STCC graduate shines in CVS Health leadership program

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she was a student at Springfield Technical Community College, Kristiana Tadeo took advantage of the opportunities around her.

She served as chair of the Campus Activities Board. She was president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She worked as a supplemental instruction leader, which is a paid position in which she tutored other students. 

Her advice for current students at STCC: “Take all the opportunities you can get.”

Her hard work and drive to succeed paid off. Today, four years after graduating from STCC, Tadeo works in the general management development program at CVS Health. The program helps position early-in-career talent to be the next generation of leadership at CVS Health.

“I wanted to be somewhere where I could make an immediate impact on the healthcare system,” said Tadeo.

The program provides exposure across CVS Health’s core businesses and offers rotations with a focus on business and leadership skills. Tadeo will complete three 18-month rotations across multiple enterprise functions with exposure to senior leadership in each operating division.

Tadeo transferred from STCC to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public health sciences with a concentration in healthcare administration and policy. She is at the start of a promising career in healthcare.

I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone really early. Being at STCC and being involved in so many activities helped. Kristiana Tadeo, STCC graduate, Class of 2017

Tadeo looked back at her days at STCC as an inspiring time that helped her develop skills she applies today. She enrolled at STCC after graduating from Chicopee Comprehensive High School.

Tadeo said she’s not naturally an extrovert, which is why getting involved in leadership positions at STCC pushed her out of her “comfort zone.”

“I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone really early,” she said. “Being at STCC and being involved in so many activities helped.”

She recalls working with professors and often talking to STCC President John B. Cook. She was honored to be chosen to represent STCC in the “29 Who Shine” awards program in 2017, the year she graduated with an associate degree in general studies. The award recognizes outstanding student graduates from the Commonwealth’s public higher education system. Gov. Charlie Baker honored Tadeo and 28 other outstanding students.

“That was a surprise,” she said. “It was good to be honored for the work I was doing on campus. I was involved in quite a few things at STCC, and it felt great to be recognized for my hard work. It was wonderful to go to the State House and meet the governor. I was never able to do that before.”

Her father accompanied her to the State House as well as her mentors from STCC. Both of her parents graduated from STCC.

Richard Greco, then a professor and now the dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, said he was thrilled to hear Tadeo is succeeding in her career. He said her story illustrates how taking advantage of opportunities at STCC can lead to a rewarding career.

“Kristiana was not only strong academically, but possessed a true intellectual curiosity,” Greco said. “She was driven to get involved at STCC, which helps students develop leadership skills and expand their networks. I’m proud of her and wish her success and happiness.”

Tadeo said connections students make at STCC can last a lifetime. She keeps in touch with many people she met at the community college.

Tadeo also cites the value and affordability of an STCC education. She earned a scholarship and qualified for financial aid, which brought the cost down significantly. She transferred to UMass and was automatically accepted into the Commonwealth Honors Program after completing the honors program at STCC.

The final out-of-pocket cost of her STCC and UMass education was between $23,000-$24,000, she estimated.

“That’s a fraction of the cost of what the national average debt is for students,” she said. “I know a lot of colleagues and friends who have over $100,000 in debt just from their undergraduate degree.

“If it wasn’t for how affordable STCC was, I wouldn’t have been able to start college when I wanted to, and I wouldn’t have the career that I have today,” Tadeo added. “I’m very thankful for my time at STCC and the people who I got to know there.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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