achieved all that I dreamed of,” she admits. “I’ve been wanting to go back to school. That’s in the works. That would probably be my next challenge to achieve a goal. I truly love learning.”
Additionally, Geovannie desires to enhance her research skills, particularly in healthcare-related research. “I want to travel and continue my research on healthcare-related topics,” she explains. “It would be great for me to have more time to dig into research and work closely with Mayan/Indigenous communities.”
Leadership Defined: Intentionality, Integrity, and Resilience
When asked to define herself in one word as a leader, Geovannie reflects on her approach with intentionality. “I would say intentional,” she asserts. “I draft a plan and I go for it. I stick to it.” Expanding on her leadership qualities, Geovannie adds, “I am also very honest and integrity is at the core of who I am. I say what I say and I do what I do regardless of whether somebody sees me or not.”
Resilience is another defining attribute for Geovannie. “I’m also very resilient,” she acknowledges. “It is hard to navigate this healthcare system when you’re the minority.” She recounts a challenging experience addressing a predominantly white audience at a hospital association event. “It was hard for me to stand in front of them and deliver a message of cultural humility, acknowledgement of community needs and finish by inviting them to do better,” she recalls. “Sometimes I have found myself in spaces that are hard, in spaces where my voice as an immigrant woman is not welcome by some, but I do it anyways.”
Despite the challenges, Geovannie remains dedicated to serving her community. “Governor Kelly has appointed me on three different boards,” she shares. “I feel very honored to be able to serve the people of Kansas.” Gone currently serves for the board of nursing, the Kansas Hispanic American affairs commission and the Governors’ wellness council.
Conclusion
Geovannie Gone’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. From her early days navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry to her current role as the Executive Director of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, Geovannie has exemplified what it means to lead with intentionality and integrity.
Her dedication to serving marginalized communities and advocating for equitable healthcare access has transformed the landscape of immunization education and inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence in their own lives. As Geovannie continues to pave the way for future generations of leaders, her journey serves as a reminder that with resilience and a clear sense of purpose, anything is possible.
