Dr. Airica Steed’s name is synonymous with leadership, transformation, and advocacy in the healthcare space. Her extraordinary career—marked by groundbreaking firsts and unrelenting dedication to eradicating health disparities—serves as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. From her roots as a fourth-generation nurse to helming historic leadership positions, she has consistently challenged systemic barriers while championing equity and justice for all.

Dr. Steed’s leadership has not only reshaped institutions like MetroHealth and Sinai Chicago but has also redefined the possibilities of what a healthcare leader can achieve. Guided by a blend of personal passion and professional expertise, her mission transcends traditional goals, aiming to create a healthcare system that works for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

You’ve achieved historic milestones, such as being the first female, first Black person, and first nurse to serve as CEO at MetroHealth in nearly 200 years. Can you share how these achievements have shaped your leadership style and vision for equitable healthcare?

Breaking through multiple barriers at MetroHealth has been both humbling and empowering. Each “first” represents a victory not only for myself but for those who have been systematically excluded from leadership roles. These milestones have cemented my belief that representation at the executive level is fundamental to achieving equitable healthcare.

The unique perspective I bring as a nurse, a woman, and a Black leader enables me to approach systemic challenges from angles that had long been overlooked. I’m guided by a leadership style rooted in empathy, accountability, and actionable change. My vision for equitable healthcare is about more than addressing disparities—it’s about creating transformational and sustainable systems. When underserved communities see themselves reflected in leadership, it builds trust and advances equity.

Breaking barriers and shattering the “concrete ceiling” as a Black female leader in healthcare comes with unique challenges. What are some pivotal moments in your career where you overcame these obstacles, and how has adversity fueled your mission for change?

Earning a seat at the table as a Black female leader was one of the greatest initial challenges I faced. Navigating spaces where I wasn’t always seen or heard required resilience, grit, and the unshakable belief that I belonged. It wasn’t just about breaking the glass ceiling—it was shattering what I call the “concrete ceiling,” which feels almost immovable for women of color.

One of the pivotal moments in my career was leading through opposition with dignity and grace. My experience taught me to channel adversity into fuel for success. These challenges shaped my mission to ensure others—especially women and people of color—have the opportunities that weren’t readily afforded to me. Adversity, for me, became my superpower and the foundation of my advocacy work.

Your personal experiences with America’s broken healthcare system have deeply influenced your advocacy. How have these experiences inspired your fight to eradicate health disparities and achieve health equity for underserved communities?

My commitment to health equity stems from personal tragedy. Losing loved ones to preventable healthcare inequities gave my work a purpose that transcends professional advancement—it is deeply personal. I’ve felt the pain of systemic failure, and I’ve seen firsthand how marginalized communities suffer. These experiences have driven me to advocate fiercely for structural change.

I view myself as an extension of the community. My goal has always been to amplify the voices of the unheard, to create programs and initiatives that close the “death gap,” and to eliminate barriers to care. Whether at MetroHealth or Sinai Chicago, my work has focused on lifting communities, addressing social determinants of health, and ensuring access to resources that can change lives.

Women’s health, particularly the crisis surrounding maternal and infant mortality, remains a pressing issue. What steps are you taking now to address this challenge both nationally and internationally, and how do you envision impactful change?

he maternal and infant mortality crisis is one of the most heartbreaking reflections of healthcare inequities. The statistics surrounding maternal mortality, especially among Black women, remain staggering. My work focuses on bringing attention to these issues and creating actionable steps toward solutions.

Nationally, I’ve been part of strategic initiatives to reduce infant mortality, addressing factors like healthcare access, education, and socioeconomic barriers. Internationally, my focus is expanding through my studies in Global Development at Harvard. I want to bring these issues to a global audience and collaborate with policymakers, NGOs, and healthcare systems to drive sustainable change. We need systemic interventions, culturally competent care, and advocacy at all levels.

You’ve spearheaded large-scale transformations, driving financial improvements, quality outcomes, and groundbreaking advancements in health equity. What strategies have been most instrumental in executing these transformations across healthcare systems like MetroHealth and Sinai Chicago?

Transformational change requires a combination of strategic vision, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving communities. At MetroHealth, I led initiatives that tackled social determinants of health through innovative programs like the Institute for H.O.P.E.™. These were not only designed to improve healthcare access but also to address transportation barriers and living conditions alongside care delivery.

Similarly, during my time at Sinai Chicago, I focused on financial performance, expanding access to care, and elevating the health of the community. These experiences have taught me the importance of partnerships—unifying stakeholders toward common goals. Utilizing frameworks like Lean Six Sigma and Malcolm Baldrige has also been instrumental in achieving measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Mental health advocacy has been a key area in your work. Could you discuss your current efforts in mental health and how pursuing a master’s in Global Development at Harvard aligns with your vision for global health advocacy?

Addressing mental health is critical, especially post-pandemic, as mental health challenges have reached unprecedented levels. My work has emphasized integrating mental health services into holistic care models to provide wraparound support for patients. From establishing mental health resources within underserved communities to training providers in trauma-informed care, I’m advocating for a new standard of mental healthcare.

My studies at Harvard in Global Development perfectly align with this mission. They expand my understanding of how mental health disparities intersect with global inequities. These learnings will inform my advocacy for comprehensive mental health policies and systems on a broader scale.

As a recognized trailblazer in the healthcare space, what advice would you offer to aspiring leaders, particularly women and people of color, who seek to drive transformational change in their industries?

First, believe in your power. Never doubt that you belong at the table, even if that table wasn’t designed for you. Take risks, and don’t be afraid of making uncomfortable decisions—growth often comes from discomfort.

Second, find your purpose. When your work serves a mission bigger than yourself, it fuels you to overcome barriers. Transformational change requires relentless persistence, collaboration, and the courage to challenge broken systems.

Finally, lift as you climb. It’s vital that as you rise, you make room for others to follow. Share the lessons you’ve learned, mentor others, and build communities that champion inclusion and equity. Leadership is not a title; it’s a responsibility, and it’s one we should all approach with intention and heart.

 

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