New Hire Spotlight: Meet Marlene Rios

What is your name and new job title?

My name is Marlene Rios, and I am the project manager III for the Resource Center.

What does your new job involve?

In my new role, I am responsible for overseeing the renovation of the wigs room, enhancing community outreach efforts and acting as the liaison for the patient resource center. My goal is to strengthen the center’s connection with patients and their families, ensuring they have access to essential resources and support.

What skills are you most excited to bring to your role here?

I’m particularly excited to bring my strategic project management skills, my background in patient advocacy and my strong community outreach experience to the table. My experience in patient advocacy will be instrumental as I work to enhance the center’s role as a resource liaison, making sure that each patient has a meaningful connection to the support they need. I’m also passionate about building partnerships within the community, which I believe will amplify our outreach and strengthen our impact on patients’ lives. I look forward to working with my team to make the resource center a welcoming, resourceful hub for patients and families.

What’s an achievement you are proud of?

Aside from the personal fulfillment of raising my four sons and recently earning my bachelor’s degree, a professional achievement I’m particularly proud of is building strong, impactful connections within the community. These relationships have not only expanded our organization’s reach but also enriched the resources we can offer, enhancing the support available to patients and their families. This achievement reflects my commitment to fostering collaborative networks that drive positive change, a skill I am eager to continue developing in my current role.

Can you share a bit about your previous work experience and what you enjoyed most?

In my previous role as program manager for global oncology and international programs, I coordinated observerships for physicians from low- and middle-income countries, allowing them to spend up to three months with our physicians. My responsibilities included guiding these professionals in exploring various medical career paths and helping them determine the specialties they wished to pursue upon returning to their respective countries. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role was the opportunity to engage with health care professionals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, enriching my perspective on global health care and fostering lasting connections.

What is your favorite karaoke song?

My go to song would be “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. I feel it’s a safe song, and everyone knows it. They will start to sing along and drown out my horrible singing. 

What’s your favorite movie or television show and why do you love it?

My favorite movie is Pretty in Pink. I love it for the way it captures the tension between societal expectations and individual desires, as seen in the romance between a young woman from a modest background and a wealthy young man. Despite pressure from friends and the social divide, their connection persists, ultimately overcoming the barriers that initially keep them apart. This story resonates with me because it highlights the strength of character and the courage it takes to follow one’s heart, even when facing resistance. I love the ‘80’s.

What is a unique talent you have that most people do not know about?

A unique talent of mine that most people might not know about is my ability to truly listen and empathize with others. I have a natural inclination to understand and connect with people’s feelings, which helps me support those around me in a meaningful way. Additionally, I have a passion for dancing and cooking, which allow me to express creativity and bring joy to others in a more personal setting. These talents contribute to my ability to create a warm, positive environment both at work and in my personal life.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If I could travel anywhere in the world, two places stand out: England and Brazil.

What is your favorite hobby?

At the moment, my favorite hobbies revolve around settling into our new home here in Mississippi. Since our recent move from Miami, I’ve been enjoying organizing, cleaning and thoughtfully arranging each space to make it truly our own. Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment has become both a fulfilling project and a source of joy as we make this new house feel like home. I will add that both my husband and I love to explore, travel and go to concerts.

What is your favorite book and why do you love it?