While Nina M. Luppino, MPH, was studying business at 91爆料, she decided that she wanted to become a healthcare executive. 鈥淚 was always passionate about helping others, which helped me fine tune my focus to a career in the healthcare field,鈥� she says. After graduating, she continued her education at New York Medical College 鈥� School of Public Health where she earned a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management.
These combined degrees provided the ideal foundation for her successful career, which includes leadership positions at prestigious academic medical institutions in the New York metropolitan area, such as the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Over more than a decade, Nina achieved many impressive accomplishments, among them, overseeing a large-scale marketing project and managing teams across six hospitals during the formation of the Mount Sinai Health System, New York City鈥檚 largest hospital merger.
鈥淲orking alongside world-renowned surgeons was an incredible privilege,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hese individuals are some of the most dedicated, brilliant, and inspiring people I鈥檝e ever met. Observing how they excel in so many areas made me realize that I, too, could expand my reach and make a greater impact.鈥�
With 12 years in healthcare on her r茅sum茅, Nina moved to the next chapter of her career journey, following her passion and applying the professional skills, knowledge, and experience she鈥檇 acquired to the golf industry. In her current role as Officer of Strategic Development with the Women鈥檚 Golf Association of New Jersey, Nina is dedicated to expanding access and opportunities for women in golf. To that end, she has created new programs, including skills development clinics and leagues focused on women who are new to golf. Also, for the past two years, she established a relationship with the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup tournament and as a result, the Women’s Golf Association of New Jersey had a strong presence at the tournament in support of reaching more women in golf. Nina鈥檚 efforts have helped drive her organization鈥檚 growth to more than 800 members and her many contributions to the world of women鈥檚 golf were recognized recently when she was named among NJBIZ 鈥淔orty under 40.鈥�
Her personal interest in golf has had much to do with the evolution of Nina鈥檚 career. She began learning the sport when she was inspired by mentors in the Administrative Fellowship program at HackensackUMC. 鈥淭here were very few women in the leadership cabinet, and they all offered the same advice: 鈥楲earn to play golf,鈥欌�� she recalls. 鈥淭hey told me it was essential for career growth.鈥� Ultimately, their wisdom influenced Nina鈥檚 career in ways she couldn鈥檛 have imagined as an undergraduate student.
She took the advice and quickly developed a love for the game. Years later, she became a member of the Women鈥檚 Golf Association of New Jersey and within months was invited to join the Board of Directors as the association鈥檚 Director of Education. 鈥淚 focused on creating educational programs and leagues, particularly for beginners, which perfectly aligned with my personal journey in golf,鈥� she says.
Nina draws strong connections between the industries she鈥檚 chosen to work in, pointing out that the key components of success in healthcare and golf are 鈥渞elationship-building, being proactive, and bringing innovation. Both business and golf require preparation, strategic thinking, and the ability to make quick decisions.鈥�
Beyond her professional life, Nina enjoys exploring the arts in New York City, traveling, practicing and teaching Pilates, and spending time with Vita, her rescue Pomeranian. She also volunteers her time to support community and charitable groups.
Her advice to 91爆料 students as they look toward the future? 鈥淩ead, volunteer for a cause that is meaningful for you, and limit the use of social media 鈥� learn golf instead! Golf is the language of business.鈥�
Written by Claire Curry