During Women’s History Month, CCHCS staff are reflecting on the women who helped shape their careers, highlighting how mentorship from influential women helped them step into leadership, speak up and grow in their roles. Those moments started with a mentor.
That influence still shows up in their day-to-day work.
Kelli Davis: Growth and decision-making
Kelli Davis, chief of workforce development and talent management at CCHCS, has been with the department for more than 14 years. She said mentorship emphasized personal growth as the foundation for professional success. Guided by Allison Sanjo, associate director of employment and outreach with over 18 years in the department, Davis learned that developing internal resilience and clarity strengthens leadership over time.
Sanjo also reinforced the value of thoughtful decision-making. Taking a moment to pause, Davis said, leads to “more thoughtful decisions and stronger outcomes” in a fast-paced environment.
Jane Moses: Lifelong learning
Jane Moses, associate director of the Compliance and Reporting Unit (CRU), has been with CCHCS for 14 years. She reflects on the lasting influence of her mentor, Cathy Jefferson, who has worked for the department for 18 years in various roles across CCHCS and CDCR.
Jefferson’s high expectations and steady guidance pushed Moses beyond her comfort zone and helped shape her professional growth.
Jefferson’s advice continues to resonate: “Never stop learning — every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to grow.
Bea Santillán: Leading with purpose
Bea Santillán, a supervisor II for Quality Management, has been with CDCR and CCHCS for six years and started as an Analyst II. She credits Annette Lambert, Deputy Director of Quality Management, and Sarah Aston, Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer, with shaping her leadership approach.
Lambert, who has worked for CDCR and CCHCS for 23 years and began her career as an Analyst II, modeled purpose-driven leadership focused on staff well-being. Aston, who has worked for the department for more than 17 years and started as an Analyst I, helped Santillán connect day-to-day work to broader organizational goals.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you have to care about the people just as much as the results,” Santillán said. “They remind me that while we have big goals, we get there by supporting our staff and helping them connect to the ‘why’ behind what we do.”
Lori Green: Leadership and accountability
Lori Green, a chief executive officer at California Medical Facility (CMF), said her mentor, former director of health care services Jackie Clark, helped build her confidence and leadership voice. Clark’s willingness to listen, provide honest feedback and encourage new challenges shaped Green’s career trajectory.
“Before Jackie’s mentorship, I would have remained content in a supporting role,” Green said. “Today, I use my voice to advocate for staff and patients.”
One principle continues to guide her work: “Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. Right is right even if nobody is doing it.”
Judy Kornell: Mentorship in nursing leadership
Judy Kornell, a chief nurse executive, credits her mentor, Nancy Hollingsworth, the former chief executive officer of St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, with expanding her view of nursing beyond the bedside.
Hollingsworth emphasized the importance of understanding both patient care and the business side of health care.
“The lesson that most influenced me was to remember that each day is new,” Kornell said. “Never stop visiting and listening to patients, and continual learning leads to big impact.”
Kelli Rocha: Stepping into leadership
Kelli Rocha, a supervisor II with the Health Care Correspondence and Appeals Branch, Policy and Risk Management Services (PRMS), has been with the department for 17 years. She said mentorship opened the door to leadership she once avoided. Encouraged by Janet Lewis, who retired as deputy director of PRMS, Rocha stepped into an acting manager role and later pursued the position permanently.
With Lewis’ support, Rocha gained confidence in her ability to lead, shifting how she viewed her career and her role within the organization.
Her mentor’s perspective on change left a lasting impression. Lewis described CDCR as “Changing Direction Constantly Repeatedly,” a lesson Rocha said continues to guide her in leadership when encouraging staff to embrace change.
Together, these experiences reflect the lasting impact of women supporting women and how that guidance continues to shape leaders across CDCR and CCHCS.
Story by Amanda Spangler
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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