Katrissa Andrew | Purple Teammate

Let's get to know Katrissa Andrew , one of our remarkable data privacy program managers. Katrissa joined HealthEquity over a decade ago in November 2012, starting in Member Services. Over the years, she's taken on various roles, such as supervisor, manager, privacy advocate, assistant safety captain, and senior manager service support. Currently, she's playing a crucial role in our Privacy team, where she's diligently identifying risks and trends to ensure we maintain compliance.

Tell us the journey of how you got from your original role to where you are now.

I was looking for a job that would allow me to fulfill my role as a stay-at-home mom, while also allowing me to provide for my family financially. When my neighbor suggested I look into HealthEquity, I decided to take a chance and applied to be a team member in the Member Services department. From the start, I knew I had made the right decision, as the company's welcoming culture and emphasis on career advancement made it the perfect place for me to shape and progress my professional skills. During my time in Member Services, I was able to grow from a specialist on the phone, to a supervisor, and then manager, before eventually transitioning from Service Support to Risk and Security. Throughout my journey, HealthEquity provided me with a wealth of meaningful challenges and opportunities that have shaped me to be the professional I am today.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

While working in Member Services, I took on the responsibility of managing privacy. This enabled me to build relationships with the Privacy and Technology Teams and serve as a connection between them. I was surprised to find out that I had more knowledge about privacy and technology than I had realized, and I found the work enjoyable. This field offers numerous learning opportunities, and I was confident that I wouldn't become quickly overwhelmed by the plethora of information available.

What was one thing that was critical to your success and growth?

The constant desire to want more and willingness to push through.?I don’t allow myself to get too comfortable in any role because when it stops being uncomfortable you stop growing. There is always going to be more to learn and more you can contribute, which both lead to growth and success.?

How did you handle failures or setbacks in your career, and what did you learn from them?

I am truly blessed and grateful for the winding journey I have been on. Although I have encountered rejections and roadblocks along the way, they have all ultimately contributed to my success. Reflecting on the present, I am beyond excited for what the future holds and the new opportunities I will have.

Were there any particular mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career growth?

I have been incredibly fortunate to have met so many wonderful people at HealthEquity who have gone out of their way to recognize and foster my growth and development. Not only did they see my potential, but they were also willing to challenge and push me in order to help me reach that potential. I am grateful for the constant encouragement and guidance I have received here. Thanks to all of these amazing people, I have been able to reach a point of personal growth and success that I could not have achieved without their help.

How do you maintain a work-life balance while focusing on your career growth?

I am thankful that HealthEquity prioritizes total wellness and family time. Working from home gives me the flexibility to devote time to my career and be close to my children without sacrificing one for the other. It makes it much easier for me to stay involved in the workplace knowing I am appreciated on both fronts. As a working parent, I do not have to fret over being overlooked for a new role.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to advance their career in a similar field?

Be bold and never stop asking questions. Be connected to your supervisors and colleagues regularly, expressing your eagerness to contribute and inquiring about what more you can do to improve your work.?Believe in what you have to offer and use your voice to make positive impacts in your life, the lives of others, and the communities in which you live.

What kind of professional development opportunities are available within the company that helped you reach your career goals?

To help me reach my career goals, I have taken advantage of the free, self-paced training programs offered by ADP and have attended multiple leadership trainings provided by HealthEquity.

Where do you want to be professionally in 5 years?

I envision a future where I am knowledgeable about the foundations of Cyber Security and the many directions I could take it. I am eager to venture into the world of Cyber and explore what it has to offer, beginning with Penetration Testing as my first step.

Did you initiate the process of applying for your roles or did you receive an invitation to apply?

Due to my dedication to my job and my willingness to help out my team in any way I could, I was given the chance to move up from Specialist to Assistant Team Lead. Subsequent promotions from Team Lead/Supervisor to Manager and then to Service Support were suggested by leaders. When I was asked to lookout for anyone interested in the Privacy role, I saw this as an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

A big thank you to Katrissa for giving us insight into her role and how she's advanced in her career. We're thankful for all of the remarkable teammates willing to share their stories so that others can use that wisdom to progress in their own careers.