Get to know: June Faison

We are pleased to introduce you to June, CommonSpirit Health’s Program Manager, Ministry Formation. June works with the Mission Integration team and has been with our ministry for nearly 15 years.

How do you see your work within CommonSpirit helping to fulfill the organization’s mission and vision?
Well, that is the work of my team, the Ministry Formation team! We have an amazing team and our leader is great! I especially enjoy listening to our sacred stories that are published on missiononline.net.

Why do you give?
I was not always a donor. Paul Richardson [System Senior Vice President, Philanthropy Engagement] took the time to explain to me the different programs supported by philanthropy and the various ways I could donate. I was so impressed with all that philanthropy is doing I became an instant donor! Each time I donate Paul never runs out of patience and guides me through clicking the right buttons.

What does gratitude mean to you? Does it play a role in why you give?
Interesting, my manager recently asked our team to share what gratitude means to us. I am currently on the board at St. Anthony’s and when they call for a need and I can help fulfill it; that is what gratitude means to me.

What did it mean to you to be able to give to support CommonSpirit’s Disaster Relief Fund?
It was heart wrenching to watch what was going on with the fires in the Bay Area. I sometimes feel helpless. What is sometimes not mentioned in the forefront is the mental health aspect. I feel blessed to serve at an organization that recognizes the importance of getting involved. The process to donate makes me feel like I am getting involved.

What’s your fondest memory of working for CommonSpirit?
When I first joined CHW at the time, Gail White [Vice President, Total Rewards, Human Resources] and I went on a bike ride. I would not use my clip-in pedals. Gail explained to me how I was losing a half turn for every turn while riding and basically tiring myself out unnecessarily. Gail volunteered to teach me. She invited me to a parking lot near her home and I was so very excited that I finally got it! The biggest challenge was finding the parking lot!

What’s one fun fact others might not know about you?
Everyone knows that I have been chasing my pilot license dream for a while. However, since being grounded due to COVID, I’ve decided to go for a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) licensing. There’s not enough female instructors in this area. I would be most encouraging by saying, “if I get this I know you can!” Fortunately, I have the best instructor in the world but it took me years to find him! Currently, my instructor cleared me to fly solo in the practice area. The practice area is the Mount Diablo area. My next and final step is to test with the FAA!.