In 2022, when Children’s Minnesota was experiencing job-opening levels in line with Minnesota’s 21% health care vacancy, Laurin Cathey quickly changed the hospital HR team’s approach to attract new employees, alleviate pressure on the workforce, and ensure new hires reflected the diversity of patients and families. As a result, Children’s hired 1,300 employees last year. Of those hires, 37% were BIPOC. So far this year, the hospital has hired 688, 39% of whom are BIPOC. Cathey also leads professional development initiatives for benefits such as expanded mental health therapy and coverage of fertility services, adoption, and surrogacy. Cathey also created the Children’s Minnesota Leadership Academy, enrolling 120 vital second-tier leaders. One year later, all 120 participants remain at Children’s Minnesota.