Samantha Avila brings a strong foundation in human resources and employee engagement to her role. As a Systems Implementation Specialist, she helps ensure enrollment sites run smoothly year-round, especially during Open Enrollment, while also supporting effective employee communications. In this spotlight, she shares her journey from Indiana University and the Orr Fellowship to Selerix, along with her proudest accomplishments and a few fun facts.

What were you doing before you joined Selerix?
Before Selerix, I was living in Bloomington, Indiana, finishing my final semester at Indiana University. I graduated with a major in Human Resource Management and a minor in Sociology. During that time, I was also accepted into the Orr Fellowship, which eventually led me to Selerix.

What is your current role?
I’m a Systems Implementation Specialist on the Quality and Engagement team. I support case builders and Customer Success Managers to ensure enrollment sites function smoothly year-round, especially during Open Enrollment. I also help create employee communications so groups can better engage with their teams.

What is a work accomplishment you are especially proud of?
Passing the life and health insurance license exam within my first month on the job.

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Share opportunities, resources, and information with your community. A lot of people don’t lack talent, they lack access. That advice has stayed with me, because access can create possibilities for others, just like it did for me.

Just for Fun

Outside of work, what kind of hobbies do you have?
I love shopping, karaoke, dancing, spending time with friends, playing volleyball with my family, watching movies, and traveling.

What snack food can’t you resist?
Charcuterie boards.

What’s something you love that everyone else dislikes?
Pineapple on pizza.

What is the most rebellious thing you did as a teenager?
When I was about 10, I went to a sleepover and we snuck out to the park across the street to play on the swings. That’s probably the most rebellious thing I ever did.

Who was your first celebrity crush?
Chris Evans.

What is your favorite movie and why?
Twilight and High School Musical. They’re nostalgic, a little ridiculous, and they always make me laugh.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Reading minds. I tend to overthink and overanalyze what people say, so it would be interesting to know what they’re really thinking.

What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Spending time with my boyfriend, going out with friends, and keeping my Sunday traditions, breakfast with my parents, church, and a family dinner.

What is your go-to comfort food?
Chinese food.

What is one item on your bucket list?
Traveling to Italy. I want to visit Rome and see everything.

What was your favorite subject in school, and why?
English, mostly because I was really bad at math.

What would your walk-up song be if you were entering a room?
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.

What is something small that instantly makes your day better?
Being surprised with food or a small gift from the people I love. It’s hard to surprise me, so when it happens, it makes me really happy.