Toledo native, physician turns into first girl of coloration chief of workers for Arizona medical system

Dr. Gayle Dean says she takes pride in leading and setting an example for young girls and youth in the black community.

TUCSON, Ariz. – It’s been a big year for women’s representation. Vice President Kamala Harris is one of the new high profile women executives. But a native of Toledo hopes to use her new position to set an example for young girls.

Dr. Gayle Dean says her parents taught her never to forget where you were from. She was born and raised in Glass City. She graduated from Maumee High School and the University of Toledo.

Thirteen years ago she accepted a position as an obstetrician and gynecologist at Tucson Medical Center in Arizona.

“My parents always said, despite the fact that you are a colored person,” she said, “you have to prove yourself better than.”

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To date, she has been elected as the first wife of TMC’s color manager. And she said she was proud to take on the role even if it means a lot more responsibility.

“Actions speak louder than words, and if you can see it, it can be you,” said Dr. Dean, “and I’ve really thought about it being bigger than me.”

Dean says she always saw herself as a leader. She stressed that representation is important and that the success of people like former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris is a strong precedent.

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“Whatever your wish, dream or goal is, you see that it is possible when you see someone who does,” she added, “instead of just hearing it and saying that nobody looks like me. “

Dean, as a person of color, says that when you take a leadership position, you are not just doing it for yourself, you are representing your entire community. And she urges parents of color to encourage their children to make their dream come true.

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“It’s so important to support your children and let them know they can,” she said, “even if you think I don’t know, tell them they can. Tell them that they can. “

Repeating a testimony from Vice President Harris, Dean says she knows she won’t be the last if she takes on this role as the first woman of the suit.