When the administrative team at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles discovered the Administrative Professionals Conference (APC), something clicked. The agenda, the energy, and the focus on high-level training for admins sparked a bold idea: what if they brought that same spirit of professional growth in-house? Inspired by APC’s commitment to elevating the profession, the team launched their own internal conference tailored to administrative staff—an enriching event designed to empower, educate, and connect.

The result was Elevate & Inspire: Transformative Career Journey of Administrative Professionals and Leaders, a one-hour conference that showcased the stories and insights of Cedars-Sinai colleagues who had advanced from administrative roles to leadership positions. Featuring voices from across the organization, the event highlighted the impact of mentorship, resilience, and continuous development in building meaningful careers.

Planting the Seed for Internal Growth

The idea for an internal training event had been simmering for some time. Executive Assistant Janeth Zafra-Mauricio, a passionate advocate for professional development, first came across APC through ASAP’s website. The concept of an annual national gathering dedicated entirely to the growth of administrative professionals resonated deeply.

“I remembered a previous gathering held by the Nursing Department and thought, why not bring something like that to our team?” she shared. With support from the Filipino-American Career Development (Fil-Am C.A.R.E.S.) employee resource group, the vision began to take shape—an internal event that would offer meaningful learning and recognition, just like APC.

Bringing Elevate & Inspire to Life

Planning the event took over a year. With a focus on inclusion and representation, the team carefully curated a lineup of speakers who reflected the diversity and strength of Cedars-Sinai’s administrative professionals. Leaders and executive assistants from departments like Pharmacy Administration, Human Resources, and Research Operations were invited to share their personal journeys from entry-level admin roles to senior leadership.

The session topics spanned mentorship, education, overcoming obstacles, and finding purpose in one’s work. What united the talks was a shared theme: growth is possible when admins are seen, supported, and given the tools to succeed.

“Training and development are essential for admins,” Janeth emphasized. “It’s how we stay relevant, support our leaders, and find fulfillment in our work.”

A Moment of Recognition and Resonance

The impact was immediate. Attendees expressed gratitude for being recognized and empowered. “The response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Janeth. “People felt seen. They felt heard. Leaders in the room took notice too, acknowledging the critical contributions of admins across the organization.”

This gathering highlighted a larger truth: development opportunities for administrative professionals matter, and that investing in them benefits the entire organization.

From Local Inspiration to National Opportunity

While Elevate & Inspire was uniquely tailored to Cedars-Sinai, it drew inspiration from the structure and spirit of APC. From the peer-led sessions to the emphasis on growth and connection, the event reflected what APC offers at scale.

And Janeth’s journey with APC is still evolving. She will be attending APC 2025 in Seattle, Washington—continuing to invest in her own development and bringing that momentum back to her team. Because while local events create valuable space for connection, there is still something unmatched about coming together on a national level with hundreds of peers who are equally committed to growing the profession.

Ready to Be Inspired?

Cedars-Sinai’s story is a reminder that growth doesn’t always start with a grand plan. Sometimes it begins with a spark. If you are looking for that spark, the Administrative Professionals Conference (APC) is the place to find it. With actionable training, inspiring speakers, and a vibrant professional community, APC empowers administrative professionals to elevate their careers and make a lasting impact.

Learn more about APC and discover how one conference can spark transformation—at both the individual and organizational level.