Pamela Hernandez is powered by people’s stories. It is one of the reasons she enjoys working in the Human Resources and healthcare fields, where she can simultaneously help others grow their connections and careers.
As Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Officer at Tower Health, she is dedicated to building positive experiences and engagement for employees, patients, and their families. She is passionate about fostering a workplace where staff can share their stories, as well as feel heard, seen, valued, and supported.
Pamela’s story began on North 10th Street in Reading, where she was raised as one of five children by a single mother – a resilient Puerto Rican woman with a big heart. Her Dominican father, who struggled with addiction and was HIV positive, ultimately passed away from AIDS after years of drug use. This personal experience provided her with a profound understanding of the complexities of human life. Raising her own three children as a single parent further enriched her perspective on the challenges faced by families.
Her combined life and career experiences have made her the driving force behind Tower Health’s commitment to excellence in Human Resources, Community Wellness, Patient Experience, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). Among her professional goals is to continue to position the health system as the employer of choice across generations. Central to this vision is her emphasis on community wellness and addressing social determinants of health alongside her team.
Yet, her inspired leadership extends far beyond the executive office. She serves with a listening ear, an open-door policy, and a heart for community service. She works to bridge healthcare and community interests to create an environment where employees and patients can thrive under compassionate care. Her lifelong guiding principle – we rise by lifting others – is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and empathetic guidance.
For example, through her influential stewardship, Tower Health has undergone a thorough review of job descriptions to eliminate barriers to employment. She has championed initiatives positioning Tower Health as a second-chance employer, significantly expanding outreach efforts to promote internal opportunities. She staunchly believes that where an employee begins should not determine their career trajectory, and she advocates for inclusive growth and development paths.
Collaborating closely with the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, Pamela also encourages employees to explore educational scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs. These initiatives are designed to empower staff, enhance their skill sets, and foster continuous professional growth within the health system, thereby benefiting not only the individuals but also their families.
Recognizing the diverse needs of Tower Health employees, Pamela has also partnered with the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks to offer English as a Second Language classes during work hours. This initiative supports many employees who are parents balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Additionally, Tower Health provides specialized Spanish classes tailored for healthcare workers, reinforcing Pamela’s commitment to inclusivity and support.
As she now writes her next chapters, her unwavering vision for inclusion and excellence in healthcare shines through. Today, she lives a blessed life, happily married to her husband, Sal. Together, they have five children and a son-in-law, and they recently welcomed their first grandchild. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys camping and being outdoors, visiting our state parks systems. We cannot wait to watch the rest of her story unfold!