Claudia Velez

Every journey has a beginning, and mine began in Medellín, Colombia, where I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by family, love, and encouragement.

I had a happy childhood. My mother always kept me active, encouraging me to participate in sports and different activities. I was naturally outgoing and often took on leadership roles at school and in my Girl Scouts troop.

I grew up with my two sisters, and we shared a very close bond. My parents were loving, caring, and present, and despite the challenges of the world around us, my sisters and I always looked out for one another. We focused on school, stayed out of trouble, and dreamed of having bright futures.

Looking back, I realize that many of the values that guide me today—responsibility, determination, leadership, and family—were already being shaped during those early years.

A New Country, A Different Beginning

My life took a significant turn when my parents divorced when I was 13. My mother eventually brought us to the United States, opening the door to new opportunities but also introducing challenges I had never experienced before. Moving to a new country meant adapting to a different culture, learning a new language, and finding my place in an unfamiliar environment. What I didn't realize then was how much those experiences would shape my resilience and determination.

I had always dreamed of working in healthcare. In fact, becoming a physician was one of my earliest ambitions. As life unfolded, however, my responsibilities changed. I married, became a mother, and began working in a physical therapy clinic, where I found my way into the healthcare environment.

Learning English while navigating motherhood, marriage, work, and education was not easy. I enrolled in school with the intention of continuing toward a career in medicine. However, balancing my educational ambitions with the responsibilities of raising my children and supporting my family required difficult decisions. Although my husband was supportive, I understood the financial and personal commitments that pursuing medical school would involve. Eventually, I made the decision to take a different path.

I completed my Medical Assistant degree and later pursued Business Administration, allowing me to combine my interest in healthcare with my growing passion for operations and leadership. What initially felt like a change in direction became the beginning of a career I would continue building for more than 15 years.

Finding My Path in Healthcare

One of my greatest professional challenges was overcoming the language barrier. English was not my first language, and there were moments when communicating, expressing my ideas, and finding confidence in professional environments required extra effort. I had to work harder, learn continuously, and push myself beyond my comfort zone. But I never allowed that challenge to define my capabilities or limit my aspirations.

A defining moment in my career came when I was in my early twenties and had the opportunity to work with Robin TenEyck, who became not only my manager but also a mentor from whom I learned so much.

She would often ask me, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" At the time, I was young and still discovering my professional direction. Her question encouraged me to think beyond the responsibilities of my current position and consider what I wanted to accomplish in my career.

Robin exposed me to the different areas of revenue cycle, including the front end, middle end, and back end. That experience helped me understand how each area contributes to the financial and operational health of a healthcare organization. However, I found myself increasingly drawn to the front end, particularly Patient Access.

I loved the opportunity to combine operations, leadership, and direct patient interaction. I realized that Patient Access was about much more than registration. It was about helping patients navigate the healthcare system, understand their financial responsibilities, explore available payment options, and feel supported during what can often be a stressful experience.

As my experience grew, so did my ambition. I could envision myself becoming a Director one day. I wanted the opportunity to lead Patient Access operations, develop teams, improve processes, and influence the patient experience while never losing the human connection that first attracted me to the field.

Looking back, I recognize how important mentorship was in shaping my career. Sometimes, all it takes is someone who challenges you to think bigger, exposes you to new opportunities, and encourages you to see potential beyond your current role. Robin did that for me, and her influence is something I carry with me as a leader today.

The Meaning of Perseverance

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is completing my education while being a full-time mother, wife, and employee. It required discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. There were competing responsibilities and moments when balancing everything felt overwhelming, but I remained committed to moving forward.

Today, when I reflect on my journey, I recognize that success is not always about following the path you originally envisioned. Sometimes, it is about having the courage to adapt, recognizing new opportunities, and making the most of the path life places before you.

I may have taken a different path than the one I imagined as a young girl in Medellín, but that path allowed me to discover strengths and opportunities I might never have otherwise explored.

Paying It Forward: The Leader I Aspire to Be

One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership for me is mentoring others and helping them discover their own potential. Having experienced the impact of someone who believed in me, challenged me, and encouraged me to think beyond my current role, I understand how powerful that influence can be.

I find the greatest satisfaction in watching someone recognize their own abilities, gain confidence, and realize that they are capable of more than they initially imagined. I believe leadership is not simply about directing operations or achieving results; it is also about creating opportunities for others to grow, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones, and helping them see possibilities they may not have considered for themselves.

If I can make a meaningful difference in someone's professional journey by believing in them, sharing my experience, and encouraging them to pursue their goals, then I consider that one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

A Message to Others

My message, especially to women balancing family, education, and professional ambitions, is that pursuing your goals while managing multiple responsibilities is not easy. There will be sacrifices, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty. But with dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning, it is possible to build a meaningful and fulfilling life.

I have learned that our beginnings do not define our limits, our circumstances do not determine our potential, and changing direction does not mean giving up on our dreams. Sometimes, the most meaningful accomplishments come from the paths we never originally planned to take.

As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for my family, the opportunities I have been given, the mentors who believed in me, and the people who have been part of my professional growth. I am equally grateful for the opportunity to now encourage others along their own journeys.

Because ultimately, success is not measured only by how far you go in your own career, but also by how many people you inspire, encourage, and help discover how far they can go.