National African American Heritage Month: Spotlighting the associates strengthening Humana

While we celebrate our associates year-round, Humana recognizes February as a month to honor and acknowledge Black History, the significant contributions of Black and African Americans and the progress toward the pursuit of racial justice and equality. This African American Heritage Month, we are honoring the contributions of our Black and African American associates through a series of leadership features spotlighting associates who are also members of our Black and African American Network Resource Group (NRG), IMPACT. ???

Meet Dana Wilson, Senior Risk Management Professional Stars, QRS and Medicaid Improvement & IMPACT NRG Member Experience Leader

What is your ‘why’? (i.e., what motivates you?)

My ‘why’ starts with my personal experience. I have been with Humana for 23 years, and there were periods in which I did not feel a sense of community. Although I worked in the office every day, the sense of belonging was not always present. By happenstance, I learned about the IMPACT NRG. The engagement with other NRG members provided a sense of community in which I was missing. I am forever grateful for the NRG space as through my interactions I have made connections with associates who looked like me and had the same experiences. Some of those connections have resulted in long time friendships.

How does Humana support their Black and African American associates?

The advice I would give to young Black and African American professionals is to remain true to who you are and live in your purpose. Know that you have something special to offer the world. Also, surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Finally, never stop learning, growing, and developing.?

Do you think your cultural identity impacts your leadership style? If yes, how?

I think my cultural identity as well as my individual experiences influence my leadership style. As the IMPACT NRG Member Experience Leader, I have the pleasure of connecting directly with our associates, which affords me the opportunity to learn from them how the IMPACT NRG can help foster a sense of community and belonging. I utilize those learnings to develop and execute programming as we strive to meet the needs of our NRG members. Additionally, I have learned that it is important for associates to feel psychologically safe in the workplace. By showing up as my authentic self, my hope is that I am helping shape the culture of the NRG as well as the organization by demonstrating that it is enough to Be Yourself.?

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