When you first learn about someone who holds an impressive position, you tend to fill in the blanks. Assume someone, like say the Director of Marketing at Amerigroup Georgia, probably always aspired to hold this title. You assume their journey was smooth and linear, and that this constant assuredness is what led to their ultimate success. Well, through my conversation with Maria Henriquez, the actual Director of Marketing at Amerigroup Georgia, I learned that isn’t always the case. Sometimes the best careers are created out of utter happenstance and the boldness to take a risk.
Maria Henriquez grew up in Venezuela, and her career dreams, while they were everpresent in her youth, had little to do with the notion of marketing and more to do with the inspiring possibility of being a teacher, “Ever since I can remember, my mom says that I made up classes. I would use my textbooks to develop actual curriculums and things like that.” Henriquez admits. She eventually went to school for education and even taught Science while she was in college, “I was teaching during the day and then I would go to college at night. It was the best time because I was actually doing what I was going to school for, and it really helped me.”
She would teach from 7 AM to 1 PM, and then head over to her afternoon classes. This schedule, while difficult, motivated her to stick with a career in education. It wasn’t until, at the age of 22, Henriquez left Venezuela and moved to Atlanta, Georgia that things took a turn, “I met who would become one of my coworkers and then manager at a career fair. She had a table display about Amerigroup and I said, okay, what is this? You know, and what do you do?” And the rest, as they say, is history. Throughout their conversation Henriquez’s future coworker was intrigued by her cultural background, “She said, you know what? We are in desperate need of someone who speaks Spanish because in Georgia we definitely need someone who can cover the state and go to those regions where there’s a big need for information in Spanish. So I said, I’m gonna go for it.”
Henriquez’ started out as a Community Representative for Amerigroup, and immediately she saw the impact of her work, “I would drive through the state doing events and presentations and table setups.” Her ability to connect with clients through language allowed her to see just how life-changing healthcare can be, “Helping others learn about their health and what they need and, what else we can help them with–And then the very important piece that is helping those who don’t know because the message is not in their language.” Though on paper, this job had little in common with her previous passion, at a certain point Henriquez came to the conclusion that this is what she was meant to do. This work was fulfilling. It was making a difference. An impact in a community she cared about, and she was brimming with ideas for Amerigroup, “As part of becoming a community rep, I said, you know what, this is so great, but we need a specific plan that focuses on Hispanics and Latinos in Georgia.” And that’s what she created.
As Henriquez slowly worked her way up in Amerigroup, she pitched initiative after initiative to aid the Latino community, “I was able to implement The Multicultural Initiative. So within that multicultural initiative, there was one specific focus for Hispanics and Latinos where I got to actually proactively go and meet with organizations working with Latinos and go to these very deep areas where there were apartment complexes with only Spanish-speaking [people].” She even pitched events surrounding Latino holidays, “So we will do events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month or Mexican Independence Day, some of those big holidays.” The longer she stayed with Amerigroup, the more determined she became, “And then over the years, I decided I’m not stopping here. I’m gonna keep going until I become the director of the department.” And that’s exactly what she did.
Now the Director of Marketing for Amerigroup Georgia, Henriquez has overseen plenty of initiatives, investing in a wide variety of communities. When I asked how an initiative gets started, her response was quick, “It honestly comes to someone bringing an idea, a need, or something that is a challenge and then just talking through it and seeing how we can implement it.” One of Amerigroups more famous intitivtives are their baby showers, “As part of the baby shower, one of the moms said…We love that you guys have diapers and baby wipes, but now we’re in need of some baby food. So the team created a baby food pantry they added to the baby shower. So while we are having a baby shower, there’s also a section where you can get food pouches and or formula. Whatever you need for your toddler or your baby.”
Amerigroup tries to emphasize that healthcare isn’t just about a flu shot, it also addresses inequalities and citizens’ overall quality of life, “We love Back-to-School time. It’s one of our biggest events.” Amerigroup hosts Back-to-School initiatives every fall where they give away backpacks and school supplies to communities around Georgia, “At the beginning of the year, some of the teachers will give us feedback and say, you know what, it’s been six months, kids are now running out of supplies, the backpacks are no longer as good. And then we created an initiative called Repack the Backpack.” Now Amerigroup gives away backpacks and school supplies in January as well, to ensure students have the proper supplies to thrive in their schools all year long.
Perhaps the most impactful event Henriquez ever attended was her first one, “We have a huge event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. And we do it at a huge mall that is called Plaza Fiesta. The first time that I did that event, I was probably in one of my first years as a Community Rep. We prepared the exhibit and we brought giveaways and everything.” Since Henriquez worked on the event, she was allowed to go on stage and say a few words to the crowd, “I’m like, awesome, that’s great. We’re there. People start getting there. When I tell you it was over 10,000 people–it was over 10,000 people.” Despite the nerves, Henriquez managed to go on stage and tell the audience where the Amerigroup table was located and that they would be handing out goodies throughout the day, “And then after that, our table never stopped. Like we had people coming nonstop. We ran out of everything, giveaways in like one hour. We brought waters and snacks, [and] we ran out of everything in like maybe couple hours. So that’s, that was probably the first time that I said, wow, there is a need.”
Henriquez has spent her career since alleviating that need as best as she can. Every flyer Amerigroup gives out is now written in Spanish and English so that Spanish speakers can always understand the information. As the first Latina Director in Amerigroup Georgia, Henriquez is passionate about investing in the Latino Community. Her advice to any Latinas looking to follow in her footsteps is simple, “Never stop asking questions, intentional questions. Be confident in who you are and what you can give to others. [And] always give back.”
If her story isn’t proof enough that healthcare is more than just medicine, she also has some advice for breaking into the industry, “Make sure that you stay involved and connected. Volunteering or just getting involved in some type of organization that is your passion. And that will definitely help you in the future. People will remember you. They will say, my gosh, I met Camila, and she was awesome. Let’s bring her to this!”
Speaking to Henriquez was eye-opening. Amerigroup does so much good, and it’s interesting to see how something like marketing plays a direct role in people’s well-being. As an organization that empowers Latinas, among other students, it’s inspiring to see just how much Amerigroup invests in the Latino community. All the specific events and initiatives make receiving healthcare simpler, and it’s thanks to people like Maria Henriquez that our community is valued and protected. As Henriquez says, “Be proud of your culture–I feel like that’s very important. Stay proud of it. Don’t feel ashamed to share about your culture. In my case, I speak a second language–You have to feel confident in that. Just be confident in all the things you can accomplish.”
