A Fireside Chat with Helen Pierson

More than 40 students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered for an intimate lunchtime Fireside Chat moderated by Andrea Garcia, Vice President of Advancement and Director of Campus Engagement and Community Affairs. 

From the moment Helen began speaking, the room was captivated not only by her leadership accomplishments but by her warmth, candor, and humor. She shared personal stories that shaped her resilience, including her family’s immigrant roots, her upbringing between Sacramento and Italian traditions, and the legacy she now passes on to her children and grandchildren. Her reflections illustrated what she often emphasized: “If we don’t ring our own bell as women - who will?” 

Helen described her entry into a male dominated industry with characteristic energy and boldness. When she attended her first California Ambulance Association meeting, she found herself the only woman in the room. Rather than shrinking under the weight of that moment, she leaned into it: “I’m there because I want to know them. They need to know who I am.” Her approach, equal parts confidence, communication, and humor, ultimately led her to serve as a board member and respected leader in EMS statewide. 

At the heart of Helen’s leadership philosophy is communication. Whether addressing employees, collaborating with county officials, or leading boards, she views clear and intentional communication as the single greatest driver of organizational success. Even handwritten thank-you notes, she said, are powerful tools for connection: “When someone knows you took the time, it matters.” 

Throughout the conversation, Helen shared stories that illuminated the deep values behind her work: caring for patients like family, learning from losses as much as wins, and embracing flexibility in the face of challenges. Her recounting of Medic Ambulance’s growth, from a small Vallejo company purchased in 1979 with “a handshake, wine, and salami” to a multicounty EMS provider with more than 800 employees, revealed decades of determination and innovation. 

One of the most touching moments arrived when Helen described her granddaughter being lifted and kissed by the Pope during a family trip to Italy. The story filled the room with awe, and laughter, perfectly embodying Helen’s ability to connect through authenticity. 

She also spoke passionately about supporting students through scholarships, including Touro’s Mosaic Gala. “It’s an investment in the future,” she explained. “You never know when one of these students will be the person helping you in an emergency.” 

When asked what gives her hope for the future, Helen didn’t hesitate: “You. The students. The people who want to help and who are doing the work to get there.” 

Her final message to future healthcare professionals was simple yet profound: pursue your calling with purpose, stay curious, embrace the human side of healthcare, and always, always, keep learning. 

The Fireside Chat left the room inspired, energized, and moved. Helen Pierson didn't just share about her career; she shared a life built on service, resilience, community, and heart.

As one audience member stated after the chat, “Helen Pierson is so inspiring. I feel motivated to go out and attack the world; both personally and professionally. Really great speaker!”