Stefanie Keefe Shares Importance of Fostering Equality and Celebrating Women
03/09/2022
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In recognition of Women鈥檚 History Month and for International Women鈥檚 Day, 澳门六合彩资料库 is shining the spotlight on women leaders in the company. Stefanie Keefe joined 澳门六合彩资料库鈥檚 health plan Arizona Complete Health in 2018 and is currently a Medicare Program Manager. She also is Co-President of 澳门六合彩资料库鈥檚 women鈥檚 Employee Inclusion Group I.N.S.P.I.R.E. On International Women鈥檚 Day, Stefanie shares her thoughts on her work, allyship, and the importance of fostering equality and celebrating women.
Q.听听听听Tell us about your background and your current role at 澳门六合彩资料库?
础.听听听听I have been with Arizona Complete Health for four years. I am currently the Medicare Program Manager supporting several plans in the west region.
I have 16 years of healthcare experience 鈥 six years in project and program management, six years in leadership/supervisory roles in integrated and behavioral health settings, and four years in grant writing, consulting, and strategic planning. My educational background is in psychology, sociology, and social work. I am a Licensed Masters Social Worker and, to help keep self-care a number one priority, I am also a certified yoga teacher.
Q.听听听听What is the most meaningful part of your job?
A.听听听听The most meaningful part of my job is getting to provide support, organization, clarity, and structure to the teams I work with so that goals and deliverables are attainable and positive outcomes are created. If by doing this I can make someone else鈥檚 day a little bit easier or less stressful, then I feel successful.
Q.听听听听Who influenced you most during your career and why?
A.听听听听My mother has always been one of my biggest influences in every aspect of my life, but especially in my career. I still remember the day she chose to open her own business and the time it took for it to become sustainable. She never faltered from her goals. She knew the value of her skill set and was very intentional as she grew her business. Through her own actions, I learned the importance of creating a career plan, being intentional with my goals, and knowing my worth.听
Q.听听听听How do you feel about 澳门六合彩资料库鈥檚 approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
础.听听听听I am very proud of our strong enterprisewide vision around diversity, equity, and inclusion. I believe that 澳门六合彩资料库鈥檚 approach is committed inclusivity and the company offers countless ways for employees to become involved and have their voices heard.
Q.听听听听Tell us about your role as I.N.S.P.I.R.E Co-President and why was it important to you to become involved with this Employee Inclusion Group (EIG)?
A.听听听听I started my journey with I.N.S.P.I.R.E three years ago. 澳门六合彩资料库 had recently done a presentation on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the EIGs.听I knew I wanted to build my network and feel more connected to the company, so what better way than to join an EIG.听I was immediately impressed with I.N.S.P.I.R.E鈥檚 initiatives and knew I wanted to get more involved 鈥 to be a part of creating space and resources for women in our company. I quickly became the Co-Chair for our Development Committee and absolutely loved every minute of that experience.听Over my two-year term, we offered several programs to support women鈥檚 career development. I am now the Co-President of I.N.S.P.I.R.E and more excited than ever to contribute to the EIG and have a positive impact on women and allies in our company.
Q.听听听听What is the importance of allyship to you, and how can employees be better allies?
A.听听听听Allyship is a crucial component of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. For me, it is an important means to advocate for individuals who do not have the same privileges that I do and taking the time to educate myself on unequal opportunities and social injustices.听We can become better allies in the workplace by recognizing our life experiences may be different from our colleagues. We can also show appreciation for others鈥 experiences through active listening, creating an inclusive, safe workplace where colleagues feel comfortable sharing their ideas, and advocating for positive change.
Q.听听听听What are your thoughts on the significance of Women鈥檚 History Month?
A.听听听听The 2022 theme for International Women鈥檚 Day is 鈥#BreakTheBias,鈥 with a focus on action. I believe this concisely illustrates the significance and importance of Women鈥檚 History Month.听It鈥檚 a reminder to never stop doing the work to raise awareness and advocate for equality.听It is also a time to recognize our victories and celebrate each other.