What led you to choose a career in health management consulting?

I started my career as an actuary, specializing in actuarial health consulting. After speaking with others in the field, I realized it would be a dynamic environment where I could work with talented people, stay challenged and apply my unique skill set. The actuarial profession is a niche field and less saturated than some others, indicating that I would be more in demand and have a higher level of job security compared to other professions, which I appreciated. 

How did you transition from actuary to your current role as senior vice president, health management consulting at AON?

I started as an actuarial analyst at Aon nearly 13 years ago. Most actuaries work for insurance companies or consulting firms, and I knew I was interested in the consulting route given its fast-paced nature and the opportunity to have direct client interaction.

I gravitated towards a healthcare specialization, as both my parents work in healthcare, so it is familiar to me and has become a true passion. Soon, it was clear there is a lot of opportunity for actuaries specializing in healthcare, as the industry carries a lot of risk and uncertainty. Back when I started, the Affordable Care Act was just introduced and there were many questions around the financial impacts of the policy. Now, the discussion is focused on weight loss med-ications and the associated cost exposure for health plans that cover it. When there are new developments in healthcare, clients come to us asking, “How can I plan for this?” “How will it affect our business and how should I budget for it?” and these sorts of questions excite me.

Gradually, I took on more roles and responsibilities and now am a Senior Vice President in Health Solutions at Aon. I specialize in employer benefits consulting and get the opportunity to work with some of the largest and most complex clients including major hospital systems, investment banks and retail companies. Every major company has an employee healthcare program, and my work involves designing, budgeting and managing these programs across industries to ensure alignment with the client’s talent and financial strategy.

Can you share a day in the life of a management consultant?

I put together thought leadership for our practice and assess new products and services. I also spend time on new business development, identifying and acting on opportunities to work with new clients or engage further with existing clients. My day is filled with a lot of meetings, both internal and with external clients, to discuss project status and deliverables. I’m also constantly taking trainings and conducting research, as it’s crucial to stay on top of developments in the industry to understand trends and expertly advise clients.

What professional achievements are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of passing all the actuarial exams and earning fellowship (FSA) designation—even though it was at the beginning of my career, it was a great achievement. Now, I am proud of balancing two critical roles—senior leader at my firm and wife and mother to five children at home.

What do you love about your job?

This job is constantly challenging and keeps me on a path where I am constantly learning, building new skills and leveraging my creativity, as no two clients are the same. As consultants, we pride ourselves on knowing everything in the field to be able to expertly guide clients in a comprehensive and data-driven manner. It is truly a dynamic field that keeps me engaged every day.

How does your work impact healthcare delivery and access in the U.S.?

I work with employers on benefits they provide to their employees, which covers healthcare for more than 50 percent of the U.S. population. We help employers keep costs down while supporting their employees’ health and wellbeing. Our clients are generally early adopters of new technologies so we’re on the forefront of healthcare innovations. For example, one of the most transformative changes in healthcare delivery has been the emergence of virtual healthcare, including telemedicine and digital apps where you can chat with clinicians, mental health professionals and physical therapists. We were vetting this space on behalf of our clients years ago, but virtual healthcare only became mainstream after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is game-changing in broadening access, especially in mental healthcare where traditionally there have been provider shortages.

What advice do you have for other women who seek leadership roles in corporate America?

We are at an historic time in terms of opportunities for women, where many corporations seek female leadership and are willing to make accommodations to be flexible. My advice is, don’t be afraid of obstacles in starting a family and don’t feel that you need to cut corners with your professional goals because you have children. If you are qualified and you want to grow into a leadership role, you can and you will succeed. I have noticed a major difference in flexibility in the workforce even over the last decade, where now is a great time for talented women to rise through the ranks. When I had my first child, I took the minimum maternity leave of six weeks; upon my return to the office, there were limited accommodations for working mothers. When I had my most recent baby about a year ago, I was much more comfortable taking a longer leave due to more support for mothers and families. And with the rise of remote working, many companies offer flexibility and the option to work from home.

How did your Touro education play a role in your current success?

I majored in actuarial science at Touro at a time when very few local colleges offered it (most only offered a math major for those interested in becoming an actuary). I had an amazing professor who prepared us incredibly well for the actuarial exams—I credit him with enabling me to pass them on the first attempt.

Touro was visionary in allowing me to be, likely, the very first online student. During college, I moved overseas and did not want to switch schools, as I really liked Touro’s actuarial science program. I pitched the idea of using Skype to take class in 2009, well before it was widely used, and the dean agreed. Touro went out on a limb for me, even arranging a special computer setup. I remember telling the dean that this was going to open opportunities for others who needed flexibility, and that prediction has certainly come true. I finished my coursework abroad, thanks to Touro’s support, which made a tremendous difference in reaching my academic and professional goals.