POP Award: The leader who turns simple ideas into stronger teams

This month's Point of Pride (POP) Award was presented to Melissa Hatten, a MOSC III Lead at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. The POP Award recognizes that every day, countless actions of empathy and kindness – large and small – take place across our health system.

Melissa was nominated for creating intentional opportunities for colleagues to connect and feel included at work. Here are some excerpts from the nomination:

"Melissa took it upon herself to organize a holiday crafting session during our lunch breaks, inviting staff from multiple departments. This created a joyful, low-stress space where coworkers could connect, decompress, and bond through creative expression — boosting morale during a typically high-pressure time.

"Earlier, she also led a plant swap event where staff could bring in extra plants or cuttings to share. What made this special was Melissa’s ability to turn a simple idea into a meaningful opportunity for connection. It wasn’t just about plants — it was about cultivating a shared sense of community and belonging.

"Melissa never misses a beat when it comes to relationship-building and creating inclusive spaces...Whether she’s helping navigate complex scheduling issues or simply checking in on a coworker who seems overwhelmed, Melissa is the type of leader who uplifts everyone around her. What truly sets her apart is how intentional she is about building community across departments. She regularly organizes thoughtful events — seemingly small gestures that have a huge impact on morale and connection. These aren’t just fun activities; they’re moments that remind us we’re more than just coworkers — we’re a team...

"She’s not only reliable and resourceful — she’s the heartbeat of our clinic culture."

"Melissa has a remarkable ability to bring people together and create a stronger sense of community across the Cancer Center Clinics," said Andy Bresnahan, VP of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, who presented the award alongside Kimmie Bleichner-Jones, Interim Chief Operating Officer.

Congratulations to Melissa on her POP Award!

Do you know an employee who goes above and beyond for our patients? Nominate them for a Point of Pride (POP) Award now!