As a software quality assurance (SQA) analyst, Isaiah Cooke helps ensure the digital tools BlueCross members rely on work exactly as they should, even under pressure.
“If 1,000 people log in at the same time, we want everything to run smoothly,” Isaiah explains. “We’re testing to make sure there are no crashes, no errors — that people can just get what they need without worrying about it.”
It’s precise, methodical work, and for Isaiah, it fits naturally.
“I’ve always liked step-by-step processes,” he says. “That’s why math was my favorite subject in school. If you show me the steps, I can reproduce it. Coding and testing work the same way.”
First steps
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Isaiah took advantage of the YMCA Community Action Project (Y-CAP), an after-school program offering tutoring, mentorship and positive outlets for physical activity to kids.
Isaiah never balked at opportunities when they presented themselves, engaging in a boxing program at Y-CAP and taking work opportunities while still in high school that showcased his quiet leadership.
While supervising others at a summer job, Isaiah sprang to action with a Heimlich maneuver that saved a co-worker’s life during a medical emergency. That instinct to stay calm and act became a springboard to another opportunity: joining BlueSky Institute, an accelerated college program with Eastern Tennessee State University and BlueCross where students earn a bachelor’s degree and get real-life job experience in information technology. The application process and workload didn’t faze Isaiah, though.
“I don’t really get nervous in interviews,” Isaiah says. “And when they explained the program, it just made sense — two years, real experience and no debt.”
Finding his rhythm
Once classes were underway and he began rotating internships through various departments in IT, Isaiah learned to appreciate the processes and creativity of coding. But after graduating, he was offered a position in an area that was a departure from what he had been studying: putting systems to the test under strain.
“At first, I didn’t know what to expect,” he admits. “But once my team explained it, I realized it wasn’t as hard as I feared. It’s challenging, but it’s something I can learn.”
Isaiah’s team, which started with just two members, made a lasting impression.
“My team was very patient and very helpful,” he says. “They made sure they weren’t going too fast and always checked to see if I understood. It made a big difference.”
Today, he continues to grow his skills while solving problems, learning new tools and building confidence with each challenge.
“It’s like I’m testing myself, too,” Isaiah says. “Every day there’s something new to figure out.”
Putting tools to work
Behind every test script and performance check is a real-world outcome that makes work meaningful for Isaiah.
“It’s nice knowing that when people log in, they don’t have to worry about the site crashing,” he says. “They can find their information, their benefits and whatever they need without issues.”
Outside of work, Isaiah finds meaning as a streamer and content creator, making beats to share online. His music’s even gotten some traction on social media.
“One of my videos went a little viral recently,” he says. “That really surprised me.”
He’s also prioritized giving back to the organization that helped him get started on the right path. He’s begun investing with a goal to not only build wealth, but pay it forward to those who have helped him along the way.
“One of my biggest goals is to give back,” he says. “If I can get to a place where my money is working for me, I want to donate to my community, especially Y-CAP.”
That sense of responsibility extends to his family, too. Living with his grandmother and helping support family members any way he can, Isaiah stays grounded in what matters most.
Whether he’s testing systems, creating music or planning for the future, Isaiah approaches every challenge one step at a time.
“My work at BlueCross keeps me productive,” he says. “It challenges me, and it gives me something new to learn every day.”
A graduate of The University of South, Sewanee, Jacob joined the Corporate Communications team in 2018. With a background in marketing, public relations and literary publishing, he brings storytelling expertise and a collaborative spirit to every project.