"Advocating for Health Equity"

Danielle Hilliker has vastly progressed Southeastern Michigan Health Association (SEMHA) and paved a clear path for a thriving future. The President and CEO have spent the last 18 months rebuilding SEMHA’s infrastructure and developing operational efficiencies to be a better partner, service provider, and employer. Ultimately, being a leader and change agent for the stakeholders.

Danielle has focused a good amount of effort on restructuring SEMHA’s Center for Population Health division and strategically developed a framework that centers around equitable health for communities throughout Southeast Michigan. The newly formed Health Equity Division helps partners build a proactive public health infrastructure, ensure communities are valued and included in multisector partnerships, share resources for collective impact, and remove patterns that contribute to poor health in Michigan.

SEMHA has come a long way from its initial work with tuberculosis and has transformed the organization to support partners with community health needs assessments, working with MDHHS to gather utilization data across the state, studies to support infant and maternal health, and so many more public health programs in the past 60+ years. “SEMHA has been a humble and supportive partner, and we not only want to improve our existing infrastructure to serve our stakeholders better, but we also envision SEMHA being a more active partner and leader in building a culture of health,” says Danielle.

Women’s economic empowerment is much more complex, and supporting women’s rights, health, education, poverty reduction, and upward mobility is always a priority for Danielle. “I believe health is wealth, and wealth is health. Women’s economic mobility and the additional resources women need to truly support their household are a driving force in my decision-making,” explains Danielle. “Women’s economic empowerment is interconnected to women’s health services. Advocating for policies and the workforce to meaningfully invest in safe, fair, and healthy practices for all women is vital to this country’s future. It is time to recognize and take action!”

Danielle leads by example. She has a great sense of self-awareness and exhibits confident humility. The Ubuntu philosophy shapes Danielle’s leadership, “I am because we are”. Her humbled leadership creates space for her team to thrive and grow. Danielle also pushes her staff to think critically and then rethink. The ongoing opportunities for professional development and encouragement to be a lifelong learner creates a safe space for an authentic growth mindset. Armed with this passion, Danielle is taking SEMHA to great heights.

SEMHA’s most significant achievements have led to where they are now. Danielle propelled a transformation of not only the institute but also the leadership. Historically SEMHA had an identity that kept them in the background. “We are shifting that culture and leveraging our collective model to drive change. Again, being accountable to our clients, employees, and communities is driving our transformation,” elucidates the steadfast leader. “This has organically led to new partnerships and relationships that will benefit the health and wellbeing of Michiganders.”

As Danielle works towards completing her Ph.D. degree in public policy and health services, she aspires to cultivate a culture of health. For over a decade, Danielle has dedicated her work in various ways to the nonprofit sector; whether it be working directly to support the infrastructure or impacting the community, she has consulted with and led various nonprofit organizations to effect change. “I believe that building a culture of health encompasses everything we do, how we live, work and play, ultimately impacts our health outcomes. I am dedicated my future to changing the narrative for future generations,” adds Danielle.

SEMHA envisions a culture where the barriers that lead to health inequities in Michigan have been permanently removed, all individuals and populations are valued equally, historical injustices are remedied, and resources are distributed according to need. SEMHA is positioned to play a significant role in navigating collaborative governance to develop synergies and strategies to make systemic change. “It is vital that we build a culture of health to shift the dynamic in our resources and built environment. Building a “culture of health” is a realization that health is affected by every aspect of our lives. Until we approach our policies and decisions in such a way that contributes to these factors, we will continue to fall short of creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for every individual,” says Danielle. “All sectors should recognize the larger impact of bridging the gap and creating collaborative strategies that contribute to improved health outcomes.” WL