HealthSherpa strongly believes in creating inclusive, equitable areas, which construct belief, respect and a way of belonging which might be important to our tradition and work. We’re excited to characteristic our colleagues and listen to extra about their experiences at HealthSherpa, from their first touchpoints all the best way as much as their tenure and progress. In this submit, hear from Policy Specialist Zoid Finch, who shares how they joined HealthSherpa, what they’ve discovered of their time right here, and their passions exterior of their work.
In December 2019, I moved from Phoenix, AZ to Sacramento with my three great companions. We determined that Sacramento was the place we wished to purchase a home and put down roots for our future. Back in Arizona, I labored as an environmental educator on the Phoenix Zoo for 3 years in numerous positions, so my authentic plan was to get an analogous job right here. I interviewed on the Sacramento Zoo for his or her summer time camp program, and a pair days later they closed to guests for the foreseeable future as a result of pandemic.
I spent most of 2020 unsure about my profession, and so I began increasing my job search. One of my companions truly heard about HealthSherpa by means of a help group, and I used to be eager to work at an organization that already had trans and non-binary staff with optimistic experiences working there.
I used to be first employed on as a seasonal Consumer Advocate in August of 2020, after which was supplied a full-time place on the finish of Open Enrollment. In August of 2021, I used to be promoted to my present function as Policy Specialist.
Before working at HealthSherpa, I couldn’t say that I used to be significantly enthusiastic about healthcare or well being protection. I might undoubtedly agree that it’s necessary for everybody to have entry to healthcare, however I by no means thought in regards to the specifics. Once I began serving to shoppers enroll in medical insurance by means of the Affordable Care Act, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I used to be happening web rabbit holes to grasp points that have been impacting shoppers I spoke to, just like the household glitch, protection exclusions, Medicaid growth, and a lot extra.
When I’m confronted with a query, I not solely wish to determine the reply, but in addition why that’s the reply. I wish to see the connections – the forest in addition to the bushes that make it up. And I’m so lucky to work at an organization that acknowledged this in me, and supplied me my present function to match my pursuits.
Diversity, fairness, and inclusion are baked into the tradition at HealthSherpa. It’s not reserved for an annual presentation or workshop, after which we revert to “business as usual” for the remainder of the 12 months – it’s really a part of what makes HealthSherpa totally different from some other place I’ve labored. DEI right here isn’t a challenge with a end line, however a price that I see the corporate engaged on on daily basis.
Part of the interview course of right here assesses values alignment. From my expertise, the recruiting group and hiring managers wish to guarantee that new hires will contribute positively to the tradition and work surroundings.
My companions and I’ve a small enterprise the place we design and promote artwork in numerous kinds. I crochet fidget toys, keychains, and different enjoyable issues like aliens and endangered animals. Lately, we’ve been collaborating in additional occasions as a vendor and have been assembly different queer and disabled artists in our neighborhood. We use our artwork to advocate for marginalized teams and causes that we care about, and it’s actually been extremely therapeutic to search out native areas that commemorate creators from marginalized communities.
Want to work with Zoid and the remainder of our phenomenal group? Click right here to discover present openings and listen to from extra teammates at HealthSherpa!