Getting to Know a Trustee

Dr. Latoya
O’Gere ’11, M.S. ’18

A veteran board-certified nurse executive and director at Optum Advisory Services, Latoya O’Gere, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, earned a B.S. in Nursing and an M.S. in Nursing Education from St. Joseph’s University in 2011 and 2018, respectively. In her role at Optum, Dr. O’Gere leverages clinical and strategic expertise to influence healthcare systems in the United States. She became a member of the University’s Board of Trustees in April 2023 and lives in Beacon, New York, with her husband and children.

Most rewarding part of her job
“The ability to make an impact in the lives of patients, and also helping clinical teams deliver the best patient care possible.”

Project or accomplishment she is most proud of
“I was a Rising Star at SJNY’s Esse Non Videri Gala awards celebrating educators in 2022. I’ve received multiple awards, including the Claire Murray Best Practice Award presented by the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership for exemplary achievement in transforming patient care in 2021.”

Best way for SJNY alumni to give back
“Pay it forward, share your experience — just be an advocate and wear the St. Joseph’s crest proudly.”

Quality or trait she values most in an employee or colleague
“Respect and integrity are two of the most important traits for me. I like to see people approach everything with compassion and kindness, trying their best every day for the sake of doing what’s right.”

Favorite restaurant in Brooklyn
“I’m a Caribbean girl, and Topaze in Canarsie sells a lot of Jamaican food. My favorite dish there is the brown stew fish with rice and peas.”

Book she’s reading
“I’m currently reading Leadership U. I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Leadership U for Humanity program by Korn Ferry, and the book is standing out to me right now. It talks about how you can learn more about yourself, the power of potential and how to see it in others.”

Best trip she’s ever taken
“I got married in Jamaica, and last year I went back with my kids to the same resort for our 10th anniversary. Sharing memories with our two children was phenomenal.”

Interesting hobby she has
“I live in Beacon, New York, and we have a lot of hiking trails, so I like to go on nature walks.”

‘This’ or ‘That’ preferences
Dr. O’Gere prefers soccer over baseball, trains over cars, sit-down dining over take-out, going to the beach over going to the mountains, going to the movies over watching TV, skiing over snow tubing, and hosting get-togethers above being a guest.”