Janice Whaley, the president, and CEO of Donor Network West is at the forefront of saving lives and exceeding expectations. Her non-profit organization serves more than 13 million people and connects organ donors to those in need across 45 counties in Northern California and Northern Nevada. It is the second-largest organ procurement organization in the U.S.
When Whaley joined Donor Network West in 2019, she demonstrated a passion for helping families feel secure through organ recovery and transplant. Donor Network West’s success is made possible by its partnership with 175 hospitals, 44 coroners, more than 500 funeral homes, and a host of doctors, nurses, and medical examiners. The organization collaborates closely with researchers in research medical centers, hospitals, universities, and biotechnology centers to advance their programs in organ and tissue donations.
Whaley committed to paying it forward well before her tenure at Donor Network West. She has held leadership positions for several healthcare centers as a managing director and COO since 2012. in recognition of her efforts, Whaley has had the opportunity to serve on national boards and committees and is dually certified in organ and tissue recovery through American Board for Transplant Certification and American Association of Tissue Banks.
What inspired your career journey?
I learned about the organ procurement industry while working on my master’s in public health and contemplating what I wanted to do with my life. Born into a family of service, I wanted a field of work that allowed me to help people. I read an ad one day for a job, and the title was, “Procurement Coordinator – If you want a job that allows you to save and enhance lives every day, this is the job for you.” I took the job because the idea of impacting someone’s life for the better appealed to me. Thirty plus years later, donation and transplantation are still my passion.
If you could thank any Black woman for her contributions to history and society, who would it be and why?
It would be Michelle Obama. Michelle is the epitome of grace and resilience through adversity. Standing beside former President Barack Obama as first lady, she had to deal with many challenges and negativity. However, she understood her role and that being the first Black first lady was much bigger than her. Through it all, she remained poised and focused. She did it not only for her family, but also for you and me.
Why is it important for more experienced Black women to reach back and help younger women of color?
I would only be here with the help I received from people investing in me. I hope that by sharing my knowledge and experience with other women and men of color, they will be able to bypass various land mines that I ran into during my journey, ultimately helping make their path to success quicker and smoother.