Stephanie has over 30 years in healthcare, with early leadership roles at Cigna, Coventry, and UnitedHealth Group. As VP of product development at Coventry, she gained extensive experience in employer group and retiree health benefits, overseeing Commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid HMO initiatives. In 2005, she joined Convey Health Solutions, eventually rising to Senior VP and COO, directing enterprise operations in the US and the Philippines. In 2025, she plans to launch a technology software and services company for the health insurance sector. A Miami native, she holds a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in accounting from Nova Southeastern University and is the author of her debut memoir, Running to Catch Up: Winning in Spite of Myself.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Stephanie shared her professional journey in the healthcare industry, insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the secret mantra behind her success, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Stephanie. What drives your passion for operational excellence and efficiency in the healthcare industry?
Process and efficiency have always made intuitive sense to me. Early in my career, I embraced the challenge of streamlining over-engineered processes to enhance efficiency. More recently, my passion has expanded to advocating for senior citizens, particularly those in underserved communities who often lack access to education and support.
With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including management roles at some of the nation’s largest payors and as COO of a software and services company serving Medicare payors, I’ve witnessed firsthand how complex processes and underutilized technology hinder call center staff from providing clear and simple answers to patients.
As I venture into entrepreneurship, my goal is to address these overlooked challenges by creating efficient processes through a technology-first approach. Ultimately, I aim to improve the internal user experience for healthcare staff, which will enhance the service provided to Medicare beneficiaries on the other end of the line. My commitment to operational excellence is driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact on those who rely on our healthcare system.
What are some of the most exciting initiatives or projects you’re currently working on, and how do you see them impacting the future of healthcare?
I am incredibly excited to transition from a 30-year corporate career into entrepreneurship, where I can directly influence product and investment decisions. Drawing on my extensive experience delivering software and services to nearly 100 health plans, my goal is to develop solutions that empower COOs and leaders in operations and workforce management to reduce costs and drive significant savings for the industry.
I believe that these savings can be reinvested into enhancing the benefits offered to customers, which is a crucial step toward improving patient outcomes. I am committed to advocating for a reinvestment strategy wherever possible. The first step in this process is to identify untapped opportunities through process re-engineering and the implementation of straightforward technology solutions. By helping organizations streamline their operations, I aim to tackle persistent challenges and contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system.
The healthcare industry greatly needs an entrepreneurial spirit. I firmly believe that adopting a startup mentality—focused on problem-solving and a rapid speed-to-market approach—is what’s currently lacking in the sector. This mindset can drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients and providers alike. By fostering this entrepreneurial approach, we can address pressing challenges and create solutions that truly meet the needs of the healthcare landscape.
What role do you believe technology plays in driving innovation and improvement in the healthcare industry?
Technology is pivotal in driving innovation and improvement in the healthcare industry. Without a technology-first approach, healthcare will continue to lag behind other sectors, such as telecom. The industry often becomes fragmented due to the intense focus on competition and the need to navigate complex regulatory changes, which stifles collaboration and hampers collective problem-solving.
By leveraging technology, we can foster a more interconnected environment that encourages collaboration among stakeholders. This can lead to innovative solutions that address shared challenges, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency. Embracing technology is essential for the healthcare industry to evolve and meet the demands of the modern landscape.
How do you stay up-to-date with emerging trends and developments in healthcare technology and innovation?
Having spent 20 years at Convey Health Solutions, where I served as COO, I was constantly exposed to a wide array of vendors and solutions, which could sometimes be overwhelming. As I transition into this new journey, I recognize the importance of finding effective ways to stay informed about emerging trends.
To do this, I plan to surround myself with strong advisors who have their fingers on the pulse of the industry. Additionally, I will commit to reading extensively and attending more trade conferences to gain insights and broaden my understanding of the latest innovations. Establishing partnerships with consultants and other software companies will also be crucial in staying current and fostering collaboration. By leveraging these resources, I aim to remain at the forefront of healthcare technology and innovation.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
The current narrative surrounding diversity and inclusion is both sad and disappointing. Too often, when people hear the term “diversity,” they immediately think of a black versus white discussion. However, diversity encompasses so much more than that. As a Black American female executive who has led large teams in both the U.S. and the Philippines, I believe that diversity of thought and experience is essential for addressing the country’s most pressing challenges.
In some circles, having a white man at the table is seen as a diverse perspective. I have leaned on my white male colleagues throughout my career to gain broader insights on various topics. I value their contributions to diversity of thinking and innovation. However, it is unacceptable for a world where white men dominate decision-making to continue, especially in a society where women and people of color make up the majority.
As an authentic leader committed to a people-first management style, I advocate for the diverse needs of all employees. Engaging in tough conversations at all levels of the organization, particularly among C-suite leaders, is more critical than ever. These authentic discussions pave the way for greater acceptance, understanding, and ultimately, meaningful change across the globe. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives and drive innovation in our organizations and communities.
In the spirit of full transparency, I have spent considerable time reflecting on the concept of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) hires, especially in light of the current societal landscape. I sometimes question whether I was viewed as a DEI hire at certain points in my career—whether there was a need to have a Black woman at the table, and if I may have benefited from that perspective. While I cannot control the motives of the leaders and CEOs who promoted me, I can control the work I produced while occupying those roles.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Miami for 2025. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
My success has come from leading with authenticity and fearlessness. I tackled some of the most complex challenges faced by my most recent company, and I found that I could mobilize people and rally them behind a common goal. Over my career, I have experienced numerous successes alongside my peers and our teams, far too many to name. When you achieve a series of successes, people come to trust that you will deliver, regardless of the obstacles.
Ultimately, my achievements have been a collective effort. The teams I worked with throughout my career brought passion and commitment, willing to do whatever it took to succeed. I owe much of my success to the many individuals who have supported me and helped me shine.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
In recent years, I have prioritized a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which has significantly contributed to my overall well-being. I work out 4-5 times a week and have set personal goals outside of my professional career. I also published my debut memoir, Running to Catch Up: Winning in Spite of Myself, in February 2024.
I believe I am now perceived as a more balanced individual than I was for much of my career. In recent years, my teams have had the opportunity to see me live a fulfilling life while still delivering strong results for the company, which I believe served as a source of motivation for them. Throughout my career, I have consistently advocated for my teams and emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding their efforts, both financially and through visibility within the organization.
Over the years, I’ve learned that motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; everyone is different. However, one common desire is the need to be seen and recognized for the work they do, myself included. Acknowledgment and appreciation are essential in fostering a motivated and engaged team.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I am immensely grateful for my husband, Morshee. His unwavering love and support have been instrumental in my journey. He has consistently encouraged me to prioritize my career, even when it meant putting it ahead of family responsibilities. Without his belief in me and the sacrifices he has made, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to get there?
In the next 5-10 years, I aim to maintain a sense of balance while embracing my journey as an entrepreneur and investor. From a business perspective, I aspire to be recognized as an innovator in healthcare technology and to drive meaningful change within a broken industry.
My goal is to leave behind a legacy as a solutions architect in healthcare—one that my family can be proud of. To achieve this, I plan to focus on building strategic partnerships, staying at the forefront of industry trends, and continually seeking out opportunities to address the pressing challenges within the healthcare landscape. By fostering collaboration and creativity, I hope to develop impactful solutions that contribute to a better future for all.
What advice would you give to aspiring healthcare leaders looking to develop their skills and expertise?
My advice to aspiring healthcare leaders is to embrace risk, but ensure that those risks align with your personal and professional goals. Whether it means leaving a large corporation to join a startup or proposing a new department to address an unmet need within your organization, don’t hesitate to take that leap.
Challenges often come with great opportunities for growth and innovation. Trust in your abilities, stay curious, and be proactive in pursuing your vision. Just do it!