In recognition of Black History Month, Centene is shining the spotlight on its diverse employees and sharing how they are making an impact to advance diversity in the workplace. Nicole Myers joined Centene’s SilverSummit Healthplan in 2017, and she is now a Senior Compliance Analyst. She also is an alum of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative (SLBDI) Fellows Experience Program and a member of Centene’s Veterans and Military Families Employee Inclusion Group CENVET. Learn more about Nicole, her commitment to ensuring compliance to enhance member care, and her perspectives on better understanding Black History and the achievements of African Americans.

Q. Tell us about your background and your current role at SilverSummit Healthplan? 

A. I am originally from New York City. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology/psychology and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, and I have worked in healthcare and medical research for a little over nine years. I also spent three years teaching English as a second language in South Korea and traveling throughout Southeast Asia.

I have been with SilverSummit Healthplan in Las Vegas, Nevada for four years, and I am a Senior Compliance Analyst. In my role, I perform contractual and legislative research, along with auditing and monitoring to ensure our policies and procedures align with our state contracts and laws. I also work with our department leadership to create training events to ensure staff is kept up-to-date with the constant regulatory changes. 

Q. What is the most meaningful part of your job?

A. It feels good to know that I am a part of a team that is the organization’s ethical heart. Many laws and regulations are designed to provide consumer protection. As a Compliance Analyst, I am our members’ champion because I work to ensure our members receive the care that we are contractually obligated to provide, while ensuring a just, fair, and ethical relationship between us and our members.

Q. Who influenced you most during your career and why?

A. I have been blessed to be surrounded by the most brilliant and dynamic women throughout my career, like my Compliance Officers at my health plan and the amazing leadership in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office. But if I had to highlight one person, it would be my first mentor — Sen. Nerissa Underwood, a politician who served as the senator in the Guam legislature. She took me on as a mentee and introduced me to the legislative process. She helped me develop valuable skills that I use almost daily in my personal and professional life, and she pushed me to be better and do better. Most importantly, she emphasized the importance of always showing up as my authentic self.

Q. How do you feel about Centene's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

A. I love working at Centene because I feel that we are truly dedicated to equity and inclusion for marginalized groups to ensure that we, as a company, are best serving our members and communities through our shared experiences. I can see this dedication both locally and at the corporate level, and I can feel it in the company’s culture. Our focus on inclusive hiring practices, employee mentorship, and leadership development attracts and retains a diverse workforce. What is most important is Centene understands there is always more work to do.

Centene provides employees access to leadership programs and Employee Inclusion Groups that encourage both professional and personal growth. I am currently participating in the SLBDI, a transformational leadership development program designed for professionals of color. This experience has connected me with other Centene employees throughout the country who are dedicated to excellence and ensuring Centene remains a leader in the healthcare market. I am also an active member of CENVET because I am a proud spouse of a retired Air Force Veteran. 

Q. What is the importance of allyship to you, and how can employees be better allies?

A. Allyship at all levels is important to create an environment where all people feel seen and heard. All employees can be better allies by first looking within themselves and identifying their own power and influence. They should then use that to advocate for others by speaking up for employees and customers who are not being seen or heard.

Q. What are your thoughts on the significance of Black History Month?

A. Many African Americans, like myself, are unable to trace our family trees beyond the U.S., so it is vital to celebrate the heritage with which we can identify. Black History Month is not just for Black Americans; it is a time that we can all use to reflect on the fact that Black History is American history. It also gives all Americans a dedicated space to better understand ourselves and each other while also remembering the achievements of African Americans who changed our lives.