Ivelesse Mendez-Justiniano has been with NYC Health + Hospitals since 1994 and most recently served as the Chief Learning Officer and Interim Chief of Diversity and Inclusion. She leads a portfolio inclusive of Diversity and Inclusion, Strategy development, Language Access, Gender Equity, Health Equity, Workforce Development, The Corporate Learning Academy, Talent Management, Volunteer Management, and Leadership Development. Prior to joining NYC Health + Hospitals she worked at the Park Slope Physicians Group and Caribbean Women’s Health Association.

During her tenure at NYC Health and Hospitals, she has held several progressive leadership roles overseeing Patient Relations, Interpreter Services, Quality Management, Graduate Medical Education, and LEAN/Breakthrough. Ms. Mendez has also taught at the Master’s graduate level. Her subject areas include: Health care policy and administration, Health Care Management, Project Management, and Management of Human Resources at the Metropolitan College of New York.

Ms. Mendez Justiniano is adept and engaged in working with internal and external stakeholders. She serves as an 1199 Trustee. She is the Chairperson for the NYC Board of Education Technical Education Council. She serves on the Advisory Councils for CUNY Community Colleges, Metropolitan College of New York, NYC College of Technology (CUNY). Ms. Mendez-Justiniano is a member of the Mayor’s Talent Interagency Cabinet, a reviewer for the Midwest Academy of Management, and a Fellow of America’s Essential Hospitals.

Ms. Mendez-Justiniano has a proven track record of achievements. Under Ms. Mendez’ leadership, the system has received global recognition in several areas. Diversiton- International Diversity Champion and International Inclusion Awards. (2023) The Training Apex Top 100 Training Organizations (2022) Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (2022) Best HR Team (2021), Brandon Hall Gold Award, Best Learning Team, (2020) Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Award (2019), Training Top 125- Global Training Elite (2017).

Ms. Mendez-Justiniano has been named to the Chief Learning Officers & Influencers Forum: Hall of Fame, Europe.

Ms. Mendez-Justiniano holds an MBA and a MS in Organizational Management from St Joseph’s College. She is presently pursuing her PhD in Organizational Development and Change with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.