When you talk to End-User Services Technician Michael Gomes, it doesn’t take long to realize he’s a people person.
“I’m onsite every day at work, and it’s always a blessing to meet my co-workers,” Michael says.
Just as most BlueCross employees work hard to meet the needs of our members, Michael supports our employees, issuing and maintaining equipment for the more than 6,500 BlueCross personnel. Whether they work in the office or remotely on the other side of the country, employees count on Michael and his team to keep them connected. Michael takes a special pride in being there for others.
“Wherever you are, we’ve got your back,” he says. “That’s the same for members, and each other. My motto is ‘Here to make your day easier.’”
A cultural connection
Michael’s journey to BlueCross began a long way off. He grew up in Cabo Verde, a small island nation off the coast of Africa. As a teenager, his family moved to the United States and lived in the Boston area. In 2020, looking for more space and a peaceful environment where they could enjoy the outdoors, he moved with his wife and children to Tennessee.
“My neighbors have been some of the kindest people you could ever ask for,” Michael says of his small rural community. “And the greenery of Tennessee reminds me of home.”
Looking for a job in tech that also connected him with people, Michael was drawn to BlueCross values, inclusion, benefits and opportunities for employees to grow through hard work. He’s no stranger to labor or growth and maintains a small farm when not in the office. While his career involves equipment and technology, he finds working in nature helps him keep sight of what matters most.
Staying grounded
“There are a lot of benefits to working with the land,” Michael says. “It’s good for the immune system and health, of course, but it also teaches you humility and reminds you of the simplicity of life, to put your hands on the grass or on the ground,”
That sense of humility also drives Michael to give back to his community. He recently joined dozens of co-workers for the United Way of Chattanooga’s Day of Caring event at Crabtree Farms. This urban farm organization offers educational programs, community outreach and sustainable solutions to malnutrition and food deserts in Chattanooga communities. Michael joined volunteers helping organizers prepare for the harvest season. It’s an opportunity to connect with the earth as well as others that Michael relishes.
“Whether people work from home or in the office, the bond comes naturally when we meet and work together like this,” Michael says. “The sense of camaraderie that I saw that day was just amazing. To me, it’s one of the best things you can do.”
Going for the goal
Growing up in Cabo Verde, soccer played a huge part in Michael’s life.
“We were constantly playing growing up,” Michael says. “Even when we didn’t have a ball, we would make one out of grocery bags balled up together.”
When his home country, which had only been independent for about 50 years, made it into the World Cup for the first time earlier this year, Michael was elated.
“It showed that you can be from a small country or a poor country, but if you have a big heart and work hard, nothing can stop you,” he says.
Michael works hard for his family and co-workers, but he never shies away from putting work into himself. Taking advantage of the BlueCross tuition reimbursement program, he’s in a master’s program with Western Governors University and plans to finish his bachelor’s degree at the end of this month.
“It’s all possible thanks to the tuition reimbursement,” Michael is quick to point out. “I mean, a company that covers [up to] $15,000 of tuition a year is just a fantastic opportunity.”
Between classes, an hour drive into the office and caring for his family and farm, Michael stays busy but is always connected to the people and priorities that matter most to him.
“It makes me proud to know that the users working remotely have all the tools to do their jobs and do what we do best,” he says, “which is being there for other people.”
Michael shared what he enjoys about volunteering with his colleauges while giving back at Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga. Check out what he had to say below:
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.