Interview: Franca Mancini, Senior Executive Administrator


September 10, 2019

“Life is fragile but we often take it for granted until something tragic happens,” says Franca. “The work that Humber River Hospital Foundation does is integral in continuously improving medical technologies, patient experiences, and patient care outcomes.”

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Franca Mancini and I joined the HRH Foundation Family in July as the Senior Executive Administrator. I am thrilled to return to the hospital setting and excited to be working at Humber River Hospital!

In one sentence, how would you explain your job to a friend?

In a nutshell, I’m like an ‘ambassador’ for the CEO’s office and daily operations. If you are a Suits fan like I am, I like to think of myself as Donna Paulson’s character – always one step ahead of it all (classy, sassy and smart!)

Is there a Program of Care you have a personal connection to?

Cancer Care is near and dear to my heart. Both of my parents passed away of Cancer in 1999, the same year I became a new mother. Needless to say, it was a life-changing experience for me.

The Cardiology Program is also very personal. My husband Pat (short for Pasquale) suffered two heart attacks, one in February 2015 and another in June 2018. It was the most frightening experience for the entire family. We are truly grateful for his surgeon and his cardiologist, for their care and for educating my family about the warning signs, cardiac care, and long-term healthy lifestyle skills. Life is so fragile but we often take it for granted until something tragic happens.

These experiences have encouraged me to volunteer at community events that fundraise for a cause, like church events, walks for the cure, runs for the cure, hockey banquets, fashion shows, and dinners.

The endless work that the team at Humber River Hospital Foundation does is integral in continuously improving medical technologies, patient experiences, and patient care outcomes.

“I enjoy watching children interact with Pepper and especially love to see seniors communicating with Pepper – the look on their faces is priceless!” says Franca.

What is the most interesting use of technology at Humber?

As a newbie to the organization, I find Pepper the robot to be fascinating. I enjoy watching children interact with Pepper and especially love to see seniors communicating with Pepper – the look on their faces is priceless!

Do you have a favourite project?

I’m excited by the preliminary work being done for the Foundation’s new Fundraising Vision. The possibilities are endless and I am excited to see what the final product and implementation will look like!

What is something awesome thing you’ve done in the last year?

I was absolutely thrilled about getting to join the Humber River Hospital Foundation family. It truly made my day when I was notified.

Also, my husband received his 4th annual ‘Gold Guild’ recognition award from GM Canada and his reward was a Vegas getaway! I am grateful that I was included – it was such a fun trip and we met so many wonderful people while we were there!

I am also very happy to announce that I am a great-aunt, as my two nephews and their wives have recently started families of their own. It’s so heartwarming to see the family grow.

Franca Mancini Family

“I’m inspired by my family and very proud of my two sons as they embark their next stages of their education,” says Franca, pictured with her sons and husband.

What inspires you?

The Foundation team is so devoted and hard working – I’m thrilled to be part of such a creative team of professionals.

I’m also inspired by my family and very proud of my two sons as they embark their next stages of their educational journey – they grow up so fast! Our family dog Rocco (a shih tzu) inspires me when we greet each other at the door with such excitement every day. He reminds me of the importance of self-care, patience, getting outside (even for 20 minutes), and giving him my undivided attention.