Corporate Partner Spotlight: Joan Bialek
Welcome to our Corporate Partner Spotlight. Each month, corporate leaders share why they serve as advocates and ambassadors for Children’s National Hospital within their company and across the community. This month, we spoke with Joan Bialek of the Bialek Corporation.
Owner and CEO of the Bialek Corporation since 1981, Joan Bialek transformed a medical supply company and chain of pharmacies into one of the area’s leading companies—encompassing Bialek Environments, an office furniture dealer, and Intellistruct, a prefabricated interior construction firm. In the past 30 years, Joan’s success has been lauded by the Washington Business Journal, Smart CEO, Inc. Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, as well as by trade associations and local publications.
Leading a woman-owned business, Joan has worked to raise awareness of the gaps in opportunities for woman-owned small businesses (WOSB) and to educate colleagues and partners in the value WOSB partners can bring. She is Vice Chair of the Board of the National Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Advisory Board for Truist Bank and has served as Chair of the Young Presidents Organization’s Washington DC Chapter. She is also a member of YPO Gold, CEO, the Committee of 200 and the Economic Club of Washington, DC. She joined the Children’s National Corporate Advisory Council in 2019. Joan is married to Louis Levitt, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Washington, DC. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Why do you support Children’s National as a member of the Corporate Advisory Council?
First, let me say that it is an honor to be able to support Children’s National Hospital in any way that I can. My particular skill set works well in a corporate advisory setting, having experience in that arena for over forty years. I have worked with many of the organizations who make up the Corporate Advisory Council, and together we can help make a difference for the hospital, its patients and families.
In what ways do you or your company support Children’s National?
Through the years, my company and I have donated both our time and our resources to assist with the hospital’s mission. You can see these efforts in both the Orthopedics Waiting Room and the Behavioral Health Teen Room on its main campus. Additionally, we are the furniture and architectural wall partner for all of Children’s National. We have worked closely with the hospital on all its locations, including the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus on the site of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Most recently, we became the official Kids Dash Sponsor for the hospital’s Race for Every Child: 150th Birthday Edition. This year’s Race will be 100% virtual, so children can participate in the Kids Dash from the comfort and safety of their own homes!
What lessons have your learned from your time partnering with the hospital?
I have learned that all the camaraderie, team spirit and general positive regard for each other starts at the top with Children’s National Hospital President & CEO Kurt Newman, MD. Kurt’s generous, kind-hearted approach makes it impossible to ever say no to him. He inspires all of those around him. And I have seen his team work that inspiration into making dreams a reality.
What’s the most rewarding part of working with Children’s National as a member of our Corporate Advisory Council?
We get to see firsthand what ideas are planned for the future and the reasons behind this great institution’s vision. And of course, being a part of making a difference in so many children’s lives!
Owner and CEO of the Bialek Corporation since 1981, Joan Bialek transformed a medical supply company and chain of pharmacies into one of the area’s leading companies—encompassing Bialek Environments, an office furniture dealer, and Intellistruct, a prefabricated interior construction firm. In the past 30 years, Joan’s success has been lauded by the Washington Business Journal, Smart CEO, Inc. Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, as well as by trade associations and local publications.Leading a woman-owned business, Joan has worked to raise awareness of the gaps in opportunities for woman-owned small businesses (WOSB) and to educate colleagues and partners in the value WOSB partners can bring. She is Vice Chair of the Board of the National Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Advisory Board for Truist Bank and has served as Chair of the Young Presidents Organization’s Washington DC Chapter. She is also a member of YPO Gold, CEO, the Committee of 200 and the Economic Club of Washington, DC. She joined the Children’s National Corporate Advisory Council in 2019. Joan is married to Louis Levitt, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Washington, DC. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Why do you support Children’s National as a member of the Corporate Advisory Council?
First, let me say that it is an honor to be able to support Children’s National Hospital in any way that I can. My particular skill set works well in a corporate advisory setting, having experience in that arena for over forty years. I have worked with many of the organizations who make up the Corporate Advisory Council, and together we can help make a difference for the hospital, its patients and families.
In what ways do you or your company support Children’s National?
Through the years, my company and I have donated both our time and our resources to assist with the hospital’s mission. You can see these efforts in both the Orthopedics Waiting Room and the Behavioral Health Teen Room on its main campus. Additionally, we are the furniture and architectural wall partner for all of Children’s National. We have worked closely with the hospital on all its locations, including the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus on the site of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Most recently, we became the official Kids Dash Sponsor for the hospital’s Race for Every Child: 150th Birthday Edition. This year’s Race will be 100% virtual, so children can participate in the Kids Dash from the comfort and safety of their own homes!
What lessons have your learned from your time partnering with the hospital?
I have learned that all the camaraderie, team spirit and general positive regard for each other starts at the top with Children’s National Hospital President & CEO Kurt Newman, MD. Kurt’s generous, kind-hearted approach makes it impossible to ever say no to him. He inspires all of those around him. And I have seen his team work that inspiration into making dreams a reality.
What’s the most rewarding part of working with Children’s National as a member of our Corporate Advisory Council?
We get to see firsthand what ideas are planned for the future and the reasons behind this great institution’s vision. And of course, being a part of making a difference in so many children’s lives!
Children’s National is celebrating 150 years of caring for kids – what is your wish for Children’s National?
At least another 150 years of compassionately caring for children in our community and around the world!
Corporate partners are key to helping us ensure every child can grow up stronger. If you or your company are interested in supporting Children’s National, please contact Foundation Vice President Julie Butler at [email protected].
Make a Difference
Your charitable donation changes children’s lives. Support exceptional health care and discoveries that offer hope, healing and brighter futures.