Some people change their career goals multiple times before they start college. Michelle Ursuy formed a clear idea of her professional plans at a young age.
“Ever since those career focus tests in middle school pointed me toward the medical field, I’ve pursued a path that combines my attention to detail and knack for thoroughness,” she says.
Ursuy initially dreamed of becoming a radio DJ, but she was quickly deterred by the uncompromising work hours and the paltry salary. Soon after she graduated from high school, she landed a job as a certified pharmacy technician, which provided valuable experience in the healthcare sector. Ursuy developed her skills and consciously searched for new challenges and opportunities, strengthening her confidence.
After working as a pharmacy technician for PharMerica, a nursing home servicing pharmacy that’s also a part of Cencora, she stepped into various roles at a specialty pharmacy with another company. Two years later, she joined Smart ID Works as an account manager. This transition allowed Ursuy to further cultivate her expertise, and her tenure lasted for quite a few years. Later, Ursuy discovered an exciting opening within the corporate customer maintenance team at Cencora, and she seized the opportunity to evolve.
Today, she is a customer integration specialist at the healthtech company Cencora, where she’s invigorated by a range of work projects that are as challenging as they are rewarding.
Here, Ursuy shares what she’s responsible for in her role, why she values Cencroa’s inclusive culture, and the best advice for women who are hoping to break into the healthtech industry.
What attracted you to Cencora, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
Although I didn’t initially seek out Cencora, I’ve come to love the company’s culture. Everywhere you turn, there are opportunities to learn something new and expand your role. The benefits are excellent, and participation in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)—there are eight different ones—fosters a strong sense of connection with teammates.
What are your core responsibilities as a customer integration specialist, and why does this work appeal to you?
I thrive in an environment that demands attention to detail and precision. The nature of this role aligns with my strengths. The variety of challenging projects offered by my manager ensures that I’m constantly learning and growing. There are dynamic regulations; the ever-evolving regulatory landscape means there’s always something new to audit or update. There’s skill validation: I find great satisfaction in validating my work against requests, ensuring accuracy and reliability. I also stay up to date in my field and improve my skill set by consistently participating in learning opportunities.
You’ve been at Cencora for 17 years. What’s your favorite part about working at the company, and what has made you stay?
The remote status is a significant advantage. I enjoy the autonomy to manage my tasks while listening to my favorite music, which enhances my productivity. The daily work is consistently challenging, keeping me engaged and motivated. I relish the opportunity to learn new tasks and expand my skill set. Regular communication with my teammates and manager ensures that I’m well-supported and informed about ongoing projects and opportunities. My manager frequently points me toward valuable learning resources like LinkedIn and Degreed courses, aiding in my professional development.
Cencora offers an excellent benefits package, providing me with security and peace of mind. The compensation is fair and competitive, reflecting the value of the work I do. My work hours are reasonable, allowing for a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and personal life. There’s encouragement to grow professionally through challenging projects and learning resources. Cencora’s culture values clear communication, support from management, and opportunities for collaboration. Good benefits, competitive pay, reasonable hours—there’s very little not to like!
What’s been your biggest career highlight or accomplishment at Cencora thus far? How did the work culture contribute to this success?
Being nominated for the Pursuit of Purpose Award this spring stands out as one of my career highlights. I didn’t win, but the nomination was a significant honor and acknowledgment of my contributions.
The work culture at Cencora supports employee involvement in various initiatives. Serving as the Chair of the Ability ERG allowed me to actively promote inclusivity within our workplace. I contributed to these important initiatives focused on enhancing health equity and fostering an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. I also assisted in a talent acquisition job fair aimed at recruiting disabled potential employees, showcasing our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Cencora’s supportive work culture has been instrumental in these achievements. The company encourages participation in volunteer roles and provides opportunities to make meaningful contributions outside of core responsibilities. A collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives enabled me to engage with various projects dedicated to improving inclusivity and equity. Access to resources and support from management facilitated my involvement in impactful initiatives, allowing me to grow personally and professionally.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in tech, and how did you overcome it?
One of the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in tech is navigating gender bias. This manifested in various ways, from subtle stereotypes to less obvious yet impactful instances of being underestimated or overlooked for certain opportunities. I believe I have more often experienced disability bias over gender bias—but that can be my perception based on a lifetime of having my capabilities underestimated.
To overcome any bias, I focused on continuously improving my skills and knowledge through professional development courses offered by platforms like LinkedIn and Degreed. This enhanced my competence and boosted my confidence. I sought mentors within Cencora who provided guidance, support, and advocacy. Their insights helped me navigate the complexities of the tech industry and reinforced my belief in my capabilities.
How does Cencora support internal mobility and employee growth? How have you been personally supported throughout your tenure?
Access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Degreed allows employees to develop their skills through a wide range of courses. Regular training sessions are offered to help employees stay updated with industry trends and enhance their expertise. Cencora promotes internal job postings, encouraging employees to apply for internal positions that align with their career aspirations.
The company fosters mentorship relationships that partner experienced professionals with less-experienced colleagues. Cencora’s structured approach toward internal mobility—professional development programs, career advancement opportunities, supportive ERGs, and managerial support—and my personal experiences highlight how the company nurtures employee growth.
How does Cencora’s culture support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? What employee resource groups (ERGs) are available, and how are you involved in these ERGs?
Cencora has robust DEI policies that aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Regular training sessions on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership help foster an equitable work environment. Serving as Chair of the Ability ERG has enhanced my leadership skills.
Engaging with diverse colleagues across different departments broadened my professional network. Contributing to meaningful DEI initiatives allows me to make a positive impact within the company. Being part of supportive communities within the ERGs has provided emotional support and camaraderie. Cencora’s culture strongly supports DEI through comprehensive policies, continuous education, and active employee engagement via ERGs. My involvement in these groups has significantly contributed to my professional growth while providing personal fulfillment by fostering an inclusive work environment.
What advice would you give to those—particularly women—striving to forge a career in healthtech? What skills or competencies would they need to thrive?
Healthtech is an ever-evolving industry. My advice is to stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices through continuous learning. Invest in relevant certifications and online courses that enhance your technical skills and domain knowledge. Forging a successful career in healthtech requires continuous learning, strong networking, self-advocacy, active participation in supportive communities like ERGs, and resilience against biases. Essential skills include technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, effective communication, project management expertise, regulatory knowledge, and empathy—all contributing toward thriving in this dynamic field.
Outside of work, what causes are you passionate about, and why?
Family is paramount in my life. Showing my kids they can succeed regardless of perceived disabilities or biases is essential, as is my faith which guides me daily—providing strength—and purpose. By actively integrating these values into every aspect of my personal life, whether supporting children’s aspirations or contributing faithfully to the community, I strive for personal growth and aim to inspire others.
My other passions outside of work reflect my commitment to creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their abilities or background. Through volunteering, mentorship, and advocacy campaigns focused on disability advocacy, I aim to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.