NW Valley Times

Novella Gardner, a recent Grand Canyon University (GCU) graduate, has embarked on a promising career as a cybersecurity analyst at MedPro Group. Her journey was significantly shaped by her participation in GCU's Foundations of Insurance (FOI) program, which aims to introduce students to the insurance industry and enhance diversity within it.

Gardner, who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, developed an interest in cybersecurity from a young age. Inspired by crime shows like "Law and Order" and "CSI," she pursued a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity with a minor in forensic psychology at GCU. Her education included practical experience through an internship at MedPro, the oldest and largest medical malpractice insurance group in the United States.

Reflecting on her decision to enter the field of cybersecurity, Gardner stated, “I was very into the person behind the computer and seeing what they would do.” This passion led her to participate actively in GCU’s programs designed to prepare students for careers in various industries.

Lionel Williams, GCU employer relations director, noted that insurance is often not seen as an aspirational career path but rather one that people stumble upon. He praised Gardner's involvement with the FOI program during her time at GCU. The university is among only six institutions nationwide chosen by MedPro Group for this initiative.

“The whole idea is to really help students recognize this untapped pathway into the insurance world,” Williams explained. The program offers mentorship opportunities and includes an all-expenses-paid immersion weekend at MedPro’s headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Randy Walker of MedPro Group emphasized that the FOI program seeks to increase diversity within the industry. “Along that journey,” he recalled discussions about extending their partnership beyond Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), eventually including GCU due to its expertise.

Walker recruited Gardner into the FOI program because of her bright demeanor and communication skills. Gardner acknowledged that being part of this initiative gave her confidence: “It gave me more courage to take the job.”

Her role as a student ambassador allowed her further exposure within MedPro during an IT internship over summer before transitioning into full-time employment by September 2024.

Gardner remarked on how unexpected yet rewarding it was working for a medical insurance company: “When people think of cybersecurity...everyone needs cybersecurity.”

Williams highlighted Gardner’s unique position within tech roles intersecting with insurance sectors while commending how much she impressed employers leading them accommodating remote work arrangements specifically tailored around keeping talented individuals like herself engaged despite geographical constraints—a testament both personally professional prowess displayed throughout entire process beginning cohort member now thriving specialist capacity today!

“For example,” added Lionel Williams regarding potential misconceptions surrounding industry scope: “[An] insurance CEO…covers concert venues celebrities met many cool things taps.”

MedPro's Randy Walker echoed sentiments about strengths exhibited by graduates such as humility faith grounding contributing factors making positive impressions wherever go noting consistency seen across board amongst participants overall performance success rates achieved thus far given context broader objectives set forth initially launching these efforts collectively speaking aimed toward fostering inclusive environments benefiting wider communities involved ultimately driving growth innovation long-term sustainability future endeavors alike going forward continuously building momentum along way too hopefully inspiring others follow suit similar paths themselves eventually down line perhaps someday soon even sooner than later ideally should everything continue progressing smoothly accordingly plan intended originally conceived basis inception stage initial rollout phase until present day current standing status quo continues hold true steadfastly unyieldingly moving onward upward 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In November 2024, Grand Canyon University will open its T.W. Lewis Career Center within its College of Humanities and Social Sciences building—a resource designed facilitate students’ career journeys aligning perfectly alongside initiatives such those already established partnerships like ones formed between themselves Medpro Foundation Insurances' programs!