Trustee Licedia Souchet: Empowering Communities

Licedia Souchet, SHRM-CP, is new to Wheeler’s Board of Trustees this spring, but not new to the complex world of organizations where service and people make all the difference.

In her career in Divisional Field Human Resources for AutoZone, Inc., she manages and oversees human resource issues at more than 800 of AutoZone’s 6,000 retail locations, coast to coast, overseeing HR functions for more than 9,000 staff.

“I joined Wheeler’s board because the mission and vision called to me. All people should have the opportunity to live equitable and healthy, productive lives. In human resources, part of my work is to ensure our employees are empowered and supported. I can see a direct connection between that and helping to make sure Wheeler’s team can best serve everyone who depends on us for care.”

Aside from the connections in her professional career, Licedia is also heavily engaged in her community, volunteering for Spanish American Social Activities Inc. (SALSA, INC.), Mustapha Heron Skills Academy, Inc. and King of Kings Church.

“My professional and community background provides me the insights needed to contribute well-informed strategic initiatives that align with our work,” she says. “I want to be a part of contributing positive and productive initiatives that build healthier and well-informed communities across our state, especially areas served by our health centers.”

She sees tremendous need across the Waterbury region and Connecticut.

“The pandemic brought so much to light that we already knew in terms of how health care isn’t equitable, isn’t always available. So short-term, I think we can make our greatest area of impact by educating socially vulnerable populations about the importance of vaccinations for COVID. We know the pandemic has affected Black and Brown communities the hardest. If we want to come through COVID better than we were before, we will only be able to do that by getting everyone vaccinated and then addressing the larger social issues that made these wide disparities in the first place.”

“Wheeler should be a pillar not only in the community but across the state for its work serving socially vulnerable populations, helping everyone to have access to equitable health care. We have a lot of work to do. I’m excited to help us do it!”

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