Sonya Williams came to ECU Health as a 19-year-old intern with no specific plans to stay at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. A job offer in the admissions and billing department, however, paved the way for a 40-year career that has seen Sonya through many changes.
“I love my journey,” Sonya said. “You can grow with this system. ECU Health has afforded me great opportunities in my professional and personal growth.”
From the business office, where she worked the phone switchboard, Sonya transitioned to insurance where she gained a leadership role. She’s since worked in corporate compliance, the HIMS department, process improvement, and community equity and improvement.
“That takes us up to the pandemic,” Sonya laughed. “From there I worked in community work and my role changed again. Now I’m the manager of community health improvement, chaplain and volunteer services.”
During that time, Sonya also continued her education.
“I started with an associate’s degree from Roanoke-Chowan Community College, but I graduated from Elizabeth State University for a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in management in 1996, and after my husband passed away in 2013, I had the conviction to get my master’s and doctorate from Grace Bible College and Theological Seminary. Now I’m an ordained minister.”
Sonya said having supportive leadership and colleagues made it possible for her to continue her education.
“It’s good for you and it’s good for the organization. Getting my master’s and doctorate wasn’t required for my current role, but my leaders saw what I had and what was needed for this job and it connected.”
Regardless of her role, Sonya said she’s made strong connections with her colleagues and her community.
“Roanoke-Chowan has been like family, and I’ve felt supported in a life-work balance. It’s not always like that in other jobs,” she said. “And over the years I’ve worked with so many who have advanced in their journeys. I’ve tried to encourage them along the way, too.”
For now, Sonya has no plans to retire, although it is on the horizon.
“Staying the course isn’t possible because things always change,” she said. “Technology changes, people change. Retirement is my eventual destination, but even when I do, I don’t see myself doing nothing. I love people and my community, and I love to travel. My bucket list destinations are Africa and Dubai.”
In the meantime, Sonya plans to continue to flourish in her role.
“ECU Health is an absolutely wonderful place to grow and work if you’re open to change and experiences. If an opportunity presents itself, take it. I came in working the switchboard and here I am. Your attitude will make your path, your gratitude will grow it and your determination will allow your journey to be as long or as short as you desire it to be.”