Leadership can be taught, and leadership can be learned. Using this premise, the REALIZE executive experience takes already good leaders and, over the course of ten months, helps them become transformational leaders for the benefit of the region’s health.

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s REALIZE Executive program is a world-class experience established in 2010 and tailored specifically for the Paso del Norte region to inspire and train a cohort of 20 high-level leaders at a time to build upon existing leadership qualities and skills. Offered every 2 to 3 years, the more than 100 REALIZE leadership graduates include nonprofit executives, chief financial and operations officers, school district central staff, chief nursing officers, academic deans, and many more established leaders.

Nominations for the sixth REALIZE Executive cohort are open now through April 19, 2024. This cohort is limited to 20 individuals. Nominate a leader by emailing the nominee’s name, email address, and a brief statement regarding the nominee to REALIZE@pdnhf.org.

“It was an amazing opportunity to come to a better understanding of the potential that I have as a leader. It helped me move the needle on reaching that potential,” said Cathy Gaytan, Chief Executive Officer of El Paso Child Guidance Center and a member of REALIZE Executive 2015-2016 Cohort 3

El Paso Child Guidance Center works to improve the health and well-being of children and families in a safe environment through mental health services, education, and awareness.

“If you’re looking to grow in your leadership abilities, and if you’re looking to understand more about yourself and maximize your potential as a leader, then this is a wonderful opportunity to do so,” Gaytan said.

Gaytan said participants could build long-lasting relationships with community colleagues that some may otherwise not have met. She also mentions participants receive guidance from experts they might not receive anywhere else.

REALIZE participants complete a customized 360-degree assessment, develop individualized leadership goals, and work privately with an executive coach. Participants also participate in two off-site experiences, six learning sessions delivered by world-renowned leadership experts, networking opportunities, and receive assessments to measure individual growth.

“The connections with fellow leaders, many of which I sustained today. The level of access to experts in the field of leadership and the content that was taught was a big aspect; if that’s what you’re looking for, then REALIZE is an excellent opportunity,” Gaytan said.

The REALIZE program is dedicated in honor of Robert H. Hoy, Jr. Mr. Hoy was a founding board member of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. His leadership, support and advocacy, and role as a leader and mentor to countless young leaders are among his many wonderful contributions to health and well-being in our region. The Health Foundation is pleased to offer the REALIZE program to build health leaders across the region in honor and furtherance of Mr. Hoy’s legacy.

Using a model of thinking, doing, and being, REALIZE achieves targeted and marked changes within cohort members. The thinking part of REALIZE emphasizes strategy and vision. The doing elements build skills for leading teams, communications, and driving quality. Finally, the being elements address how a leader shows up and overall presents themselves.

For information on REALIZE, contact Dr. Michael Kelly at (915) 218-2619 or mkelly@pdnfoundation.org.