Her Story
About Sharnee
Sharnee Brown is a Project Consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where she leads strategic initiatives that enhance the healthcare experience for Medicare members aged 65 and older. Since joining the organization in 2014 as an entry-level customer service representative, she has advanced through roles as a Grievance and Appeals Coordinator, Senior Analyst in Enrollment and Eligibility, and now Project Consultant. Her expertise spans IT management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and project implementation, with a focus on ensuring internal processes align with CMS guidelines while delivering seamless, member-centered solutions. Brown has played a key role in a multi-million-dollar system transformation, contributing to business requirements, testing, production implementation, and stakeholder collaboration that supported continued membership growth.
Although Brown originally envisioned a career in criminal justice and aspired to become an attorney, her professional journey took a transformative turn when she joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Guided by the mentorship of an experienced colleague, she recognized the growing value of professional certifications and continuous learning. She earned her bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2013 and later completed a Project Management certification through Lawrence Technological University. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree in Healthcare Management with a concentration in Informatics at Colorado Technical University, with an anticipated graduation in June 2027. Her passion for understanding business processes, improving operational efficiency, and bridging the gap between technology and healthcare has fueled a career marked by consistent advancement and leadership.
Driven by a commitment to service and lifelong learning, Brown is passionate about advocating for Medicare beneficiaries and helping them better understand and maximize their healthcare benefits. Inspired by the close relationship she shared with her grandparents, she approaches every project with empathy, integrity, and a focus on protecting the needs of vulnerable populations. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is an active member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's Multicultural Network and Young Professionals Network and supports the Lupus Foundation through volunteer and fundraising efforts. Brown attributes her success to mentorship, intentional personal growth, and the meaningful relationships she has cultivated throughout her career. Her advice to the next generation is to invest in building authentic professional networks, embrace opportunities outside their comfort zone, and remain intentional in pursuing both personal and professional excellence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharnee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance of strong mentors, a commitment to continuous learning, and being intentional about my professional development. Pursuing relevant certifications, including project management, has strengthened my skills and broadened my perspective. I have also made it a priority to build meaningful relationships and take on cross-functional projects that bridge business and technical functions, allowing me to create greater value and expand my impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to always be intentional, show myself grace, and allow relationships to develop organically. One mentor encouraged me to ask myself, "Who are you?" That simple but powerful question inspired deep self-reflection and helped me better understand my strengths, values, and how I can make a meaningful contribution to others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to be intentional about their personal and professional development and to continuously challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones. Invest in building a strong professional network, as meaningful relationships often create valuable opportunities. At the same time, allow those connections to develop naturally while remaining open to new experiences and growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is managing large-scale system and platform transitions while maintaining compliance with CMS and insurance regulations and ensuring seamless, risk-free enrollment experiences for Medicare members. At the same time, these initiatives present significant opportunities to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and support membership growth. Additionally, in today's increasingly digital workplace, building authentic professional relationships remains both a challenge and an important opportunity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are intentionality, self-compassion, meaningful relationship-building, and advocacy for the members and communities I serve. I also value balance and appreciate the simple things in life, which help me maintain perspective, stay grounded, and approach both my work and personal life with purpose and authenticity.
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