Newsweek ranks Sentara as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2026

Sentara Health has been named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026 by Newsweek, a national recognition that underscores a commitment to advancing women in clinical roles and administration. 

Forty-one companies in Virginia are listed. Nine are healthcare organizations and three are health systems. Sentara received 4 ½ stars out of five.

“We hope this ranking highlights the organizations setting new standards for women in the workplace and serves as a valuable resource for those seeking employers aligned with their professional goals and values,” said Jennifer Cunningham, Newsweek editor-in-chief. 

The honor reflects Sentara’s long-standing focus on equitable policies, inclusive culture, and meaningful career paths for women at every level of the organization.

A data driven national recognition

The Newsweek ranking is based on a nationwide survey of more than 89,000 women and an analysis of 37 million data points across 120 workplace performance indicators. 

Evaluators placed particular emphasis on gender equality, fairness, inclusion, leadership representation, and career advancement, all areas where Sentara continues to invest.

Supporting women across clinical and administrative careers

Women make up a significant portion of Sentara’s workforce, from frontline nurses and advanced practice clinicians to operational leaders, IT professionals, and executives shaping the future of care delivery. 

Sentara’s recognition reflects its commitment to:

• Expanding leadership development programs for women in clinical and non-clinical roles

• Strengthening equitable hiring, promotion, and pay practices

• Creating flexible work environments that support work–life balance

• Investing in mentorship, professional growth, and continuing education

These efforts help ensure that women have clear, supported pathways to advance in nursing, medicine, operations, finance, technology, and other critical areas of healthcare.

A thriving Women in the Workplace resource group

Sentara’s Women in the Workplace Employee Resource Group (ERG), one of the organization’s largest, now includes nearly 900 members. 

The ERG provides networking, mentorship, leadership development, and community building opportunities designed to elevate women’s voices and strengthen representation across the enterprise. Its rapid growth reflects the strong demand for connection and support among women working in healthcare’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Advancing equity in a challenging national environment

The recognition comes at a time when national data shows widening wage gaps and persistent systemic barriers for women in the workforce. 

Sentara’s inclusion on the 2026 list signals measurable progress toward a workplace where women can thrive: clinically, professionally, and personally.

Continuing the commitment

Sentara remains focused on expanding opportunities for women, strengthening inclusive leadership practices, and ensuring that fairness and belonging are embedded in every part of the employee experience. 

This recognition places Sentara alongside other respected organizations honored by Newsweek for setting new standards for women in the workplace.