SHE Relatable Leaders Career Journey Spotlight
SHE Women’s Network Support Heal Empower
Andrea Cortes
6/1/20264 min read
The SHE Women’s Network Support Heal Empower is all about empowering, supporting and elevating our members, and inspiring future generations of female leaders. Every months we spotlight the careers journeys of some of our amazing members. Today we hear from Jeredyne Stanley.
Leading with Persistence and Purpose OR From Aerospace to Healthcare: A Journey of Transformation
Andrea X. Cortés Beltrán, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Latin Americans in Health & Care – United Kingdom Network and Improvement Deputy Director at King's College Hospital, London
Andrea is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in aerospace manufacturing and healthcare transformation. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the Latin Americans in Health and Care UK Network, where she champions equity, inclusion, and leadership opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Originally from Mexico, Andrea has lived and worked in the USA, Spain, and the UK, giving her a global perspective and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. She is passionate about creating meaningful impact aligning transformation efforts with the needs of patients, staff, and communities, and inspiring the next generation in STEM through international youth engagement initiatives.
Beyond her professional work, Andrea enjoys solving puzzles, practicing hot yoga, exploring world cuisines, and connecting with different cultures through travel. She is driven by a desire to build better systems and services that leave a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.
Introduction
In my role, I focus on driving continuous improvement that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency in acute care, while fostering inclusive leadership across the organisation.
My career has taken me across diverse industries and countries , from sweets manufacturing in Mexico to aerospace engineering in the USA, and now to healthcare improvement in the UK. Each stage has strengthened my problem-solving, leadership, and resilience, but what unites them is my passion for creating systems and services that truly benefit people. Alongside my professional work, I remain committed to equity and representation, mentoring underrepresented colleagues and co-founding a national network to amplify Latin American voices in health and care.
Early Career
My professional journey began in Mexico, where I trained and worked as an engineer. Just as my career was becoming stable, I felt a strong pull to pursue international opportunities. Moving abroad without a network was daunting: new systems, new cultures, and at times, profound uncertainty. I quickly learned that opportunities do not simply arrive; they are created by reaching out, asking questions, and building connections. Patience and persistence became my compass.
Later, when another international move reshaped both my personal and professional life, I leaned again on these same principles. Each transition taught me that change is never easy, but it is the most powerful catalyst for growth when embraced with curiosity and determination.
Pivotal Moments
One of the most significant turning points was leaving behind my language, family, and traditions to start from scratch in another country. Without an established network, I had to rely on the value of my skills and my persistence. Eventually, I secured a role with one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, my dream job at the time. That experience showed me that merit and perseverance open doors, even in unfamiliar environments.
Another pivotal moment came when I shifted sectors entirely, leaving aerospace for healthcare. Once again, I began from zero, building new knowledge, networks, and credibility. I was fortunate to find both formal and informal mentors who guided me and recognised my potential. Their support reinforced my belief that leadership is not only about personal achievement, but also about lifting others along the way.
Leadership Lessons
Over the years, I have distilled a few lessons that guide my leadership:
Never compare your journey to others. Your uniqueness is your strength, and it shapes the opportunities that are right for you.
Ask for what you want. The worst answer you can get is “no,” but often, simply asking is the first step to unexpected possibilities.
Let your work ethic speak for you. Integrity and commitment are intangible, but they are noticed and remembered.
Advice for Others
For aspiring leaders, my advice is simple: never stop investing in yourself. Whether it is pursuing a personal passion, gaining new skills, or seeking professional coaching, view yourself as your most important life project. Professional coaching has been a transformative investment for me, the insights gained last a lifetime and sharpen both confidence and clarity.
Closing Thought
My leadership is shaped by the wisdom of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruíz:
Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.
These principles are a daily reminder to lead with authenticity, resilience, and compassion. Ultimately, I aspire to be the leader I once wished I had met; someone who opens doors, creates space for others, and helps build systems that leave a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.
A quote or some advice that you found valuable
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is Winston Churchill’s reminder that “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Over time, I have seen how true this is in leadership: while knowledge and skills matter, it is attitude that inspires teams, builds resilience, and creates the belief that challenges can be turned into opportunities.
For me, maintaining a positive and grounded attitude (even in moments of uncertainty), has been the foundation for leading with compassion and courage. It is often our outlook, more than our circumstances, that determines the impact we can have as leaders.
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