Sonny Borja-Barton
VP of Pharmacy Management, Medical Mutual
Education: Pharm.D., University of Southern California; M.B.A., University of Phoenix
What I’m Reading: Various healthcare journals
My Philosophy:Treat others, as you would like to be treated. Anything is possible.
Interests: Cycling and walking my dogs Nani (Pug) and Koa (Labrador Retriever)
Company Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio
Website: www.medmutual.com
Primary Business: Mutual Health Company
Annual Revenues: $2 billion
What motivated you to choose your field/career path? How did you come by your current position?
I have always wanted to help others, so the healthcare field made sense. The field of pharmacy is very diverse and the practice options for women are endless. I came across my current position by just browsing on the web. Coincidentally, I had worked with someone in Hawaii who works for Medical Mutual. She rated the company’s treatment of its employees in high regards. Since I have joined Medical Mutual, I would have to concur to my co-worker’s rating.
“Diversity is our strength and comes in many forms. Learn to harness this diversity to accomplish your goals. In the end, we are all human.”
Are there any stereotypes of Asian/Pacific Americans that should be refuted or are incorrect?
A common stereotype of Asian/Pacific Americans, especially women, is that we are passive and submissive. Although this is what our culture has traditionally expected, this is so far from the truth. Asian/Pacific Americans in business are as aggressive and assertive, as necessary, to accomplish the goal(s) we are striving to gain.
How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career/and or business relationships?
My parents came from Hawaii and the Philippines, spoke “broken” English, and did not go to college. They both, as many Asian families, always pushed their children to work hard and to go to college. Their philosophy is well ingrained in me and feeds into my optimism that anything is possible.
