Contact: DeAnne Boegli, Vice President of Communications
608-977-7343, [email protected]
MADISON, Wis.—WPS Health Solutions announces Jihan Bekiri (she/her/hers) has been hired as the new vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The new VP-level position will lead the company’s efforts to create a more inclusive workplace.
“Over the past 10 months, WPS has been on a journey to build a sustainable and effective diversity, equity, and inclusion program,” says WPS President and CEO Mike Hamerlik. “We’ve made great strides and are now positioned to continue forward with a strong, experienced leader. We created this new role to demonstrate our commitment to building a culturally aware and inclusive workplace.”
Bekiri began her role on Jan. 11. She arrives at WPS after focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion at American Family Insurance and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in Madison. She graduated with honors from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, followed by earning a Master of Science in International Development from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom with distinction. Bekiri is also a certified diversity executive and practitioner from the Institute for Diversity Certification.
“I’m honored to be selected as the first VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WPS. The creation of this position speaks volumes to the commitment WPS has in this important focus area. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team and employees alike to continue the work they have started,” adds Bekiri.
