Laura Hurt

I attribute my success to the lessons learned through life's challenges and the resilience they helped build. I often say my journey has been through the "school of hard knocks", working my way from the bottom to where I am today. I didn't finish college because I took on adult responsibilities at a young age, following my mother's fatal car accident. While that path was not the traditional one, it shaped the grit, perseverance, and determination that continue to guide me.

Starting at the entry level gave me a deep appreciation for every role within an organization. It also instilled a sense of empathy and respect for the people who make success possible at every level. I'm very proud of the work it took to grow in my career and the perspective those experiences have given me. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

Over the past 14 years with my current company, I've been fortunate to earn four promotions, including two within the past year. One of the most meaningful moments of my career was receiving the Presidential Gamechanger Award. What made that recognition even more special was learning that my mother, father, and grandfather had each received a Presidential Award in sectors ranging from fitness to law enforcement. Because my mother passed away when I was young, being able to share in that legacy and honor her memory made the moment incredibly meaningful. She strived in doing her part to make the world a better place and through her influence, I will carry on that mission.

Lastly, if it weren't for the influential women that God so meticulously placed in my life to encourage, strengthen, inspire, and speak truth to - I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today. All of those experiences continue to remind me that perseverance, humility, and the support of others are often the true foundations of success.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that success is earned through persistence, dedication, and a willingness to continuously grow. I’ve learned that you can work your way to the top by staying focused, maintaining a strong work ethic and integrity, and embracing every opportunity to learn, improve, and grow. This mindset has shaped my approach to my career, reminding me that long-term success is built through consistency, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay with it and never give up. Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey, but perseverance, resilience, and a strong belief in your abilities will carry you forward. Trust yourself, keep learning, and remain committed to your goals. Success comes to those who persist. Work hard and you will become more wealthy - financially and in wisdom.

One of the biggest challenges - and also one of the greatest opportunities - in healthcare today is access, affordability, and quality. Today, there is a growing need for collaboration and meaningful support. Healthcare is facing significant pressures, but within those challenges lies a real opportunity to make a lasting impact for generations to come.

What I find most rewarding about my work is the ability to focus on opportunities that can create meaningful change, help strengthen the healthcare systems while also improving outcomes in local communities across the nation. Healthcare is deeply local, yet the solutions often require broader collaboration and strategic alignment. My role provides a unique perspective because I work closely with both healthcare providers and health insurance organizations. That vantage point allows me to understand the priorities and challenges on both sides, and to help identify ways those organizations can work together more effectively.

When partnerships are built thoughtfully and strategically, both sides have the opportunity to grow - and more importantly, communities benefit from stronger, more sustainable healthcare access. Being part of efforts that help create that kind of progress is what makes this work especially meaningful to me.

In my work, I value making a meaningful impact and supporting the people around me. Healthcare is facing many challenges today, and I believe it takes the collective effort of dedicated individuals at every level to truly make a difference. Having started my career at the entry level, I have a deep appreciation for every role within an organization and the important part each person plays in achieving success. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of my work and the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people across the industry.

Outside of my work, I value time spent with family and friends, as well as being outdoors - whether that's at the beach or in the mountains. I also love travel and am an avid sports fanatic. Giving back is also very important to me. I'm involved in community outreach through my church, Faith Community Fellowship, and I appreciate that my company prioritizes service through Claritev Cares, which focuses on missions and charitable initiatives. Being able to contribute to those efforts is something I cherish and am very grateful for.