Sr. Community Development and Account Manager, Aetna Better Health of New York
Maria Delgado was born in Colombia, grew up in Europe and the United States, and now resides in New York, where she has lived for the last 22 years.
Since beginning her sojourn in the U.S., in 1998, Maria says she has been drawn to work with the immigrant community.
She says she started as a volunteer at St. Francis Immigration Center, working her way up the ladder to direct the center.
Maria studied translation at New York University, and is fluent in German, French, Spanish and English.
For over two decades, Maria has worked with HMOs and engaged herself with the senior community.
In 2016, she joined Aetna Better Health of New York – Aetna’s Medicaid Managed Long Term Care health plan – and is currently the company’s Senior Community Development and Account Manager.
Maria says she has led a “successful and active community team that has a strong presence among seniors throughout New York City.”
Maria says she and her team’s work include partnering with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and senior centers.
“The partnerships enabled the sponsorship and joint development of events catered specially for the senior community,” she says.
Maria says memorable events include a knitting initiative for the homeless and Karaoke contest among the senior centers.
Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria says her commitment to seniors did not waver, as she immediately moved her engagement to the Zoom platform, holding virtual health and wellness events that “kept seniors active and connected with the community.”
Maria has received several community awards, including Kings Bay YM YWHA Community Partnership award; Asociacion Benefica Cultural Father Belini Award; Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of the President, Borough of Queens; NY HPA First Place, Certificate of Recognition Festival Independencia Orgullo Colombiano; and State of New York Executive Chamber award.