A Reflection of Empowerment
What is the best way to meet the VA mission of caring for Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors? Justina Wells believes the legacy of world-class health care is engrained in the people who provide it.
“We’re in the people business,” offered Wells, who serves as the assistant director for Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. “Understanding who we are, along with celebrating our amazing diversity, unites us in our mission and endears us to those we serve.”
Wells knows a thing or two about the importance of diversity and beams with pride as she explains the importance of being equally proud of being African American and a woman.
“I was always taught to be empowered, and my family was very intentional with us knowing our roots,” added Wells. “I believe that we are all working hard to live the life our ancestors dreamed.”
As the country honors Black History Month, Wells says this month is a reminder of the people, events, and moments that defined previous generations and shape the future.
“During Black History Month, we celebrate our greatness as individuals and collectively,” added Wells. “So much work has been done by those who have paved the way through achievements that influenced our culture and created impactful, lasting moments around the world.”
Although Wells’ family traces their lineage in the U.S. back to the Deep South of Mississippi and Louisiana, Wells grew up in Paradise Valley, Ariz. Without being prompted, she let out a cheerful laugh as she offered, “Yes, there are black people in Arizona!”
As she remembers her childhood, Wells said she was often the only black student in her class. She credits her parents as champions of education and culture who guided her understanding, appreciation, and on-going interest and pride in her heritage.
“We were always reading and going to museums so we could learn more,” said Wells. “Any opportunity I had to learn about African American culture or talk to others about my history, I jumped on it.”
Wells embraced opportunities in grade school, through book reports, to learn and share details about notable African Americans such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Dorothy Height, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou.
When it came time to choose a college, Wells chose to attend Spelman College, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. During her time in Atlanta, Ga., through her studies Wells embraced opportunities to learn and celebrate the legacy and impact of her culture and once graduating broadened her civic and social responsibility by joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
“My time at Spelman empowered me to know that as an African American woman I could do anything and that there are no barriers related to my race, ethnicity and gender that can hinder me from achieving success,” Wells said. “At that time, I realized that my charge was to make a difference in my community.”
Her desire to be a difference maker, along with thoughts of her heritage, inspired her choice to pursue a career with the Veterans Health Administration.
“My grandfathers are Veterans who served in the U.S. Army and U.S Air Force,” Wells said. “Their legacy of serving others inspires me to support Veterans, and I see my grandfathers in the faces of so many Veterans across VA.”
As Wells leads her team at the Lee County Healthcare Center and provides leadership to employees across the seven VA Clinics in the healthcare system, she says Black History Month plays a key role in the care provided to Veterans.
“Across our healthcare system, this month’s observance allows Veterans and employees to feel supported, seen, and heard,” Wells said. “Most importantly, it gives everyone a deeper understanding of what African Americans bring to the table and why we are at the table.”