Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) has named Jessica Lozano-Alvarez as the 2018 employee Volunteer of the Year. Lozano-Alvarez serves as a community outreach specialist with BCBSOK’s Community Affairs department.
“Jessica’s giving spirit and positive attitude benefit everyone around her,” said BCBSOK President Joseph R. Cunningham, M.D. “She serves as an example of the good we can do when we help others.”
Lozano-Alvarez began her career with BCBSOK in 2009, but her spirit of volunteerism goes way back. She has been volunteering since she was in high school.
“I know what it’s like to lose everything; to not have food to eat or a place to stay,” she said. “When my family was at its lowest point, someone gave us a hand and picked us up, and I want to be that helping hand for others. Volunteering makes you appreciate even more what you have. Life can be hard but if we give each other a hand, we can spread hope and compassion.”
Lozano-Alvarez is president of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and a graduate of Leadership Tulsa Class 56. She’s part of Hispanic Young Professionals Entrepreneurs (HYPE), with which she helps mentor youth and speaks at local high schools. Organizations she regularly supports include Catholic Charities, A New Leaf, Reading Partners, and Pathways to Health. In honor of the award, BCBSOK donated $1,000 to her charity of choice, Coalition of Hispanic Organizations.
“Volunteering is about understanding our community's needs and doing something to help,” Lozano-Alvarez said. “Now is the time to get involved.”
Outside of work and her volunteer efforts, Lozano-Alvarez enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring Tulsa and playing the traditional Mexican game Lotería.
