For young professionals, I would say do something that you can be proud of. Know what you want (personally and professionally) and work hard to achieve it. That is your measure of success. I started off in different fields, worked hard, and made sure that my decisions counted.

These past twenty years at MetroPlus, I’ve worked in a cubicle and been a supervisor, manager, director, and, now, senior associate executive director. At each point, I have wanted to leave my mark and let people know I care—not just about work, but also about the people I work with and those we work for. I don’t work hard just for our bosses, but also for the members who trust us with their health.

My team affords me the opportunity to look at myself as a manager. I think about my past and current superiors, and what I learned from them. And I think about how I can teach my team what I’ve learned. I step back, understand that business as usual is not an option, and provide recommendations. In this way, I get a better understanding of how I can improve—as a person and a manager.

I decided to accept a position at MetroPlus Health Plan because I believed in the organization’s mission of providing access to free or affordable health care to New Yorkers. I knew that I could do something for people and be with my family at the same time.

On Finding Success and Staying Competitive
I believe in providing the very best customer-service experience and quality to all our callers, and I try to instill that same work ethic in my coworkers and staff on a daily basis. I see MetroPlus as a leader in the health care industry, because the organization shares my vision and my commitment to providing the very best care and services to the underserved—and to everyone in need of health care.

I have a strong sense of community and giving. When I was very young, I learned that we must do what we can to help others and give them strength to keep going. I am a strong and committed leader. I am an advocate—passionate and proud about the work I do every day in this company.

On the Importance of Role Models and Mentors
I am a proud Latin woman, born and raised in East Harlem, and the mother of two wonderful young men who have autism. They are my pride and joy, and a continual source of strength in my life. They are my inspiration, and one of the main reasons I continue to do what I do every day with the same enthusiasm and commitment I have had for the past 20 years.