Post University alumna Vivian Pereda, director of CampusCare Operations at Hartford Healthcare, has been named a 2026 Women of Inspiration by the Connecticut Suns.
Hartford Healthcare’s CampusCare program provides comprehensive, coordinated care on and off campus at partner institutions for students, athletes, faculty and staff. Pereda, who received her Master of Business Administration with a health care concentration from Post in 2025, oversees student health, counseling and sports medicine services at seven Connecticut colleges and during her three years as director of CampusCare Operations, the program has doubled in size to reach thousands of students and provide them with the resources and proactive care they need.
“I really liked the idea of educating young adults on taking ownership of their health,” Pereda said about her role. And her work is colored by her own experience when she broke her foot as an undergraduate, and was suddenly responsible for navigating her own care and recovery for the first time as a young adult.
Throughout her career, she has always been willing to put herself out there to meet the next challenge, including returning to school to expand her skills and preparing for the next level of leadership.
“I’ve been successful in pivoting and growing as a result of doing that, and as a result of expanding my knowledge base,” she said. “If we’re learning, then we’re living life. Nobody is going to hand you opportunities and the person who is going to advocate for you the most is yourself.”
The annual Women of Inspiration awards recognize women whose achievements, leadership, and service have created meaningful change in their communities. She joins a distinguished group of honorees, including Val Ackerman, commissioner of the Big East Conference; Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut Secretary of State; Cathy Zall, executive director of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center; and Lhakpa Sherpa, a record-breaking mountaineer who has summited Mount Everest more than any other woman in history.
They will be recognized on Aug. 26 during the Connecticut Sun matchup against the Golden State Valkyries.
“I was immediately struck by Vivian’s commitment to continued growth and her willingness to keep evolving throughout her career,” said Barbara Zerillo, senior director of the Career Development Center at Post University. “Her journey is a powerful example of what it means to remain curious, recognize when you are ready for something more, and continue investing in yourself. Vivian represents the kind of thoughtful, purpose-driven leadership that makes her truly deserving of being recognized as a Woman of Inspiration.”