Insights blog About us Back to ibx.

com

Topics Videos Downloads Media Requests 

Newsroom

Women in Technology and Analytics event

offers important insights to attendees
May 6, 2023 Company Culture Featured Leadership

Archives
► 2023

► 2022

► 2021

► 2020

► 2019

Categories
BCBSA News

Community

Company Culture

Company Updates

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Doctors & Hospitals

Events & Sponsorships

Crystal Ashby (left) and Sushma Akunuru at the Women in Technology and Analytics event.
Featured
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) recently hosted a Women in Technology and Analytics networking Health & Well-being
event at its Philadelphia headquarters for more than 100 people. The annual event is designed to support
individuals thinking about advancing or starting a career in technology. Health Insurance

Innovation
Becoming a better leader and building a career
Leadership
After an introduction by Mike Vennera, executive vice president and chief strategy, corporate development, and
information officer, the event kicked off with an insightful discussion featuring two senior Independence leaders. Media Coverage

Mental Health
Crystal Ashby, executive vice president and chief people, DEI, and communications officer, and Sushma
Akunuru, senior vice president of Business Technology Services, had an engaging and inspirational Press Releases
conversation about leadership, their career journeys, and the bold moves they took to get to where they are now.
Seniors & Medicare
Here are five bits of wisdom the two leaders shared during the conversation: Videos

1. Do not be afraid to be bold and to get out of your comfort zone. Be willing to embrace the unknown, Volunteerism
especially in technology and analytics, because the fields are so innovative.
2. Advocate for yourself. Believe in yourself first and build a foundation to stand tall on. You set the tone in
interactions with others; always lead with positive intent and purpose. Also, criticism can often help to make
you better.
3. Find mentors in people you meet. Strive to be a mentor as well. Mentoring can happen in every interaction,
on every level.
4. Strive for progress, not perfection. It’s okay to be wrong and try again.
5. Prioritize self-care. Make sure to give back to yourself, breathe, and reflect.

Getting started in technology and analytics

The event also featured a spirited panel discussion with associates from Business Technology Services,
Analytics, Human Resources, and other areas at Independence.

Here are some of their tips for those looking for a career in these fields:

Apply for positions even if you do not check all the boxes. Get in the room and show them your
determination.
Unpack your skills and break them down further, identifying transferable skills.
Educate yourself on what you’re looking to do through books, LinkedIn, podcasts, local groups, etc.
Find an industry you love, and a space that feels safe and respectful.
If you are Cloud or Microsoft Office certified, list it on your resume.
Self-motivated, teachable, problem-solving personalities are desired. The industry is looking for people
who are engaged, able to bring different perspectives, and attentive to details.
New graduates are encouraged to fill their resumes with their senior thesis projects, what classes they
took, and what career pathways they are interested in.

Learn more about opportunities at Independence in technology and analytics – and many other areas – at
ibx.com/careers.

© 2023 Independence Blue Cross      

Independence Blue Cross is a subsidiary of Independence Health Group,
Inc. — independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association, serving the health insurance needs of Philadelphia and
southeastern Pennsylvania.
Legal | Privacy Policy