Yesenia Taveras, MBA, BSN, RN, CHFN, serves as senior director of the Cardiac & Vascular Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital, overseeing specialized cardiovascular programs, including advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, adult heart and kidney transplant and cardiovascular surgery. Inspired to make a broader impact beyond direct patient care, she pursued healthcare leadership to strengthen systems, support teams and build environments where people can thrive.

Taveras believes leadership is built on trust, integrity and supporting others through both challenges and successes. “Lead with authenticity, stay open to learning and never underestimate the value of listening to the people around you,” Taveras said.

She is especially proud of helping grow Memorial’s advanced cardiovascular programs over the past decade, contributing to the institute’s designation as an American College of Cardiology HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence while fostering a culture focused on exceptional patient care.



Alicia Charles leads Support Services at Memorial Regional Hospital South, providing strategic oversight for Food & Nutrition and Environmental Services while leading more than 75 frontline team members. Her path to healthcare leadership began during a dietetic internship, where a mentor demonstrated how thoughtful leadership could shape both patient care and organizational success.

Colleagues describe Charles’ leadership style as transformational, grounded in empowering others, fostering collaboration and leading with integrity. As healthcare evolves, she believes leaders must remain adaptable to attract, engage and develop the next generation of professionals.

Charles is especially proud of developing Memorial Healthcare System’s Dietetic Internship Program – the first healthcare system-based program of its kind in Broward County – helping strengthen the future nutrition workforce.

She encourages emerging leaders to lead with passion, embrace continuous learning and remain authentic. “When integrity is at the core of your leadership, it becomes a steady guide for everything,” Charles said.



Sandra Marte, R.N., is nurse manager III of the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center, where she leads a team of over 100. During her seven years at Broward Health, she has advanced from registered nurse to nurse manager.

“Every day I strive to lead by being present, approachable and supportive of my team,” Marte said. “To me, leadership means putting my heart and soul into every aspect of this role. It means showing up for my team, building trust and supporting the growth and success of those around me so we can deliver exceptional care together.”

Marte also works with new graduate registered nurses as they transition into one of the hospital’s most demanding clinical settings.

Marte is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association and the Florida Nurses Association. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from American Sentinel College and is currently pursuing a master’s in nursing at Florida International University.



Bradley Petitdos, R.N., is assistant nurse manager of the Emergency Department at Broward Health Coral Springs, where he helps oversee daily operations, staff scheduling and exceptional patient care in one of the hospital’s busiest departments.

A Broward Health team member for nearly 20 years, Petitdos began his career as a paramedic before advancing into nursing. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to clinical excellence and developing the next generation of nurse leaders.

“True nursing leadership is measured not by the authority we hold but by the comfort we provide, the courage we instill and the confidence we inspire in others,” Petitdos said.

In 2025, he helped launch Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training for ER nurses. In 2026, Petitdos collaborated with fellow leaders to coordinate Operation Night Owl disaster preparedness training, strengthening partnerships with local emergency medical services agencies and enhancing the community’s emergency response capabilities.



As the new chief medical officer at Broward Health North, Cornelius Powell, M.D., MBA, CHCQM, brings more than two decades of experience leading hospital operations, physician engagement and healthcare innovation. A board-certified emergency physician and U.S. Army Special Forces medic, he has advanced initiatives focused on quality, safety and exceptional patient care.

“My goal is to empower our teams, strengthen collaboration and ensure every patient receives the highest level of care,” said Dr. Powell. “Strong physician leadership and innovation are essential to building a healthier future for the communities we serve.”

Dr. Powell earned his Doctor of Medicine from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.