One reason Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) has been able to continue its commitment to serve our members for more than 80 years is the strong corporate culture modeled by our employees.
Employees like Tulsa natives and twin sisters Mashauna Wallace and Dawauna Williams exemplify a passion to fulfill the BCBSOK mission to stand with our members in sickness and in health. And these sisters have turned that passion into a family affair.
Wallace began her career with BCBSOK in 2001. Her sibling joined a year later. Since that time, Wallace’s husband and their cousin have also become part of the team as all four have continued to find their niche and success at BCBSOK.
Wallace and Williams both cut their teeth in customer service and training. Wallace currently serves as a senior project delivery specialist for BCBSOK’s parent company while Williams is a learning partner in human resources for the college of customer service for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a sister Plan to BCBSOK. Wallace’s husband, Heath, works as an inventory specialist and learning coach. Michelle Duff, their cousin, is in customer service support. Both Heath and Michelle were promoted within a year of joining BCBSOK.
Their family success is a source of pride for both sisters. Wallace admitted she did not have to actively recruit any of her family members to BCBSOK. Instead, they were drawn to her work environment.
“I don’t know if I’ve had to have a recruiting pitch,” Wallace said. “I just tell them it’s a great company and you feel welcome. You feel like a family, and you have the opportunity to move up. For this company, if you’re willing to put in the work, you can advance.”
Along with the opportunity for advancement, both sisters noted BCBSOK’s emphasis on family life is an attractive benefit they have enjoyed. As customer service trainers, Wallace and Williams have traveled to various areas of the United States and even internationally.
“I loved what I did as a trainer. I needed to be able to travel,” said Wallace, a mother of five. “And BCBSOK offers flexibility. I was able to raise all my kids and still travel. They care about your work-life balance. They truly do, and it shows in all that they do.”
Wallace and Williams are two of several long-tenured employees with family ties at BCBSOK. Founded in 1940, BCBSOK has three locations, employing nearly 1,100 people locally.
