Rosalind Williford’s career in finance spans over 30 years, during which she has worked with esteemed companies like General Electric and SUEZ. Her impressive track record led her to her current role as the chief financial officer of Esperanza Health Center, overseeing all financial reporting and long-range planning.
Esperanza Health Center is a nonprofit federally qualified health center that provides primary care and preventative care, including health, oral and mental health/substance abuse services. The center is a leading provider of integrated healthcare services, serving over 14,000 patients of all ages.
According to her staff, Williford’s passion transcends the finance world. “She has been a prominent figure in the diversity, equity, and inclusion community, advocating for equity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond,” they said. “She continues to champion equity by recognizing healthcare disparities, particularly mental health, and the stigma that black and brown patients face.”
As a leader, Williford is at the forefront of driving thought leadership and formulating strategies that aim to promote revenue growth, create new employment and enhance the availability of critical medical services in the community. As scholarship chair of the Bucks County Links, Williford has helped award nearly half a million dollars in scholarship funds to students who have excelled both academically and through their community involvement.
She has also served as a speaker for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and serves as vice president of First Tee, an organization that teaches young people important life skills through the game of golf. Her efforts have resulted in recognition as the Bucks County YWCA for women who make a difference.
As a leader, Williford said she is learning to lead with encouragement. “Be present and intentional, and truly listen to others,” she said. “You cannot and will not be everything to everybody, but you must be true to yourself so that you can show up authentically, with intention, and goodness.”
Great leaders are self-aware and have the ability to influence others with integrity and accountability, said Williford. “Influencing others requires building a strong sense of trust with team members and peers,” she said. “The ability to balance power and accountability can distinguish successful leaders from ineffective ones.”
Mentoring others is also a top priority for Williford. “As a leader, my goal is to unlock the potential of everyone around me and enable them to expand and grow in their roles and as leaders,” she said. “I aim for my team to acquire leadership skills that extend beyond their professional lives, impacting not only their homes but also their communities.”
