Her Story
About Christina
I am an experienced leader with more than 30 years in the insurance industry, with a career rooted in service, advocacy, and helping others navigate important life transitions. My educational foundation began at Springfield College, where I earned a bachelor’s degree focused on physical therapy and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and casework management. Upon graduation, I relocated to Virginia Beach, as I had spent many summers working at the beach and wanted to live there permanently. My first professional role introduced me to vocational rehabilitation, a field that quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my career. That role entailed supporting individuals transitioning out of the Navy as they entered civilian life and the workforce. When a statewide hiring freeze in Virginia affected that work, a former supervisor from a college internship contacted me about a new opportunity at an insurance company. That invitation was responsible for jumpstarting my career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant in the insurance industry. In this occupation I have worked with individuals with disabilities, helping them access the resources, skills, and support needed to reenter the workforce and pursue a stronger quality of life. The people I met and the experiences I gained through that work were extraordinary, and it remains deeply rewarding to have played a small role in helping others move toward their goals. In 2001, I joined MassMutual, where I have spent the past 25 years. I was hired to launch the company’s Vocational Rehabilitation program and went on to manage Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants and Nurses for more than 12 years. In 2013, I transitioned into the Life and Annuity Insurance Claims department, where I have led teams across life claims, operations, and annuity/income settlement claims. In my current role, I manage associates who support individuals during one of the most difficult moments of their lives—the loss of a loved one. Our work helps beneficiaries obtain the benefits to which they are entitled, honoring the promise made to their loved ones years earlier. Equally important, I focus on supporting my team members’ professional growth by helping them identify strengths, recognize opportunities for development, and continue building meaningful careers within and beyond their current roles. One of my proudest accomplishments is founding the EASE (now called Adapt) Employee Resource Group at MassMutual. Adapt supports individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and allies while helping the organization better understand the experiences and challenges of people with disabilities and those who care for loved ones with disabilities. Through this work, we strive to foster a more inclusive workplace where all employees have the support they need to succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christina
01What do you attribute your success to?
Authenticity has been an important contributor to my success, both as a professional and as a leader. When I show up as myself, with honesty, humility, and a willingness to be vulnerable, it creates stronger and more meaningful connections with others. I have found that people are more willing to engage, collaborate, and trust your leadership when they believe you are genuine and consistent. Authenticity has helped me build relationships grounded in trust, and that trust has been essential to leading teams, navigating challenges, and creating environments where people feel respected, supported, and motivated to do their best work. For me, authenticity is not just a personal value; it is a leadership strength that has shaped the way I connect with people and contributed greatly to my overall success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from a manager early in my career. He reminded me that people can sense when someone is trying to be something they are not, and that authenticity is essential to building trust. That guidance has shaped the way I approach leadership. I have learned that trust is not something that can be assumed; it has to be earned through consistency, honesty, and respect. When people trust you, they are more willing to engage, collaborate, and move forward with confidence. I remain grateful for that early lesson, because it continues to influence how I lead, support others, and build meaningful professional relationships
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage others to remain open to opportunities that challenge them, even when those opportunities fall outside of what feels familiar. Much of my career was built in vocational rehabilitation, so stepping into a new role required me to move beyond my comfort zone and trust my ability to grow. It was not immediate; confidence came with time, experience, and a willingness to learn. But by saying yes to the opportunity, I discovered new strengths, contributed in meaningful ways, and made an impact I would not have made had I been unwilling to take the risk. Growth often begins when we take risks, and failure, when viewed with perspective, becomes part of the learning process. As is said, “FAIL” is a first attempt in learning; it is a reminder that progress requires courage, humility, and the willingness to try new things.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The insurance industry has historically been a male-dominated field, which makes the presence and contributions of women especially important. Women bring valuable perspectives, strengths, and leadership qualities that can positively influence the way insurance is sold, claims are managed, and customers are supported. In an industry that often intersects with some of the most personal and difficult moments in people’s lives, qualities such as empathy, communication, sound judgment, and relationship-building are essential. Women have the opportunity to broaden the conversation, strengthen client and claimant experiences, and contribute to more balanced and inclusive decision-making. Their impact extends beyond representation; it helps shape a more compassionate, responsive, and forward-thinking insurance industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, honesty, and trust. I believe these values form the foundation for meaningful relationships, effective leadership, and long-term success. When integrity is present, people can rely on your actions to align with your words. When honesty guides communication, it creates clarity, accountability, and mutual respect. Trust, however, is what brings these values together; it allows people to feel confident, engaged, and willing to collaborate. Without these foundational values, relationships can quickly become strained, engagement may decline, and teams may struggle to work toward a common purpose. For me, leading and living with integrity, honesty, and trust means showing up consistently, making thoughtful decisions, and treating others with respect, even in difficult situations.
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