THE THE CHANGEMAKERS CHANGEMAKERS
Dolka Lugo T H E L I FET I M E CH A N G EM A K E R BY KATIE MAHONEY I VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS “Do the Extra.” Thirty-four years ago, Dolka Lugo came to York, and that mantra has guided her work, and her impact in the community. She started with WellSpan just a year after she arrived here, and has been dedicated to providing interpreting services to WellSpan patients in the full-service area. As York County and Downtown York continue to grow and welcome all to live and work here, interpretation services, especially among the Spanish-speaking community, have been increasingly vital. This is even more true in the healthcare industry – the exact opportunity Dolka has focused her passion, and talent. “I came here to learn English, and planned to return to Puerto Rico after that, but then I fell in love with York,” said Dolka. With her husband and two kids, they decided to call York a permanent home, and purchased a house a few months later. “The people were friendly when we came here,” she shares, “And it felt like my hometown in Puerto Rico. Plus the weather, I love winter.” Dolka attributes the WellSpan community and her church, Community of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as the reasons she is passionate about her work. “I see my patients at WellSpan, and then at Church, too. WellSpan gave me the opportunity to work with people, and that is my passion. I see the Spanish speaking people that struggle with the language, and WellSpan gave me the opportunity to help them, help them have everything they need and all the facts.”
16 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Dolka Lugo
