Bustillos graduated from Temple University’s Fox School of Business in 2016 with a BBA in Human Resource Management and was in the top 5% of her class. After graduating, she accepted a job with Cigna as part of their Underwriting Leadership Training and Risk Assessment (ULTRA) program. From the moment Bustillos entered Cigna, she was determined to find a way to promote diversity. After a year, she advanced to being a part of the Core team for Cigna's Hispanic Colleague Resource Group (CRG). Through this internal volunteer role, she is involved with launching initiatives that increase the understanding of particular needs within Cigna's customer segments. Melany is also a mentor and is involved with recruiting efforts to increase diversity.

How did you figure out what your passion is?

By simply defining what success means to me. I truly believe that we rise by lifting others and success to me means that I have been able to make a difference in someone else’s life.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

Witnessing how my proud parents are.I learned my most important values from them. They have shown resilience my entire life. As many immigrant parents, they sacrificed their life in Bolivia in hopes to give me a future full of opportunities. Everything they have given me is because of their work ethic that they have passed on to me along with gratitude and giving back. They taught me to never take anything for granted.

What else would you like to accomplish?

I see myself continuing to progressin my career and break the glass ceilings of corporate America. I also aspire to continueto give back to my community in every opportunity I can.

Has there been any role model or mentor who has inspired your vision or accomplishments thus far?

There is a quote that says “You are the people you surround yourself with” and it is completely true. I have tried to surround myself around strong independent women doing great things in their career and I have found myself following in their footsteps. A big role model to me is Natily Santos, AVP Specialty Supply Chain at Aramark. She has been a great cheerleader and has challenged me during my time with Prospanica (a non-profit for Hispanic professionals)

Do you have any cultural activities or experiences that you feel have enriched your life’s journey thus far?

I served on the board of Prospanica (Association of Hispanic Professionals) for three years now. As the Education Officer, I have been able to execute highly regarded professional development programs including the Annual Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leadership & Diversity Summit. The purpose of this program is to support the growth and impact of ERGs among corporate environments, as well as foster professional development and career advancement among diverse professionals.

What advice would you give to other young people beginning their careers?

Don’t forget your worth when you are applying to jobs. It's also necessary to decide if the organization is a right fit for you.

What does being Diversity mean to you?

What it means to me is being able to understanding that we are all unique individuals, and recognizing our individual differences. Therefore it is important to be open minded in the world we live in today.