H.O.P.E., hard work and support help employee reach career goals

Part of a series about employees who have advanced in their careers and are filling different roles within Yale New Haven Health.

Vikki Montalvo has ambition and determination in abundance.

She also has family members, colleagues and mentors who have helped her overcome obstacles on her professional path.

Montalvo, a supervisor in Yale New Haven Hospital’s Guest Services department, was one of five employees from across Yale New Haven Health who shared their stories during a Pathways to Career Success webinar presented by YNHHS’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging councils.

The Yale New Haven Hospital chapter of Montalvo’s story began in 2008, when she applied for and was accepted into YNHH’s H.O.P.E. (Having an Opportunity to Prepare for Employment) program. This 16-week work-readiness program for community members includes skill-building workshops and volunteer placements to give participants workplace experience and tools to secure employment. Bridgeport Hospital also offers the program.

Through H.O.P.E, Montalvo volunteered at the former Hospital of Saint Raphael in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit helping patients and families. She continued volunteering after completing the program and was soon hired as a casual, then full-time hospital employee in Directory Services (now Guest Services).

Knowing she wanted to further her career Montalvo worked extra hard and took classes at YNHHS’ Institute for Excellence.

“I always accepted new responsibilities in my job, and I was willing to learn more and advance in my career.”

In 2017, she began working toward a BS degree in health/healthcare administration/management at Albertus Magnus College. It was intimidating going back to school in middle age, “but my sister and best friend emphasized the value of education,” Montalvo said. “Whenever I had doubts, they would keep telling me, ‘You can do it!’”

Overcoming doubt wasn’t her only challenge. Montalvo was a single mother, attending school, working full time and running a business. Realizing she was trying to do much, she decided to drop her business. That meant less money for school, a problem Montalvo tackled with her trademark determination and hard work. She talked to the school’s dean; applied for and received scholarships and grants; and sought assistance through YNHHS’ Tuition Reimbursement and EdAssist programs. (Learn more about these and other programs on HRConnect on the employee intranet).

“I was beyond grateful for the scholarships and other help I received,” Montalvo said. “It just made me want to work harder for my degree.”

In 2019, she applied for and got the job of Guest Services lead, and in 2023 was promoted to supervisor. Her next goal: Earning her master’s degree.

“If you want more and you’re determined, you can have more. Age doesn’t matter,” Montalvo said. “I still set goals one at a time, and even with challenges, I don’t give up.

Read about NEMG senior nurse practitioner Maureen Leach’s professional journey in the Oct. 3 Perspectives and watch for more career pathways profiles in upcoming issues.