Jemma Cherep

My career journey has been anything but linear, and I think that's what makes it so rich. I started out thinking I wanted to be a teacher, got my undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh, and took my first full-time job at the Carnegie Science Center doing on-the-road programming where we'd travel to schools in the tri-state area doing science-based classroom programs and huge assembly shows. That's where I really learned whether teaching was for me. I was a swimmer, so I had experience in aquatics, and I decided to go back to grad school at Pitt to pursue a degree in exercise science. I became a certified exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine in 2003, and I've kept that certification because I worked very hard for it. After graduating with my master's in 2005, I worked as an exercise physiologist at Washington Hospital through Cameron Wellness Center for about 4 years, getting hands-on experience, but it wasn't really my gig. I had an opportunity to go back into aquatics at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, where I helped develop their new properties and was engaged with the architecture and set up of a whole brand new pool, which was a great experience. After having my son, I took some time off, then moved into insurance at Cigna for 4-5 years doing management and telephonic coaching for wellness and health coaching, which I really enjoyed. Then I moved to Highmark doing engagement, client relations, business operations, and strategic communications. Throughout my career, I've worked in roles that required strong leadership, adaptability, and problem solving. More recently, I've been at PNC for going on 4 years in HR on the planning and strategy team as a senior consultant, involved with initiatives focused on collaboration and development of planning and strategy. I really enjoy it because I get to use my leadership ability, networking, and contribute insights from my overall experience. I'm also a certified health coach, and right now I'm working on my SHRM certification for HR specialists since that's where I'll probably continue my career.