Home: Richmond Heights, MO. Profession: Health actuary. Organization: Centene Corporation. Title: Staff VP, Actuarial Services – Strategic Priorities. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: Korey Ewing, partner-in-everything. Alma mater: Grinnell College (B.A.); University of Oregon (M.S., Mathematics).
Current project: Health Equity Work Group; American Academy of Actuaries, Data team leader. Latest contribution to others: Appointed as a Director of my local public school’s Board of Education. Hobbies: Sport climbing, indoor and outdoor (facing fear and pushing through). Last book read: A Psalm for the Wild-Built, by Becky Chambers. Recently viewed and recommended: Any of Haben Girma’s amazing talks.
Personality profile: I don’t do anything halfway. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Intense. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual support and acceptance, and plenty of room for hilarity and joy. What natural talent have you neglected? I left my heart behind with Gamelan Kusuma Laras when I moved from New York. I would jump at the chance to play and sing in a Javanese Gamelan again. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Public school educators. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Browsing with my husband at Left Bank Books. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Space and options for all of the diverse interests of the folks coming with me (usually my family and friends).
What was your favorite college course? Topology. What book have you repeatedly read? Dear Science and Other Stories, by Katherine McKittrick. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My best friend, Marisol Brito. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and all that followed in the region and throughout the United States.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Working with other actuaries to expand the way we think about risk classification to maintain our ability to steward financial systems while enabling more equitable outcomes for everyone.
What widely held belief do you reject? That one belief system can hold all the answers we need to live up to our values for ourselves. What mega-trend most concerns you? The accelerating pace of life and what we lose when we don’t make time for reflection and slow connection with community.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A children’s book writer. What advice would you give your younger self? You are enough just as you are, and being special isn’t as important as doing the work. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day, a joyful celebration of second chances, family, and dear friends. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Every experience in my life has had value and has led me to where I am now. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Personal mission: Live well and fully, and use my powers for good. Favorite quote: “Justice is what love looks like in public” (Cornel West).
