BIDMC honors employees at annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration

BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) employees Philly Laptiste and Mieka Martin were honored as YMCA Achievers for their accomplishments and dedication to growing their careers and communities at BIDMC's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

“BIDMC has a long, proud history of service, caring, inclusion and respect,” said Kevin Tabb, CEO of BIDMC. “Celebrating those who contribute to these values – including our 2018 YMCA Achievers – is part of what keeps our vibrant BIDMC culture thriving. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s YMCA Achievers and all who contribute to our medical center community every day.”

The award is part of the YMCA’s national program that gives partnered organizations the opportunity to recognize the racial diversity of its community members who use their talents and determination both to progress their own careers and develop young people in their communities. Recipients are asked to commit to at least 40 hours of voluntary service to benefit their community in the upcoming year.

“We are here to honor Dr. King’s legacy and to honor some very special employees who are deeply dedicated to their work and committed to strengthening their communities,” said Pete Healy, President of BIDMC. “Every day, Philly and Mieka bring to life our mission of putting our patients first. They represent the very best of BIDMC.”

Philly Laptiste, Executive Director of Bowdoin Street Health Center, was born and raised on Bowdoin Street in Dorchester. After graduating from Boston Latin School, earning a bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Communications from Emerson College and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Suffolk University, she returned to Bowdoin Street in 2008 as Manager of Community Health. While fostering positive changes in her neighborhood, Laptiste grew her own career and is now the Executive Director of the Health Center.

“I can’t think of a better word to describe Philly than ‘achiever’,” said Sam Skura, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory and Clinical Services at BIDMC. “Philly has worked at the Bowdoin Street Health Center for the past 10 years and has dedicated her career in improving health equity and implementing social justice programs.”

In line with her passion for supporting others, Laptiste has dedicated her time to numerous community centered initiatives. She ran the 2017 Boston Marathon on behalf of Team BIDMC, is co-chair of the Bowdoin/Geneva Alliance and Friends of Geneva Cliffs, and actively participates on many advisory boards through Suffolk University. Laptiste also encourages her family to be involved in neighborhood clean-up and safety events.

“Whether you are a new leader trying to get your team to believe in your vision – or if you are someone who is trying to impact change – there is a part that always feels uncomfortable,” said Laptiste. “But, your passion is what drives you to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Mieka Martin joined BIDMC in 1997 as a Food Service employee on the tray line and was quickly promoted to positions with increasing responsibility within the department. She moved on to Cambridge Health Alliance for three years after receiving her Associate’s degree from Newbury College and returned to BIDMC full-time as a Retail Manager on West Campus. She continued to expand her education and grow her career – receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Newbury College while working full-time and is now Patient Service Operations Manager on BIDMC’s West Campus.

“Mieka really embodies what Martin Luther King, Jr., describes in terms of leadership through managing change and her commitment to people and equality,” said Shana Sporman, Director of Food Services. “Mieka is always committed to rise up to the daily challenge of leading our team to serve others, ensuring that our patients are nourished to heal, and that we are nourishing others to heal others.”

Martin is very involved in mentorship and volunteer opportunities both at BIDMC and with her church community at Spring of Water Christina Assembly in Randolph. From clothing drives to food bank events, she participates in opportunities to give back to her communities whenever possible.

“I give back my time and my effort to the community, because kids will lead our country and our workplace,” said Martin. “The sky is the limit. Once we give back to kids, they can do anything.”