America's Benefit Specialist December 2023

A CONVERSATION WITH JESSICA BROOKS-WOODS

The pattern was clear—these outreaches came from a place of desperation, a signal of a significant disconnect between patient experiences and the administrative vision of healthcare providers. This realization prompted me to create a platform that could scale the response and advocacy ef forts, especially for those critical moments when immediate assistance is needed. Rise Health Equity is designed to be that voice for individ uals in their most vulnerable moments. Whether it’s dealing with accusations of drug abuse when seeking pain relief or being dismissed during childbirth, this platform aims to bridge the gap and provide support where our healthcare system often falls short. It started with a focus on Black women, but as we delved deeper, it became clear that the disparities span across various intersections of race, gender, ability and socio-economic status. The launch of Rise Health Equity coincided with a revealing report in Pittsburgh, which underscored racial and gender disparities across major health concerns. This only affirmed the scope and necessity of the work we embarked on. Rise Health Equity stands as my contribution to those navigating the complexities of the American healthcare system. My second venture, EARN Staffing Solutions, reflects my commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the work force. We specialize in DEI and are dedicated to building inclusive and diverse talent pipelines for organizations. The

goal is to simplify the process for companies to access top talent, ensuring their strategic objectives are met by a work force that reflects the world’s diversity. I now serve as the board chair, and it’s a testament to my belief in the transfor mative power of a truly inclusive workplace. Thank you for sharing that. As you step into your role as CEO of NABIP, could you share with us your vision and goals for the association in the coming years? Jessica Brooks-Woods : Absolutely. The overarching goal for NABIP under my leadership is to establish our association as an indispensable entity in the healthcare ecosystem. We have a rich, 93-year history, and it’s crucial we leverage this to lead the way into the future of healthcare. First and foremost, we will enhance our advocacy and poli cy work. It’s not just about reacting to policies or regulations; it’s about proactively bringing the voice of the consumers we represent to the forefront and driving the implementation of practical healthcare solutions. A key component of our strategy is workforce develop ment. I envision the creation of a Benefits Workforce Insti tute, a comprehensive professional-development platform designed to prepare the future workforce of our industry. This means forging strategic partnerships with academic institutions and other organizations, addressing workforce challenges, and evolving our relationships with Departments

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