Angie Everett started her journey with North Mississippi Health Services in 1989 as a social work student with grit, grace and a drive to succeed. Almost three decades later, she met Anna Wright, a woman who shares those same values. This dynamic duo not only desires to achieve individually; they also inspire one another to reach higher and connect their passion with a greater purpose.

The two sought careers in health care for the same exact reason – to serve and bring joy to others.

“Its more of a calling than a career,” Angie says. “It’s a privilege to help influence change, advocate for others and create opportunity and vision to improve the lives of our patients and teammates.”

Early in her career at NMHS, Anna was looking for an opportunity to use her passion and unique talents to make a difference. She soon connected with leaders throughout the organization to learn more about various career paths. Anna was immediately drawn to Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Services after spending time with its leader, Angie, and her team.

“For me, working in a nursing home setting feels more like a calling than simply providing services,” Anna says. “It pulls you in and captures your heart. Our nursing homes are communities that function like families.”

Early on, Angie invited her to attend a seminar hosted by the Mississippi Hospital Association where she was a featured speaker. When she heard Angie’s heartfelt story, Anna was captivated by her new “sponsor” and the career possibilities within our health care system.

“Angie’s support is part of the foundation of my career,” Anna says. “When she told me about her career journey, it opened my eyes to all the possibilities that lay ahead at NMHS.”

Angie’s commitment to Anna and women in health care is steadfast. While participating in the Carol Emmott Fellowship, a self-guided program for women professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential in the health field, Angie learned that women are often mentored but rarely sponsored in their careers. She feels fortunate to have had both throughout her career journey and seeks any opportunity to pay that forward.

“I helped Anna visualize herself in whatever she aspired to achieve,” Angie smiles. “I shepherded her, helped her create a path forward and put her passions to work. I also encouraged her along the way to grow wherever she was planted at the time and to be patient.”

With Angie’s support, Anna soon began serving on various committees, leading various initiatives and took on the role of interim administrator at Baldwyn Nursing Facility during one of the most tumultuous times in health care – the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2018, Anna has grown from an administrative fellow to administrator-in-training at Baldwyn Nursing Facility and now a licensed nursing home administrator at Marion Regional Nursing Facility in Hamilton, Alabama.

“Angie asked me if I was interested in leading the team at Marion Regional Nursing Home because she believed in me,” Anna smiles. “She makes me feel seen and heard, and she uses language that builds me up and makes me feel like I can take on any challenge.”

Angie says her style as Anna’s sponsor is purposefully designed, and she encourages Anna to draw on compassion and innovation as her guiding lights.

“I intentionally guide her and help her develop her own style while I challenge her to learn how to communicate, navigate, solve problems and see the big picture in an effort to be an influencer for change,” Angie says.

Likewise, Anna says Angie’s positive, creative and humorous style helps make the best of the most chaotic situations.

“Every time we tackle a new challenge, we seem to come up with a new phrase or code to mark the battle and victory!” Anna laughs. “We’ve ‘slayed many dragons’ together.”

Angie believes all leaders should be expected to mentor and sponsor their people. She feels strongly about people communicating what they need and desire, what drives them, what they’re passionate about and how they need support that connects them to their purpose.

“Anna is smart, loyal and committed to what is good. She has a laser-focus on excellence with a heart for our patients,” Angie says. “I hope I showed her how to lead with both head and heart along her journey.”

If you’re looking for a leader who’s your no. 1 supporter – someone who will sponsor and shepherd you along your career journey – we have a place for you.

“Leaders like Angie Everett are the reason people stay with our health care system and work here for 30+ years,” Anna says. “I’m forever grateful for the impact she made on my personal and professional life.”