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March 3, 2025 in News & Press, Upward Health, Upward Health News

Everybody Has a Story – Leading Authentically at Upward Health with Jennifer L. Currao

At Upward Health, our culture is built on empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to those we serve. We also know that our personal experiences shape who we are – and that includes who we are at work.

Our Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief of Staff, Jennifer L. Currao, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, recently had the privilege of speaking at DisruptHR Southern Connecticut, where she spoke about how personal challenges shape leadership and workplace culture.

Watch Jennifer’s Story 

Jennifer’s talk highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing individual experiences, a principle that directly shapes how we build and maintain culture at Upward Health. Here’s how these concepts shape our organization: 

1. Bringing Your Whole Self to Work

Jennifer emphasizes that every individual brings a unique story to the workplace—a perspective that aligns with how Upward Health fosters an empathetic, supportive work environment. By acknowledging and understanding each employee’s background, challenges, and strengths, we create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute. This commitment is deeply rooted in our Core Values, which guide how we support our employees and deliver care to our patients.

2. Making Every Voice Count  

At Upward Health, we recognize that diverse experiences lead to stronger teams. With nearly 80% of our staff identifying as BIPOC, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every voice matters—whether it’s our Care Specialists, doctors, or support staff. Jennifer’s talk reinforces this commitment, highlighting the importance of cross-functional collaboration and open communication. We actively create opportunities for all team members to contribute, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape the way we deliver care and support our patients.

3. Leading With Care 

The way we treat our employees directly influences how we care for our patients. Jennifer’s insights encourage us to lead with compassion and curiosity, ensuring that both our workforce and our patients feel seen, understood, and supported. Just as we listen to patients to provide personalized care, we listen to our team members to create an environment where they can thrive. This reflects one of our Core Values—putting people first in everything we do.

Jennifer L. Currao, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief of Staff

“At Upward Health, we know that when employees feel supported, valued, and heard, they deliver the highest quality care to our patients. That’s why we invest in our people and foster a culture built on empathy and collaboration—because a strong, connected team drives the greatest impact.”

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built at Upward Health and the people who make it thrive. Through these efforts, Jennifer continues to shape a workplace where everyone feels empowered to make a difference.