As vice president, chief equity officer, Bukata Hayes is responsible for the Blue Cross racial and health equity strategy, this includes working to integrating all diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts across the entire company to fully embrace the values and practices of being an antiracist organization. Through this lens he serves as an advisor and strategic leader across the organization to identify and implement initiatives that bring about greater inclusiveness, representation, and lasting change. Hayes’ work places an emphasis on enhancing policies and programs that can more effectively address the specific needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) members and communities.