University Hospitals Radiology Informatics Supervisor Tonisa Bermudez is a private person who overcame childhood poverty in a quest to fulfill her potential. Her drive was sparked, in part, by a high school teacher whose sage advice helped an unpolished gem begin to shine.
Tonisa recalls the moment as the greatest advice she ever received.
“My high school geometry teacher, Mr. Ferguson, once pulled me aside to tell me that I had great potential, that I needed to straighten up and live the life I was meant to live not the one I was born into,” she shares.
“I grew up in a house that was well below the poverty level. Today I have a great job, home and family. Overcoming the struggles and roadblocks of my youth to build what I have today is my greatest accomplishment,” Tonisa adds.
A geometry teacher who believed in her paired with an interest in the field fueled her plans for the future.
“I was always interested in healthcare, and I happen to have had a friend who was a radiology tech which led me to the technologist career path. Eventually, I transitioned to the IT side and have loved where this road has taken me,” Tonisa says.
She loves her job and one reason is because, “Every day I get to learn something new.”
“My role puts me on the front line for new technologies and implementations that have systemwide impact for end users and, most importantly, patients,” she adds.
As a leader, Tonisa gives her all and wants the same from her team.
“I don’t expect more from my employees than I expect from myself,” she says. “I always believe that honesty is the best approach even though it can, at times, make my day more difficult. I believe that by holding everyone to the same standards creates a fair environment which contributes to strong relationships between all members of the team.” Tonisa has benefitted from positive leaders and hopes to pay it forward.
“Beverly Rosipko showed me that hard work pays off and taught me not to let the roadblocks stop the progress. There’s almost always another path that can be taken,” she adds. “I like to think I mentor all members of all my teams, though I do place the greatest focus on the team leads.”
A feature article in a national publication is not something Tonisa expected.
“I am a very private person, so the word sharing is difficult for me. I would like to say how grateful I am for the wonderful people in my life and how proud I am to be in a position where I have the potential for positive impact on so many people every day,” she says.
Tonisa Bermudez
MBA, ARRT (R), CRT (M), University Hospitals Radiology Informatics Supervisor
1. What is the last book you read? “The Infinite Game”
2. Favorite movie? “Braveheart”
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I never learned how to swim.
4. Who is your mentor? Beverly Rosipko my director and Mr. Ferguson my high school geometry teacher.
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Every day I kiss my dog Nala. When I wake up and just want to roll back over to sleep, she gives me the get up and moving pep talk I need.
6. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My daughter Sierra. I have always wanted to give her all the things I could never have as a child and wanted to make sure she never wanted for everything. On the hardest days she is my motivation to push through.
7. What would your superpower be? I would want the ability to read minds. Not because I am nosey, but I believe people hold back because they are afraid of what others will think of their opinions. With employees especially, I want to know what they are really thinking and struggling with so I can help them.
8. What are your hobbies? Spending time with family, especially my granddaughter Addy.
9. What is your perfect meal? I consider anything my husband makes to be the perfect meal. He is an amazing cook.
