July 1st, 2025
Jorayma Fortunato-Beltre, MLS, Awarded Mission Champion July 2025
July 2025 Mission Champion
Jorayma Fortunato-Beltre, MLS, began her career at St. Joseph Hospital in 2021 as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Her dedication and expertise quickly led her to the role of Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, a position she currently holds.
One of the most memorable moments in her career came early on, when an unexpected equipment issue caused one of the lab instruments to begin smoking. A Code Red was called, and the fire department responded swiftly to clear the area. The phones kept ringing with urgency, and the team remained focused. Once it was safe to return, they jumped right back into their work, fielding calls and delivering lab results without missing a beat. For Jorayma, this experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and adaptability, turning a potentially stressful moment into one that bonded the team.
What Jorayma enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care. By ensuring quick and accurate lab results, she helps other departments deliver timely, high-quality treatment. She also deeply values her coworkers. As the youngest member of her team, she’s grateful for the guidance and wisdom they share, both professionally and personally, as she continues to grow in her role.
Erika Duarte, Director of Laboratory Services, says “Jorayma lives the mission every day as she treats every sample that comes into the laboratory as if the results were for her own family. Her attention to detail and passion for perfection are noteworthy. Jorayma is very passionate about her work, her peers, and this lab team. She is respectful to all she encounters, and I often feel her spicy personality makes our lab shine bright. She makes us laugh every day and brings smiles to faces. While she strives for excellence, what I love about her is that she can still make the hardest days fun.”
Jorayma appreciates the warm and supportive environment at St. Joseph Hospital. Whether it’s a smile in the hallway or a friendly “hello,” she feels surrounded by people who recognize and respect the work she does, and she feels the same toward them. As a member of the President’s Advisory Committee, she enjoys collaborating with individuals across departments. Even if some time passes between meetings, the atmosphere remains welcoming and collegial, making her proud to be part of the St. Joseph team.
Outside the hospital, Jorayma loves spending time with her family and friends. A true foodie, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and is especially passionate about Mexican cuisine. She knows all the local hot spots! She’s also a fan of true crime shows and is proud to be completing her master’s degree in forensic science this December.
Congratulations, Jorayma!