EMERSEN FRAZIER | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
As the director of health equity and policy at Stormont Vail Health, Emersen bridges the gaps between patient care and community well-being. She strives to improve the accuracy of demographic data collection, understanding that behind every number, there are real people and real stories.
Emersen oversees many initiatives to foster inclusivity, empower underserved communities and enhance the quality of maternal and child health.
She is active with several community organizations, such as the Topeka Community Foundation, the Racial Equity Impact Analysis Group and Shades of Theatre.
What characteristics do you value most in your coworkers?
As a non-clinical person working in the health care field, I could write a book about this. However, one characteristic that has always stood out to me is healthcare workers’ constant capacity to care. Although providers see hundreds, if not thousands of patients each year, it has been incredibly refreshing to experience their care and consideration during the unfortunate times when I’ve had family members in the hospital. It often feels like these caregivers show up to work just to take care of my loved one.
What should one never take for granted?
The people who support you. It’s not always the ones you expect, but there will be people in your corner, cheering for you behind the scenes. Appreciate them and offer your support where you can.
What are you currently reading?
I love reading. Right now, I’m halfway through “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid. It’s a coming-of-age novel that explores race, gender, socioeconomic and sociopolitical themes. I’m really enjoying it so far. I see many parallels between myself and the main character, Emira, in terms of our interests, dilemmas and life questions.
