MAHP Women Leaders in Michigan Health Care: Terrisca Des Jardins

Over the month of March, we are promoting the inspirational women who lead Michigan’s health plans. Nearly half of MAHP member plan presidents/CEOs are women and influence the future of health care for residents around the state.

Terrisca Des Jardins, MHSA, is the president of Molina Healthcare of Michigan. Des Jardins is an award-winning and nationally recognized executive, with 30 years of experience in health care. She has served non-profits, for-profits, government and philanthropic entities, as well as payers, purchasers, providers, consumers, universities, and cross-sector partnerships, among others. As a strategic and compassionate leader, she advances organizations, innovative initiatives, and scalable programs to better individual, community, and population health for historically disadvantaged populations.

Over the course of your time as CEO of your health plan, what has been your proudest accomplishment?

I joined Molina Healthcare of Michigan on March 6, 2023. Although I’m brand new, my proudest accomplishment over the course of my career has been establishing meaningful relationships with colleagues and collaborators, which have led to significant professional reach and impact in creating healthier individuals, communities and populations.

What would your advice be to a young woman who is entering her career?

Chase your dreams. Seek out mentors. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Innovate. Go after opportunities to solve the unsolvable. Treat people how you want to be treated. Give back. Have fun!

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