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After dedicating over two decades to business development in health care, Jennifer Walkowiak reached a pivotal moment in her career. She was ready for a change. “I wanted a role where I could see and feel the impact of the work I was doing,” she reflects. Her quest led her to Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, a nonprofit health insurance company with a distinct mission: “Putting Members First. Pursuing Better Healthcare.” She enthusiastically embraced the role of vice president of business development. “We have the privilege of engaging directly with our members and agents. It allows me to help facilitate greater access to affordable health insurance and health care for more individuals and small-business owners in my home state.”
Outside of her career, Walkowiak also passionately contributes her time and energy to Best Buddies of Wisconsin. Best Buddies pairs individuals with intellectual disabilities with friends and fosters a supportive social community. “This program is a genuine catalyst for inclusion. Witnessing the heartwarming embrace of our work by so many people is immensely rewarding.”
“Don’t be afraid to make a change – you never know where it will lead.”
– Jennifer Walkowiak
Q&A
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding thing is knowing that people are able to take care of themselves now that they have health coverage. The Affordable Care Act opened up opportunities for people to access care in ways they hadn’t been able to and make it more affordable. It also allowed people to retire early or change careers because they no longer have to work just for health insurance – they can go and purchase it on their own. Now they’re working on something they’re passionate about.
Outside of your work with Common Ground, you’re also very involved in Best Buddies. Could you share a bit about that?
Best Buddies is an organization that focuses on helping individuals who have intellectual disabilities find friendships, learn leadership skills and find jobs. It’s a national organization, and I’m the current Board Chair for the Wisconsin chapter. We have a couple hundred high schools and colleges and elementary schools and middle schools that have Best Buddies chapters within their schools. It’s heartwarming to see the individuals who have embraced it. The program has created inclusiveness for people with intellectual disabilities.
