Standing out: Diane P. Holder
Diane P. Holder
President and CEO, UPMC Health Plan
The International Women's Forum named Holder one of 12 recipients of its 2015 “Women Who Make a Difference Award.” The award recognizes women who are exemplary role models for women's progress and development, demonstrate a track record of outstanding achievements, and are highly respected in their professional fields. More than 6,000 women leaders in 33 countries belong to the forum.
What are some of the challenges for women leaders today?
Holder: Women leaders face the same challenges that most women face: how to balance the needs of family and work and live a healthy, satisfying and meaningful life. Women continue to struggle with the demands inherent in combining the significant responsibilities in their lives. Running for political office or securing corporate advancement is very difficult if there is little flexibility or support. The good news is that women are graduating from college with advanced degrees in greater numbers, even higher percentages than their male counterparts, and the wage gap is closing (slowly). Additionally, there are more women running organizations who serve as role models and supports to other women who want to do the same.
Who are your role models and why?
Holder: I believe in “everyday role models” just like I believe in “everyday leaders.” I interact with people every day who inspire, encourage or support me and others, and I expect most don't think much about how important their small actions and words matter. But, I also find heroes like the incredible woman physician from Nigeria I met who had been jailed 30 times, fighting for women's rights in her country or the young woman I would like to meet, Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize fighting for the right for girls to be educated in Pakistan. My grandmother was my earliest role model. She believed in helping those less fortunate, believed education was the source of all good, and she believed in me.
What are the top health issues facing women?
Holder: Heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression and autoimmune diseases are the major medical conditions that are of great concern for women. While there are no guarantees, enough scientific research has been done to make long, healthy living a possibility. Risk for these diseases can be reduced and complications also reduced by a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking and preventive screening. I would encourage women to take charge of their health by working in partnership with their doctors, knowing their family medical history, educating themselves on health issues and paying attention to their bodies.
