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2023 Advocate Health Has Talent Grand Finale Winner!

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Advocate Health proudly announced the winner of its company-wide talent show on Friday, Nov. 17. Patrice Hood, senior financial analyst at Aurora Medical Center – Grafton, won the grand finale with her soulful rendition of the song ‘I’m Here’ from ‘The Color Purple’ musical.

 

“I feel very blessed and humbled. This performance was something I had always dreamed of,” explained Hood. “We all have gifts and talents outside of our daytime jobs. I was excited to share my voice in front of everyone.”

 

“Patrice is a showstopper. We’ve known her to excel in her professional role, but to see her light up on stage and to hear her powerful voice as she sings – it was pure joy,” said Aurora Grafton President Carla LaFever, who sat as a judge during the audition process. Patrice's experience shows we're an organization that celebrates the individual talents of our hardworking teammates. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice – a place where you can not only have a job but make a career."

 

Aurora Health Care is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the nation. The Advocate Health Has Talent (AHHT) competition celebrated the wide-ranging abilities of the company’s nearly 155,000 teammates. Auditions took place at hospitals across six states over the summer. Then, 13 finalists’ performances were recorded, and a grand finale was live streamed on Friday announcing the winners.

 

Hood discovered her passion for singing early in life. She sang in church choirs and elementary school. Now, she’s a staple in local live theater. Most recently, Hood played the role of Mama in ‘Dream Quickie Dream,’ a story inspired by the life of Packers Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Donald Driver.  

It was Hood’s boss at Aurora Grafton, Andrew Pace, who encouraged her to try out for AHHT.

 

“It’s no secret Patrice has a gift. This competition had her name written all over it and I’m thrilled to see she won,” said Pace.

 

Hood says her teammates have always supported her singing. When it was time to audition, Hood knew the perfect song.

 

“It was a personal choice because I really resonate with the lyrics. Growing up, I wasn’t always comfortable in my own skin. Now, in adulthood, the Lord has helped me to embrace who I am. The color of my skin, the way my hair looks, I’m comfortable in it now,” said Hood.

 

Hood also draws inspiration from her older brother who has sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder.

 

“He always uses music to ease his pain. Seeing him play the piano has really motivated me to use my voice to show compassion and to help others,” said Hood.

 

The pair often play piano and sing at local hospitals around the Greater Milwaukee area. Hood says winning AHHT has inspired her to continue sharing her talents. She’s currently recording a worship album with a mix of congregational hymns and songs she’s written.

 

As for what’s next, Hood continues to dream big.

 

“I never knew if I wanted to be on Broadway. But now if the opportunity presented itself, yeah, I would.” 

     

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