Shalanda Moses

I've been in social work for over 20 years, always driven by my desire to help people. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in sociology and a minor in human resources, I began my career with the Illinois Department of Aging, where I helped senior citizens receive services through assessments that qualified them for DOORS caregivers. This work allowed seniors to stay in their homes and communities rather than moving into nursing homes, with family members providing crucial support including medication management, transportation to doctors, assistance with activities of daily living, and meal preparation. After years in that role, I pivoted into the insurance industry, where I've been with my current employer for nearly 12 years as of November. Even in this new setting, I've maintained that same capacity to help people. I support our members and my team by offering guidance, brainstorming ideas, and working to bridge care gaps in the community to ensure our members receive the services they need. My main areas of expertise are leadership and being very knowledgeable about resources. One of my most notable professional achievements was working with one of my staff members to help a member transition from the hospital into the community, and now she will be having her own apartment soon. I really like those types of accomplishments because they show me how people are needed to help people, especially those who have behavioral health needs. I'm always giving to others and thinking of others, so seeing that impact made a huge difference for me.