By: Ashmar Mandou

As Chicago’s only Latino hospital CEO, Jose R. Sanchez, president and CEO of Norwegian American Hospital takes pride in serving his community of patients and building a network of support with local schools. “It is very important to me that I engage with the community, particularly with the youth in the Humboldt Park community so that they surround themselves with positive role models,” said Sanchez. “I feel a great sense of pride that I am able to serve this community.”

A native of Puerto Rico, Sanchez migrated to New York at the age of 17 and quickly began working hard despite socio-economic barriers. Sanchez has worked as a social worker since 1979 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the City College of New York and a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University. Sanchez also served as Senior Vice President of the Generations +/Northern Manhattan Health Network. “Although I have accomplished a lot in my career, I tell youth I am the same as you, I come from humble beginnings, I faced discrimination, I had it rough, the only difference that helped me through it all was my education. I had a great education back in Puerto Rico,” said Sanchez. “That was my salvation. My education helped me get to where I am at now. Norwegian American Hospital is so much more than a hospital. Yes, we give the upmost care to our patients, but we also believe in investing in our community, our youth so that we create more leaders to help move our community forward.”