Alena Lukich – Belonging: A Core Principle of Leadership

Alena Lukich is more than just a leader at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS); she is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, equity, and a workplace where everyone belongs. Since joining the BCHS in January 2018, she has held a variety of positions across the organization before assuming her current role as Vice President of Strategy, Quality, Risk, and Communications. In this position, she understands the profound importance of fostering a culture where diversity is not just respected but celebrated. For her, inclusion is at the heart of the work that takes place every day at BCHS.

 “Belonging means bringing your whole self to work and being able to share what is important to you—whether that’s your faith, culture, or values,” she explains. “When you feel like you belong, you’re empowered to do your best work, contribute fully, and support others in their own journeys.” This principle is evident in Alena’s leadership approach. “We all come from different backgrounds, and that diversity is our strength,” she says. “Creating spaces where everyone feels they belong is key to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to excel.”

A Personal Commitment to Equity

Alena’s background is integral to who she is today. “I’m Serbian by heritage and a proud Canadian,” she says. The granddaughter of Serbian immigrants, she was raised with strong Eastern Orthodox Christian values, and her family’s history instilled in her a deep respect for culture and community.

This personal connection to cultural diversity shapes how Alena leads, providing her with a unique understanding of the challenges of starting over in a new place. “My family’s story has shown me how hard it can be to navigate new systems, especially healthcare,” she reflects. “It fuels my passion for breaking down barriers and advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background.”

Alena’s commitment to equity is deeply informed by these experiences. For her, equity is a foundational pillar of healthcare, reframing cultural difference not as a challenge but as an opportunity for growth and learning. “Equity in healthcare means ensuring that every individual has equal access to high-quality care, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or where they live,” she explains.

Due to the pivotal nature of equity, it has been championed as a key focus in BCHS’ upcoming 2025-2030 strategic plan. “We know that communication is a vital part of providing quality care,” Alena explains. “Culturally informed communication fosters a better understanding of our patients so that we can tailor care to their needs. It’s about taking action to remove the barriers that prevent people from reaching their full health potential and eliminating disparities that can impact the quality of care they receive.”

Women in Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation

As a woman in a senior leadership role, Alena is also deeply committed to supporting and empowering other women. She believes that female representation in leadership positions is crucial not only for gender equality but for the diversity of thought it brings to decision-making. “Being a woman in leadership means breaking down barriers and showing others that they, too, can take on leadership roles. When women are represented at every level, we create better solutions and more inclusive policies.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Alena offers advice to others, especially young women. “Embrace your unique qualities and don’t be afraid to take risks,” she advises. “Setbacks are just opportunities for growth. Trust in your abilities and always believe in your potential. Don’t let anyone define your limits—pursue what excites and challenges you.”

In her role at BCHS, Alena actively encourages others to share every aspect of their experiences. By creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their identities, she ensures that the entire organization grows stronger as a result. “I strive to open a window into others’ experiences and create a door that encourages everyone to walk through. When we share and understand each other’s stories, we create a more inclusive, supportive environment.”

This feature is part of the “I Belong” campaign, where BCHS employees, professional staff, and volunteers are given the opportunity to share their personal stories, strengthening a culture of belonging that empowers each individual and deepens our collective mission to provide exceptional care. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered BCHS.