Annette Montero: Merging Creativity and Technology to Improve Digital Health Experiences

Annette Montero fuses creativity and technology in her role as a designer of digital experiences for Elevance Health web and mobile platforms. She carefully crafts each user interface to be efficient and visually appealing, and she considers how people interact with our digital products. Montero designs layouts and explores how new features can elevate the digital experience. She creates art in her spare time and carries that passion into her role.

Montero is also the southeast regional lead of the SOMOS business resource group (BRG), championing the contributions of Hispanic/Latino associates. She’s motivated and inspired by her fulfilling roles and supportive work environment.

“I love how helpful and collaborative everyone on my team is!” Montero said. “When I first started off in my role, I was amazed by how quick and willing everyone was to answer my questions. The people I work with make me excited to log into work every day.”
 

Share some interesting facts about yourself.

I’m half Peruvian and Colombian, which means I experienced a lot of good food growing up! I’m very proud of my heritage which is what has led me to get involved with the SOMOS BRG and other organizations that support and advocate for the Latine community.
 

How does your work advance Elevance Health’s purpose to improve the health of humanity?

We live in a digital-first age which makes it pivotal that  the people we serve have access to all the tools and resources they might need to take control of their health. Our digital tools help enable members to take control of their specific health needs. It’s important that they take control of their specific health concerns because it’s crucial that members know how to get the information they need during the moments that matter.
 

Which company value (community, diversity, integrity, agility, leadership) resonates most with you and how do you demonstrate this in your work?

Diversity plays an importantrole in my day-to-day work as a designer and as southeast regional lead in SOMOS. As a designer, it’s important to think about all of the communities and people we serve through our digital platforms. When designing solutions, this means considering any barriers to care and possible health disparities that people might encounter. By designing with diversity in mind, our digital tools help advance health equity by considering that different needs require different solutions.

In SOMOS, I’m able to support and grow the professional development of our Hispanic/Latine workforce. I also help plan and organize events, connect with local membership, and support the SOMOS BRG wherever I can. In a company that aims to improve the health of humanity, we must grow and develop a diverse workforce so we can best serve our members.
 

Any professional advice for other associates?

Networking has been such a huge tool for me in my professional growth. I originally interned at Elevance Health in 2019, and the connections I made during my internship helped me land a full-time position at the company in 2020. I’ve continued to network through my involvement with SOMOS, where I’ve met leaders and associates across the company, and have had thrilling opportunities, including moderating a SOMOS fireside chat with one of our book club authors.
 

How do you maintain your personal health and well-being?

I enjoy maintaining an active lifestyle. I tend to get bored easily, so I like to keep a variety in my workouts whether it’s weight training, walking, or even yoga. I recently picked up running and I’m excited to run the Peachtree (Atlanta) Road Race this year!
 

Tell us about any volunteer work or community involvement.

I’m involved with the University of Georgia’s Latino Alumni Group. The main mission is to help create a clear path to higher education for tomorrow’s Latino leaders. I volunteer at various events aimed at helping Latino youth, which is extremely rewarding.