Zoid Finch on their journey to HealthSherpa, how their position has developed to satisfy their pursuits, and artwork as a car for advocacy

By HealthSherpa

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HealthSherpa strongly believes in creating inclusive, equitable areas, which construct belief, respect and a way of belonging which can 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 way in which as much as their tenure and progress. On this publish, hear from Coverage 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 fantastic companions. We determined that Sacramento was the place we wished to purchase a home and put down roots for our future. Again in Arizona, I labored as an environmental educator on the Phoenix Zoo for 3 years in varied positions, so my unique plan was to get an analogous job right here. I interviewed on the Sacramento Zoo for his or her summer season 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 in all my companions really heard about HealthSherpa by way of a help group, and I used to be eager to work at an organization that already had trans and non-binary workers with constructive experiences working there.

I used to be first employed on as a seasonal Shopper 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 position as Coverage Specialist.

Earlier than working at HealthSherpa, I couldn’t say that I used to be significantly captivated with healthcare or well being protection. I’d undoubtedly agree that it’s necessary for everybody to have entry to healthcare, however I by no means thought concerning the specifics. As soon as I began serving to shoppers enroll in medical health insurance by way of the Reasonably priced Care Act, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I used to be taking place web rabbit holes to grasp points that have been impacting shoppers I spoke to, just like the household glitch, protection exclusions, Medicaid enlargement, and a lot extra.

When I’m confronted with a query, I not solely wish to determine the reply, but additionally why that’s the reply. I wish to see the connections – the forest in addition to the timber that make it up. And I’m so lucky to work at an organization that acknowledged this in me, and supplied me my present position to match my pursuits.

Variety, 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 “enterprise as traditional” for the remainder of the yr – it’s actually a part of what makes HealthSherpa totally different from another place I’ve labored. DEI right here is just not a undertaking with a end line, however a price that I see the corporate engaged on on daily basis.

A part of the interview course of right here assesses values alignment. From my expertise, the recruiting staff and hiring managers wish to guarantee that new hires will contribute positively to the tradition and work setting.

My companions and I’ve a small enterprise the place we design and promote artwork in varied types. I crochet fidget toys, keychains, and different enjoyable issues like aliens and endangered animals. Currently, we’ve been participating in additional occasions as a vendor and have been assembly different queer and disabled artists in our group. We use our artwork to advocate for marginalized teams and causes that we care about, and it’s truthfully been extremely therapeutic to search out native areas that remember creators from marginalized communities.

Wish to work with Zoid and the remainder of our phenomenal staff? Click on right here to discover present openings and listen to from extra teammates at HealthSherpa!