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Callie Chamberlain
Connector - Strategist - Activator
Professional Background
Callie Chamberlain is a dedicated social responsibility leader with a profound commitment to advancing health equity through innovative methodologies and engaging community initiatives. With over three years of experience at Optum, she has masterminded various programs that prioritize health equity, showcasing her remarkable ability to create systemic change within organizations. Her leadership in launching the social responsibility program at Optum marked a pivotal moment in the company's strategy to address health disparities across diverse populations.
One of the highlights of her career at Optum includes the development and execution of the company's COVID response program, which was aimed at supporting employees and their families during a challenging time. This initiative underscored Callie’s ability to implement timely solutions responsive to community needs. Additionally, her compassionate approach was reflected in her leadership of a $20 million response to the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis-St. Paul, demonstrating her commitment to social justice and equity.
Callie has also leveraged her personal experience as a trained birth doula to launch an impactful maternal health strategy at Optum. Her dual role as a host of the podcast "Until It's Fixed" has further solidified her influence, successfully doubling the number of unique listeners to 70,000 and earning the show a spot among Apple's top 5 medical podcasts. This engagement underscores her talent for communicating complex issues related to health equity in an accessible manner.
Education and Achievements
Callie’s academic foundation is robust, having earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the esteemed Bernard M. Baruch College, where she gained essential knowledge and skills critical for her career in public service and administration. Earlier, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Marketing Management and Business Communications from the University of Saint Thomas - School of Business. This strong educational background has equipped her with a unique blend of strategic business acumen and an understanding of public policy, enabling her to drive impactful initiatives within a health framework.
Her commitment to social change is exemplified by her participation in significant global initiatives. Callie co-founded a micro-work application designed to connect refugees to income opportunities, exemplifying her innovative spirit in addressing economic disparities. Her award-winning documentary, which premiered at AMC Times Square in 2019, highlighted women's roles within the refugee crisis, further demonstrating her media prowess and ability to amplify underrepresented voices.
As a selected fellow of various prestigious organizations, including the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Peace Building Fellowship, Callie has supported the UN's mission to develop grassroots strategies aimed at preventing violent extremism and fostering peace across the MENA region. Her roles have extended to facilitating diversity, inclusion, and equity training within the UN, showcasing her commitment to creating equitable structures at all levels.
Community Engagement
Callie's belief in the transformative power of community has led her to establish the New Leaders Council-Twin Cities in 2014. This initiative has become Minnesota's largest progressive leadership development program, focused on empowering Millennials across sectors to work for equity in the region. Her active involvement has cultivated a generation of leaders dedicated to social responsibility and community engagement.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Callie’s personal journey is characterized by her practices as a Reiki practitioner and a full-spectrum birth, postpartum, and end-of-life doula. These experiences not only reflect her deep connection to community and caregiving but also illuminate her holistic approach to health and well-being.
Notable Recognition
Callie’s commitment to enhancing health equity and promoting social responsibility has earned her numerous accolades. She is recognized as a Young Global Leader by the MiSK Foundation and has served as an Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar. Her influence extends into various spheres, including her roles as a United Nations Rapporteur and a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum. Callie is also a distinguished National Urban Fellow.
Through her multifaceted career, Callie Chamberlain exemplifies the intersection of social responsibility, health equity, and community engagement. Her extensive professional background, combined with her rich academic experience, positions her as a leader and innovator committed to fostering systemic change and advocating for marginalized communities.
Achievements
- Co-launched Optum's social responsibility program, advancing health equity.
- Developed COVID response program for employees and families, enhancing workpl
