Being consistent and resilient in her beliefs. Being graceful and grateful for every moment that was a yes or a no.
Contessa Howard, B.A., M.S. · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Contessa
Contessa Howard, B.A., M.S., is a continuously developing professional and emerging leader in the health and education fields. She is currently advancing her expertise through a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Capella University, where her studies emphasize ethics, diversity, strategic planning, and effective organizational change within human services and education systems. With a strong academic foundation in psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior across developmental stages, which informs her compassionate and people-centered approach to her work. She is guided by a strong sense of purpose, believing her calling has always been to help others, particularly through service and advocacy.
In her professional experience, Contessa currently serves as a Healthcare Advocate with Aviator Health, where she supports seniors and individuals with disabilities by helping them access essential resources such as Medicare and Medicaid, as well as other community-based services. Her daily responsibilities include making calls, sending emails, conducting research, and coordinating with approximately 4 to 11 patients at a time to ensure they receive appropriate guidance and support. She sees herself as a connector and “middleman,” exploring available options and clearly communicating them to clients while promoting independence, dignity, and informed decision-making. She maintains confidentiality, compliance, and a compassionate approach while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support positive outcomes.
Contessa’s background also includes leadership and operational experience as a Program Manager with Right At School, where she oversaw enrichment programming and supported staff coordination, and as a Substitute Teacher with both Northside Community School and Kelly Educational Services, where she delivered instruction across grade levels and fostered inclusive learning environments. She also gained foundational experience in customer service and operations as a Bank Teller with Central Bank, strengthening her communication, accuracy, and client service skills. Passionate about service and community impact, she is open to volunteer work in areas including mental health, education, diversity, equity, elderly care, and economic empowerment. Her professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to advocacy, growth, and making meaningful impact in both educational and healthcare settings.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Contessa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, and a genuine passion for serving others. Throughout my career, I have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve. Whether working in healthcare advocacy, education, or community programs, I believe that success comes from listening with empathy, leading with integrity, and remaining committed to finding solutions that improve people's lives. I also recognize that success is not achieved alone—it is built through the support of mentors, colleagues, family, and the communities that have encouraged me along the way. Their encouragement, combined with my determination to continue learning and leading, has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to never lose sight of myself in the process of serving others and to remain grounded in who I am and what I bring to my work. I was reminded that self-care is essential to sustaining long-term effectiveness and compassion, because it is difficult to pour into others when one’s own cup is empty. This perspective has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to guide how I balance dedication to my responsibilities with maintaining my own well-being, resilience, and personal fulfillment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to prioritize yourself first and make sure the path you choose is something you are truly passionate about. Take each day as it comes, understanding that there will be both opportunities and setbacks along the way. It is important not to be discouraged by “no’s,” but instead to remain focused, resilient, and committed to moving forward with confidence and purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is identifying and connecting individuals particularly seniors and adults with disabilities with the most appropriate and accessible resources to meet their needs. Navigating systems such as Medicare and Medicaid can be complex and often overwhelming for clients, and even when resources are available, there is no guarantee of eligibility or approval. This makes it essential to continuously research options, stay informed about changing guidelines, and advocate effectively to help clients understand their choices and access the support they need.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are communication, respect, and meeting people where they are. I believe clear and compassionate communication is essential to building trust and understanding, especially when supporting individuals through challenging situations. I also place great importance on treating everyone with respect and recognizing that each person is navigating different circumstances at different times in their life. Being a consistent source of support and understanding allows me to create meaningful connections and provide care that is both empathetic and effective.
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