Healthcare Heroes: La Toya Johnson
What is your position at Torrance Memorial?
Compliance Coordinator
What made you want to work at Torrance Memorial?
My mother’s best friend worked here and suggested I apply. Once I interviewed and got a feel for the organization, I was eager to work for such a great community hospital that showed commitment to great quality health care, exhibited a culture dedicated to success, innovation, and core values that were similar to mine and felt like family.
What experience or person influenced you to choose your career?
The person that influenced me to choose a career in service was my mother. She passed away 21 years ago but always gave selflessly and instilled in me the joy and fulfillment of striving to give rather than to receive. She was an active listener who genuinely cared for the wellbeing of others and did everything in her power to enhance the lives of others. I learned perseverance as I watched her adapt to whichever situation that was thrown her way.
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage has shaped the person I am today by giving me the courage to seize opportunities and stand with pride. I consider the many accomplishments of Black Americans in the many endeavors throughout history, witnessing these leaders in a wide variety of industries, politics, art, science, and culture. There is a profound effect on myself and an entire generation of people that instilled a strong identity of humanity and a compelling culture.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
Family traditions that are especially important to me are decorating for all occasions/holidays, praying together for things that we are grateful for, and remembering to take time to honor, respect and care for elders and past generations. Exhibiting family unity whether its family reunions or small gatherings we pay homage to the matriarchs that have endured times when racial segregation was mandated. Looking into a face of wisdom and strife, yet still seeing joy, strength and faith that wasn’t distorted or weakened gives me pride and direction to improve cultural patterns, remain grounded and show my embedded tenacity for survival.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is a dedication to honoring the conquests as well as acknowledging the struggles of African Americans throughout history. It is a time dedicated to reflecting and celebrating black achievement, contributions, and progression in the Civil Rights Movement. We get the opportunity to highlight cultural influence pioneers that continue to trail blaze and provide inspiration from the past and through that inspiration I hope we continue to grow, be inspired and have compassion to serve one another.
What is your favorite dish that represents your culture?
My favorite dish that represents my culture is leafy collard greens for the richness of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, and black eyes peas, every first of the year, for good luck and prosperity!
Which historical or contemporary African American figure do you admire and why?
One historical African American figure that I admire is Bessie Coleman. She was the first African American woman aviator in the 1900s to earn an aviation pilots license through her dedicated passion, tenacity, and determination. She was famous for loop de loops and making the shape of an “8” with her airplane. She was self-sufficient and nick-named “Brave Bessie” and encouraged African American women to reach their dreams. One of her famous quotes was, “The air is the only place free from prejudices.”
What special point of view has your heritage given you?
Strength to persevere and not necessarily assimilate to the norm but remain true to oneself while adding value through self-expression and integrity. My heritage has given me the ability to overcome adversity and turn turmoil into triumphs, no matter what the situation.
What makes you proud of your heritage?
What makes me proud of my heritage is our unique rich and diverse culture that is full of intensity, influence, and range. A heritage that has impacted and brought value to a multitude of industries such as healthcare, engineering, chemistry, psychology, science, music, art, television, politics and so much more. We have the ability to endure, speak loud even in silence, unite in times of need and ultimately show resilience and radiance from our past, while exuberantly looking towards our future.
