Today, we are profiling one of our alumni, Caroline Gómez-Tom, BSW ‘10, MSW ‘11.
Caroline Gómez-Tom (she/her) graduated with a MSW with an emphasis in social policy, and now is the Enrollment Network and Accessibility Manager for Covering Wisconsin. She is tasked to prepare community partners who will assist the 1.6 million people who have to renew their health insurance through the state’s Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus for the first time in three years. She helps to train and share information with partners to reach out to the community and to connect partners to the network of statewide Navigator and Enrollment Assisters who can support the Medicaid members with the renewal process or guide them as they transition to other forms of health insurance coverage. Caroline also serves as the Milwaukee County Board Supervisor, District 14.
In 2015, she played a key role in helping Milwaukee win the White House Health Community Health Challenge, a competition that tracked the growth in health insurance enrollment through HealthCare.gov. Milwaukee recorded the highest percentage increase among 19 metropolitan areas. Caroline’s efforts earned the city the honor of hosting President Obama, who visited to celebrate the achievement. In 2016, she was named one of the “40 Under 40 Leaders in Health” by the National Minority Quality Forum. Additionally, in the winter of 2020, she was nominated and selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Forward 48, a premier leadership development program in Wisconsin. She also recently won our Social Justice in Action Award.
What is one piece of advice you would offer current social work students?
Customize your education for your interests and needs. Only you know and create your future plans, so make the most of your education and what it can offer you.
What is your favorite memory about your time as a student in the School of Social Work?
My favorite memory is learning how to meditate and be present in Don Coleman’s field placement class. I have used that skill so much in my work and my personal care.