The School of Health Professions is pleased to announce Anastasia Harris as one of our 2021 Outstanding Young Alumni award winners. This award recognizes alumni who demonstrate success in their chosen careers and qualities of innovation and creativity. Harris is a devoted Mizzou Tiger who is currently using her Health Sciences degree to jumpstart her career in Chicago.  

Anastasia Harris, MPH, CHES

Degree: BHS ’15 (Health Science) with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, MPH 

Job title: Data Management Strategy and Governance Advisor 

Employer: Cigna/ Evernorth 

Current city: Chicago 

Working with data

Can you describe your current position? 

I analyze various data security and management platforms for use within Cigna/Evernorth and communicate our findings to stakeholders and enterprise data teams. My role will soon include a training component where I will create and disseminate training materials for newly acquired data security and management platforms. 

What do you like about your job?

I enjoy utilizing my passion for health communication in a corporate space. The tools we review are often complex, and it’s my responsibility to break them down into digestible and clear components for the broader team. 

How does it feel to have won the Outstanding Young Alumni award? 

This past year has been difficult for everyone and to receive this award in the midst of it all was such a pleasant surprise. I love Mizzou and the School of Health Professions, and it feels incredible to be honored for the work I am doing all the way in Chicago. It was truly the motivation I needed to keep pushing forward and giving back to my community! 

Life as a Mizzou Tiger

Why did you choose Mizzou? 

The wide range of majors to choose from was really attractive to me. I had no idea what I wanted to major in upon entering college, but I knew I had the freedom to explore at Mizzou. I am from St. Louis  and didn’t want to go too far away from home so Mizzou was the perfect distance. After visiting campus I just had that gut feeling that this is where I belonged.  

What was the most helpful part of your education, and how does it apply to your job today? 

Each of the professors and mentors I learned from played an integral part in my development. They expected me to consistently be my best and submit my best work.  This has been so important in my current role because I’m often in meetings and rooms with executive-level leadership and am always prepared to put my best foot forward in how I carry myself and the work I accomplish. 

Do you have advice for current or future health professions students? 

My advice for students at Mizzou is to try everything. We often place ourselves in boxes, and we never consider going down a different path, but there is no better time to try photography, acting, sales, or writing than in college. The world has so much to offer, so don’t limit yourself to the three or four career options you’ve been exposed to.

What’s your favorite Mizzou memory?  

One of my favorite Mizzou memories was going to Andy’s Frozen Custard with my friends and hanging in the parking lot talking for hours. Time didn’t mean much in college, and we enjoyed every moment of it.