Her Story
About Donna
Donna Bennett brings more than three decades of experience in healthcare and managed care, with a career defined by continuous growth, relationship management, and a commitment to professional development. She began her career as a customer service representative with MetLife and progressed through organizational acquisitions to UnitedHealthcare, where she spent more than 25 years developing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare business from the ground up. During her tenure, she advanced into leadership and sales responsibilities, including managing a book of business, and developed expertise in strategic account retention, client service, renewals, and customer satisfaction. She later continued her career with Cigna Healthcare, where she applies her extensive industry knowledge to training and developing brokers.
In her role with Cigna Healthcare, Donna focuses on helping brokers understand the complexities of managed care, effectively manage their accounts, and build sustainable relationships with clients. She emphasizes accountability, industry knowledge, and the importance of understanding long-term goals rather than focusing solely on short-term results. A strong advocate for mentorship and education, Donna has contributed to initiatives such as Cigna Academy, where she helps prepare new professionals by teaching the practical aspects of healthcare and encouraging them to understand not only how processes work, but why they matter. She believes that healthcare professionals must continue learning, remain adaptable, and recognize the responsibility they have to the people and communities they serve.
Donna’s educational journey includes studies at LeMoyne-Owen College, Texas Southern University, and the University of Phoenix, where she earned her degree. Her professional philosophy is grounded in accountability, perseverance, service, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation and believes that experienced professionals have a responsibility to share their knowledge and help others recognize their potential. Beyond her career, Donna is committed to community service through her church, including helping provide lunches for children in need, and she is interested in supporting organizations such as Dress for Success. Whether through healthcare, mentorship, faith, or community involvement, Donna strives to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the people and communities around her.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to more than three decades of dedication, continuous learning, accountability, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Throughout my career in managed care, I have embraced opportunities to grow, learn the industry from the ground up, and share that knowledge with others. Mentoring and educating the next generation have become especially meaningful to me, as I believe success is not simply about financial achievement but also about leaving a positive legacy and strengthening the healthcare profession for those who follow. My educational journey and experiences as a tutor also taught me the value of discipline, repetition, effective communication, and lifelong learning. Ultimately, I attribute my success to staying committed to my purpose, remaining open to growth, holding myself accountable, and using my experience to help others build successful and meaningful careers.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable pieces of career advice I have received came from Beth Durham, a former supervisor who had a meaningful influence on my professional journey. She taught me that mentors can shape your career in ways that extend far beyond learning the responsibilities of a job. The right mentor challenges you to think differently, encourages you during difficult moments, and helps you recognize strengths and abilities you may not yet see in yourself. I am grateful for Beth’s guidance and the lessons she instilled in me, particularly the importance of professionalism, perseverance, accountability, and believing in the potential of others. Her influence continues to guide me in how I approach my career, support those around me, and strive to make a positive impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare is to understand that a career is about more than a paycheck. Learn your craft, ask questions, remain accountable, and never stop developing your knowledge. Seek out people who are willing to teach and mentor you, and as you gain experience, make it a priority to teach and support others. I have benefited from people who took the time to share their knowledge with me, and I believe it is my responsibility to do the same for the next generation. I also encourage young professionals to understand the why behind their work rather than simply learning how to complete a task. In healthcare, our work directly affects people’s lives, families, and futures, so we must never lose sight of the purpose behind what we do. Repetition can strengthen learning and memory, but true growth comes from applying that knowledge, taking responsibility for your work, and learning from your mistakes. Above all, remain committed to continuous learning, accountability, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in healthcare today is the need for continuous learning and adaptability. Throughout my career, I have had to remain knowledgeable, flexible, and willing to grow as the industry and workplace environments have evolved. Working across different organizations and roles has strengthened my ability to adapt while maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and integrity. I also see an opportunity in the way different generations communicate and approach the workplace. While I was taught the value of traditional communication, attention to detail, and taking the time to fully understand a subject, today’s professionals often communicate more quickly and concisely. Rather than viewing these differences as challenges, I believe they create opportunities for generations to learn from one another, share perspectives, and strengthen the healthcare industry together.
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 service, compassion, consistency, accountability, and a willingness to take initiative. I believe meaningful change often begins with simple acts of kindness and a commitment to showing up for others. Through my church and community involvement, including helping pack lunches each week for children in need, I have learned that service is most meaningful when it is done without seeking recognition. I also value organizations such as Dress for Success that help people build confidence, develop their potential, and create better opportunities for themselves. Whether I am serving in the workplace, through my church, or within my community, I believe in seeing what needs to be done and taking responsibility for being part of the solution.
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