AGE: 30
TITLE: Engagement Consultant, Accountable Care Solutions
COMPANY NAME: Aetna
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Plainville
What do you do? I manage direct, day-to-day project management for Aetna’s Accountable Care Solutions, a division of Aetna Emerging Businesses. Accountable Care Solutions builds partnerships with provider organizations though innovative insurance reimbursement models, redesigned care delivery programs and technology solutions focused on population health management. Our goal is to redefine how payers and providers work together in order to improve patient experience, improve quality of care and lower the cost of healthcare utilization. As project manager, I support the development of Accountable Care Organizations, assist in implementation of large scale health IT products, plan member sales, forecast, and seek future opportunities.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years? If I was asked 10 years ago, “what would I be doing in 10 years?” the answer would not be anywhere to close to where I am today. I guess that is the awesome thing about life. In 10 years, I would love to get my Ph.D. in Public Health, start a health consultant business and not-for-profit organization that focuses on patient advocacy and healthcare navigation. I want to be and integral part of transforming the healthcare delivery system in the United States through advocacy, policy reform and community health education.
What is your biggest strength? My energy. Life is boring when it’s idling. I am always looking to learn new things, take on initiatives and be a strong team player. All while balancing my home life with work. I love to offer help where it is needed – from training new hires at my office to picking up garbage on the beach.
Where do you go for new ideas? I look everywhere for new ideas. I have been blessed to have strong mentors throughout my professional development, but I also have the privilege to work and interact with some of the most insightful individuals. There are ideas everywhere; it’s just a matter of taking off the blinders, having the willingness to navigate uncharted waters, and being comfortable with thinking outside of the box.
What is the best advice you received? I have a few words of advice that I take with me everywhere I go. From my dad: “Moderation is key,” from my mom: “Good things will come, if you never give up,” from my husband: “Eat the frog!” and lastly from my mentor in undergrad: “Follow your passion, because when you do what you love the money won’t matter.”
What service or charitable cause has your attention? Volunteerism has been a fabric of my life since I was a little girl. This social responsibility was embedded in me because of my many years as a Girl Scout. I have and will always serve my community, whether it is through hours served or fiscally supporting their mission. Over the years, I focused my time to causes that affect the health and well-being of my community. Currently, my volunteerism consists of assisting The Connection, Inc. as a member of its Middlesex Community Board, being the program committee chair for the Connecticut Public Health Association, and being avid supporter of the American Heart Association’s Hartford Go Red for Women Campaign and Annual Luncheon. In previous years, my causes and support have spread all over the state of Connecticut. I have represented volunteer councils at Aetna and Mitchell College. Though this avenue, I have been able to support organizations like Dress for Success, JDRF, United Way Day of Caring, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Artist for World Peace, Arthritis Foundation, and the Connecticut Food Bank.
