For over 20 years, Alma Sierra has enjoyed helping people in her healthcare career. The El Paso native’s rewarding profession includes working for 15 years at Humana, with 12 of those years in provider relations, learning and helping providers strive for success. Most recently, she worked in community outreach for three years. In 2021, she became a licensed agent while still serving in her manager role at the company. Unfortunately, in 2024, a reduction in Humana’s workforce led to Alma’s community outreach position being eliminated, and she found herself searching for a new job. Mrs. Sierra’s experience in the industry allowed her to develop an extensive contact list that includes Empower Brokerage’s El Paso and Las Cruces Regional Sales Director (RSD), Hector Gomez. At her previous employer, Alma helped Hector’s Empower agents learn about the carrier’s products and agent portal, so she was familiar with the organization and appreciated its offerings and staff. “I was always impressed with Hector and his kindness and patience,” said Alma.
Initially, Humana allowed her to remain an agent of the company, which she valued, but Alma also wanted to continue working in the community as an event coordinator. After discussing her options with Hector and Empower Brokerage President and CEO Rodney Culp, Mr. Culp developed a position at his company where she could be a selling agent and coordinate events in her community. So, in September 2024, Alma Sierra began her “amazing opportunity” working at Empower Brokerage and selling insurance products for the first time. At this point, Alma reintroduced herself to the El Paso community and spoke to contacts about her new role at Empower Brokerage. For example, Alma stopped by a local clinic she is familiar with that assists the uninsured and homeless. In her previous job, she could only offer one carrier, but now that she is partnering with Empower Brokerage, she can help clients browse other plans that might fit their situation better. Alma’s contact at the clinic was intrigued by her newfound position. “Her eyes lit up when I told her about Empower,” says Mrs. Sierra. “I’m glad to reconnect. Now, I have a lot to offer.”
Also, Alma quickly became familiar with the organization’s training programs and leadership. “The training is phenomenal. It is impossible for you not to succeed because everything is structured so well,” declares Alma. “I have never seen a platform like Empower, where they have product specialists who are so hands-on. I am really impressed by how they train their agents and how available they are. It is impressive.” Alma credits Life Specialists Enrique Torres and Bertha Garcia for instructing her on life policies. Alma sees how these products are a beneficial resource to many people, especially the younger generation. She is also thankful to ACA Product Specialist Garret Wilczynski for guidance on the ACA side. Additionally, after almost a year employed with Empower Brokerage, Alma applauds her RSD, “Hector has been amazing, a great mentor. He is always there to answer all my questions.”
When people have a calling to help others, that positive attribute usually finds its way into their careers. Alma Sierra’s motivation in her work stems from her desire to aid others. She describes how she is pleased to provide a valuable service to those who truly need an insurance agent’s assistance. Alma also appreciates how Empower Brokerage offers many options, accommodating nearly any customer.
Mrs. Sierra prioritizes ethical practices as well. She has built her career on being honest and transparent. Alma puts the members’ needs above everything else. She always listens as they share their needs and what is important to them. “I built my reputation on no harm done to anyone,” says Alma. “I am never going to make a sale for the sake of making a sale because of a commission. I’m always willing to walk away if it is not in the member’s best interest.” She further states that her personality is very honest, transparent, ethical, and reputable, so she carries these values in her heart and instinctively expresses them in her work and life.
Goals, Advice, and Hobbies
When asked where she sees herself in five years, Alma Sierra hopes to continue making an impact on clients’ lives at Empower Brokerage, maybe even in a leadership role. She believes El Paso is growing and sees many more opportunities for Empower in the market. Alma also thinks the insurance industry remains a steady career choice for people. She would encourage those interested in the agent or broker position to get to know what it means to fill that role, then find what products they want to focus on selling. Alma likes to concentrate on many different products to serve her clients better, but she understands that it is not for everyone. The El Paso agent would also advise prospective agents to attend an Empower Brokerage roadshow and speak to a regional sales director to discuss goals and what they want out of their career. In doing so, Alma says, “You will find a home at Empower, most definitely, because whatever it is you want to focus your career on, Empower has the tools to help you succeed.”
Outside work, Alma enjoys staying active by exercising. She also enjoys reading, especially the mystery genre. Alma and her family come from a musical background, so singing and karaoke are favorite pastimes. Additionally, Alma grew up with a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, and she has passed on those characteristics to her children. Adversity is something that everyone encounters. For Alma, losing her position at Humana was a shock and traumatic. When you give so much of your life and time to a company, how can it not be? The important aspect for her and anyone else facing challenges is not to give up hope. “You can’t just sit there and let the world crumble around you. You have to find ways to overcome,” says Alma. Certainly, finding a new start at Empower Brokerage has been refreshing for Alma Sierra, and she is grateful. “Coming to Empower, I really just felt empowered. I still have so much to give, and I still have so much to accomplish,” says Alma. “I’m so happy to be here. It was a great move. I am very happy.”
Agents
We hope that this agent spotlight on Alma Sierra is interesting to you.
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Joey Hinojosa graduated with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in mass communications. He began working at Empower Brokerage in early 2022 and enjoys being creative in his writing, photography, videography, animation, and other projects.
