By Kathy Gaillard
Michele LeBourgeois, Chief Operating Officer at Milwaukee Health Services Inc. (MHSI), is a self-proclaimed overachiever. In addition to earning undergraduate degrees in Healthcare Administration/Management and Communications, she has also earned three master’s degrees—in Business Administration, Public Administration, and Human Resources Management.
Born on an Army base, LeBourgeois’ father brought her to Milwaukee to live with her grandmother. After attending Milwaukee public schools, she went on to earn her first undergraduate degree at Concordia University.
Initially LeBourgeois planned to pursue a career in nursing. After enlisting in the Army reserves where she served for six years, for a time she was stationed at Milwaukee’s Veteran Affairs Hospital.
“Working at the VA as a medical assistant provided me with good insight into nursing and allowed me to see that while I wanted to stay in the healthcare industry, I could more effectively help people by working behind the scenes,” said LeBourgeois.
LeBourgeois continued her education and ultimately landed at Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. (MHSI), as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, a position she has held for 6 years.
“Working in my community is fulfilling. I like making things better for people and working to ensure that our patients receive quality services, good customer care and are treated like anyone else, no matter their economic status or race. I actually get to see the positive outcomes of the work we do at MHSI. The people who come to our facility are not strangers; they are our neighbors and community residents. We know them and they know us. Oftentimes you never get to see the direct effects or improvements of your efforts. At MHSI, we do get to see the outcomes,” said LeBourgeois.
MHSI is an independent, not for profit Federally Qualified Health Center with a mission of providing accessible, quality primary and related health care services to Milwaukee residents, with continuing emphasis on medically underserved families and individuals. MHSI, since 1989, has been providing medical, dental, podiatry, and behavioral healthcare, in addition to a limited number of specialty services. With experience serving low-income populations, MHSI is committed to removing barriers and improving health outcomes to promote quality of life and reduce disparities among racial and ethnic communities.
In addition to her oversight of operations at MHSI, LeBourgeois’ commitment to the community continues through her membership with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where she serves on the Community Services Committee and volunteers to work in events such as the Annual Youth Symposium and community baby showers that are held annually.
“I just enjoy talking and connecting with people. I’ve learned that there is always some way to help and it does not have to be a huge project. If you find out that there is a need, help can come in the form of connecting people with resources if you can’t provide them yourself. Sometimes a simple ‘hello’ or a smile can help brighten someone’s day. So many people are going through so much. People are hurting in our community and each one of us can and should find ways to give back or help someone,” said LeBourgeois.
Her desire to help and give back also trickles into her personal life as she enjoys gardening.
“In the summer I have a vegetable and flower garden. We eat the vegetables and give away some of the food we grow,” said LeBourgeois.
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc., and Michele LeBourgeois are diamonds, planting seeds of hope and good health in our community.
For more information about Milwaukee Health Services, visit their website at www.mhsi.org.
