Stride Spotlight: Meet Monika— our NCAA tournament bracket champ
Stride empowers self-employed people to build lives they love. This week, we chatted with Monika, one of our Product Operations Associates at Stride, about her background in public health, her love for March Madness, and her role on the Product Operations team.
Can you introduce yourself and your position?
I'm Monika, Product Operations Senior Associate for Stride Health.
What were you up to before you joined Stride?
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Tar Heels!) I later attended Yale University, where I graduated with my Master of Public Health in Health Care Management.
What got you interested in the healthcare field?
Ever since I did volunteer work in hospitals during high school, I've had a passion for improving the quality of and access to healthcare. Prior to Stride, I had the opportunity to work towards these goals in various health settings, including home health, hospitals and larger health systems. When I came to Stride, I realized technology can simplify a complicated industry and it has the ability to really make a positive impact on large populations.
What makes you excited to get up and come to work every morning?
The team! I'm a little biased and think the Product Operations team is the best, but honestly everyone at Stride is incredible. From day one, I've learned so much from this team and continue to be amazed every day. It's an incredible group to work with, and I couldn't have asked for better co-workers and friends!
Why do you think the work you do is so important?
“We’re here to help people take the first step towards their independence.”
Stride is here to work towards making independence achievable for contract workers and freelancers. We work hard so that our members don’t have to worry about the issues that could slow them down from reaching that independence, like finding health benefits and tax support. We’re here to help people take the first step towards their independence.
How does your role on the Product Operations team help Stride make independence achievable?
Our team does a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ work - for example, let’s say a member has an issue or problem arise with their insurance company, our team jumps to the task of resolving that problem. Insurance can be confusing and complicated, and we do the hard work for our members so they can live their lives and work independently without having to worry.
“We do the hard work for our members so they can live their lives and work independently without having to worry.”
What is your favorite Stride tradition?
March Madness! We’ve had a Stride bracket the past two years (I always pick UNC, of course) and I’m proud to say that I’m undefeated! No one’s ever come close :)
