Influential Woman · Career coaching and healthcare
Andrea Verplaetse, PMP
Mentor-in-Chief & Founder, Your Career Mentor by Andrea
Dunlap, IL 61525
Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Verplaetse, PMP, is a healthcare strategist, project management professional, and career mentor with more than 12 years of experience spanning both the nonprofit and for profit healthcare sectors. Throughout her career, she has built expertise in market development, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership, with a strong focus on improving healthcare access and community impact. Her professional journey includes leadership roles with organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, a regional health system in fund development, Humana, Elevance Health, and Molina Healthcare, where she currently serves as Market Development & Strategy Director. In this role, she partners with provider organizations, legislators, state agencies, and community leaders to strengthen strategic relationships, support Medicaid market growth, and advance initiatives that improve health outcomes.
Andrea's diverse background has equipped her with a unique ability to bridge strategy and execution while fostering meaningful collaboration across complex healthcare environments. She has successfully led Medicaid implementation initiatives, developed market strategies, managed cross-functional projects, and cultivated partnerships that drive organizational growth and community investment. She holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership from Bradley University, a Post-Master's Certificate in Healthcare Administration from Clarkson College, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and operational excellence.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Andrea is the founder of Your Career Mentor by Andrea, a career coaching practice she launched to help early and mid-career professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Through personalized coaching, she guides clients in developing authentic personal brands, negotiating raises, advancing their careers, and approaching professional transitions with purpose. Andrea is passionate about combining strategic insight with practical execution while building genuine human connections, empowering others to recognize their strengths and achieve meaningful, long-term career success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building intentional relationships and fostering meaningful partnerships throughout my career. I believe that strong professional networks are built through authenticity, consistency, and genuine engagement, which is why I make it a priority to stay connected with colleagues, mentors, and community partners through regular check-ins. By investing in these relationships over time and keeping doors open, I have created opportunities for collaboration, growth, and shared success. I have found that careers often come full circle, and the connections you nurture today can lead to unexpected opportunities and lasting professional impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was that no one will advocate for your career more effectively than you. Early in my career, a mentor encouraged me to "spread my wings," recognizing my potential beyond the role I was in at the time. That advice gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities, embrace growth, and step outside my comfort zone. It reinforced the importance of believing in my abilities, taking ownership of my professional development, and being intentional about creating the career I want.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering any industry is to remain authentic and have confidence in the unique strengths you bring to the table. Invest time in identifying what sets you apart your distinctive skills, talents, and perspective and continue developing those strengths rather than comparing yourself to others. Success is built by leveraging your individual value, embracing opportunities to grow, and leading with confidence and integrity. When you understand your unique contributions and stay true to who you are, you position yourself to build a fulfilling career and make a meaningful, lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the healthcare industry today is navigating budget constraints and workforce reductions, particularly within government sponsored healthcare programs, which often require organizations to do more with fewer resources. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and stronger community partnerships. By bringing together healthcare organizations, community leaders, nonprofits, and local stakeholders, we can develop creative, grassroots solutions that address social determinants of health and improve access to care. These evolving partnerships are reshaping how healthcare organizations serve their communities and creating new opportunities to make a meaningful, lasting impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity, integrity, and compassion are at the core of everything I do. I show up as my true self and take the time to genuinely listen and understand others. I believe that strong communities are built when people feel valued, supported, and empowered to be themselves, because growth and success are always better as a collective effort. Taking care of my health and well-being is equally important, because prioritizing balance and resilience allows me to show up fully and make a meaningful impact in both work and personal life.
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