Career Roadmap
Tonia's work combines: Business, Education, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Warren G. Harding
Bachelor's Degree
Education, General
Miami University-Oxford
Graduate Degree
Education, General
Miami University-Oxford
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Claims Adjusters, Examiners, & Investigators:
Bachelor's Degree: Business
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Attended Miami University on basketball scholarship. Graduated with a degree in Education.
2.
Joined the US Army after obtaining a degree. Could not find a teaching position and did not want to move back to my hometown. One of the best decisions of my life.
3.
Served for 12 years in the Army and learned skills that have allowed me to be successful in life and my career. Was a SFC (E7) when I left the Army was responsible for a platoon of 40 soldiers.
4.
Joined Travelers as a property outside claim rep trainee. Started a new career journey as a 39-year-old trainee.
5.
Joined the Travelers Catastrophe Response Team and quickly became a unit manager. After just over two years, was promoted to associate manager leading three units in the Midwest.
6.
Became the Property FPLM in California leading a team of 60 Claim professionals responsible for handling claims in California.
7.
Transitioned to Claim University as a director of learning solutions responsible for the development of training materials for Claim. Was able to leverage my education degree ... finally.
8.
Currently the 2VP of operations in Diamond Bar. Responsible for a team of 30 who support the Claim Center. Full circle returning to a leadership role that is challenging and rewarding.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You will never accomplish that goal; you are not smart enough and do not fit in.
How I responded:
Surrounded myself with people who believed in me and supported any goal I set. I continue to fight the noise but the voices are much softer now.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Once you become comfortable with yourself; you become more willing to stop covering and focus on being the best you possible. Once you do that the world becomes a much easier place to navigate.