Love in Leadership: Spotlight on Elaine Couture

Our Love in Leadership series spotlights the transformative power of leadership rooted in compassion and community. This month, we sit down with Elaine Couture, a retired Regional Chief Executive of Providence and St. Joseph Fund (SJF) board member. Her spirit and commitment to serving the dear neighbor are guiding forces in our work.

Elaine’s dedication and passion for service help enable us to build communities that are lively, healthy, hopeful, and just.

 

What inspired you to join the St. Joseph Fund Board?

Before I decided to retire from Providence, a colleague, Joel Gilbertson, who was on the SJF board, encouraged me to join as a representative from the Providence side of the family. Through Joel, I saw that in this capacity, I could contribute to efforts to examine and address the health disparities.

SJF reminded me of what love in action looks like now. Understanding the social determinants of health (SDOH) was familiar. In fact, we have lived with SDOH globally for a long time. Coupled with the heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, I really wanted to be involved in this.

I was grateful that SJF welcomed me into the position even though I retired from Providence. They assured me I had a place because I had a servant’s heart. Because of SDOH, I wanted to work towards understanding individuals’ challenges.

I’m very proud to be on the board. I am very distressed about how marginalized groups, such as transgender and immigrant communities, are treated in this country. The Jesus I know   reached out to people experiencing poverty and the most vulnerable and ensured those individuals were taken care of first. It bothers me that there are so many people discriminated against because of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual preference because I don’t believe that that is the Christian ethos. I have felt for so long that Catholic health has to amplify the voices of communities that aren’t heard.

SJF works to do just that, which makes me feel really proud.

 

What is one thing the St. Joseph Fund has accomplished during your tenure?

At our last board retreat, I saw firsthand how SJF listens to the communities. Several people spoke at the retreat about the differences that SJF made in their communities. When they spoke, I could see their listening in action versus just words. When you sit around in the board meeting, you’re always talking about things, but you don’t always see how this works in action. Hearing directly from the partners helped me see the work in action.

I was at Providence for 30 years and feel fortunate to be around the Sisters. Gabby, Jason, and the SJF team are meeting the mission of the Sisters to care for their dear neighbor. These are individuals who are genuinely servant leaders. Jason inspired me so much this year when he talked about community, listening to others, and sitting down to celebrate other people’s way of life. We grew up so differently, but his passion is contagious and makes me want to learn more about his traditions and take part in them.

It’s the same with Gabby and the partners who spoke at the retreat. I want to share spaces with them, break bread with them, and learn about new traditions. Another thing I learned during my tenure is that there is so much out there that I don’t know and that I may have missed out on in my life. The people I’ve met at SJF are always learning, and therefore, I am, too.

 

What is one thing you hope that we can accomplish or continue within the next year?

I would love to see a deeper connection with the caregivers. Sharing some of these stories about SJF’s impact on their neighborhoods would be great. I believe messaging should include how Providence looks like them because “the dear neighbor” is each of us.

 

Elaine, thank you for sharing your perspectives. We are so grateful for your commitment to the communities supported by SJF and Providence. To learn more about our exceptional board members, connect with us on LinkedIn or subscribe to Rooted in Love.