Her transition from custodian to healthcare professional wasn’t without its challenges. While working tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness of operating rooms and patient care areas, Andrades harbored aspirations of a career in nursing. Despite facing obstacles along the way, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of this goal.

With her newfound qualification in hand, Andrades transitioned into a registered nursing role at Baystate Medical, marking a pivotal milestone in her career trajectory. Yet, fueled by an insatiable drive for personal and professional growth, she set her sights even higher.

Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, Andrades embarked on a journey to become a nurse practitioner—a decision that would see her return to Baystate Medical in a capacity far beyond her initial role. Today, she stands at the forefront of trauma surgery, leveraging her expertise to deliver compassionate care to those in need.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Andrades remains deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues. She attributes her success to their encouragement and guidance, acknowledging the integral role they’ve played in her achievements.

As Andrades takes on her new role as a nurse practitioner, she does so with humility and gratitude, mindful of the valuable lessons learned during her tenure as a janitor. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that every individual—regardless of their background or circumstances—has the power to effect positive change.

In sharing her journey, Andrades hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges or setbacks. She champions the message that perseverance, determination, and hard work can lead to remarkable transformations, underscoring the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

For Jaines Andrades, the journey from janitor to nurse practitioner is not merely a testament to her own tenacity—it’s a testament to the boundless potential that resides within each and every one of us.

Dr. Alexandra Bastiany has made groundbreaking strides as the inaugural Black woman to achieve the status of interventional cardiologist in Canada. Her journey from childhood ambition to professional accomplishment serves as a guiding light for aspiring medical professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Raised in Montreal, Dr. Bastiany was immersed in the world of science and medicine from an early age, with both parents pursuing careers in healthcare and academia. Reflecting on her childhood dreams, Dr. Bastiany reminisces about her early desire to pursue a career in medicine, inspired by the intricate workings of the human body, particularly the cardiovascular system.

Following nearly 15 years of rigorous education, Dr. Bastiany’s lifelong dream came to fruition upon her graduation in 2020. With a steadfast determination to make a meaningful impact in the field of cardiology, she embarked on her journey to become an interventional cardiologist, driven by her passion for addressing heart-related ailments.

Currently practicing at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Bastiany’s professional trajectory has been characterized by unwavering perseverance and dedication. Having completed her medical studies at the University of Montreal and a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at the University of Alberta, each milestone brought her closer to realizing her ambition of breaking barriers in her chosen field.

Despite encountering challenges as a Black woman navigating a predominantly white, male-dominated profession, Dr. Bastiany remained resolute in her pursuit of excellence. Recounting her experiences, she acknowledges instances of bias and microaggressions, both from patients and colleagues, yet she refused to be deterred by these obstacles.