By:  Casey Ma MBA/MPH’27, Yale Ventures CBIT Associate

Dr. Norma Padrón, a health economist who holds a Ph.D. in health economics from Yale University, has dedicated her career to harnessing data for improving health outcomes. Starting as an academic economist with a keen interest in how employment conditions affect health, she transitioned into the healthcare sector to leverage her expertise in data analytics. Dr. Padrón's role at Nayya epitomizes this intersection, where she focuses on optimizing health and wealth benefits for employees nationwide.

“Joining Nayya felt like a perfect match. It’s where my training and passion for health and labor economics come together seamlessly.”

Dr. Padrón's career path is marked by significant roles in various health systems and organizations. Her journey began with her work in Philadelphia's hospital systems, where she utilized her skills in population health analytics. She then moved on to the American Hospital Association, where she led large-scale data initiatives and worked on the Hospital Improvement and Innovation Network, a project involving over 2,700 hospitals. This role allowed her to establish benchmarks and create peer learning networks to improve healthcare quality and performance across the country.

“The work I do now is about more than just data. It’s about using that data to create better health outcomes and improve the quality of life for countless employees.”

In 2019, just before the pandemic, Dr. Padrón joined Anthem's digital health incubator. There, she explored innovative technologies and their applications in healthcare, working closely with large employers like PepsiCo and Kroger to scout and implement cutting-edge solutions. Her role at Anthem provided her with a front-row seat to how payers think about technology and the complexities of implementing these innovations in real-world settings.

Her current position at Nayya allows her to apply this wealth of experience to optimize health benefits for employees across the country. Dr. Padrón emphasizes the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance decision-making processes and improve overall health outcomes. She believes that the power of these tools lies in their ability to provide personalized, timely, and relevant insights to users.

“Artificial intelligence and data analytics are not just buzzwords; they are tools that can drive significant improvements in healthcare quality and efficiency. And have been doing so for a number of years already.”

Dr. Padrón's insights offer a unique perspective on the future of healthcare and data analytics, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement, the power of data, and the potential of artificial intelligence to transform the industry. She emphasizes the need for ongoing learning and adaptation to ensure the best outcomes in healthcare. Her work at Nayya is a testament to her commitment to using data-driven approaches to create meaningful, positive changes in the lives of employees nationwide.

​About the speaker: Dr. Norma Padrón is a Health Economist and entrepreneur. As the VP of Data & AI at Nayya, she leads a team in developing data-driven employee benefits solutions. She also serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Yale Ventures. Over the last decade, Dr. Padrón's experience spans academia, nonprofit, and the private sector, including roles at the Icahn School of Medicine, the New York Academy of Medicine, the American Hospital Association, and Anthem's Digital Incubator. She founded EmpiricaLab, a peer-to-peer training company backed by Techstars and other notable programs. Dr. Padrón holds advanced degrees from Yale, Duke, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and a bachelor's in economics and math from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Committed to healthcare access, equity, and diversity in STEM, she serves on various boards, including Consilium Bots, promoting education in Latin America. 

About the series: The Yale Ventures Startup Speaker Series is a series of dynamic virtual discussions featuring a lineup of founders, investors, and key members of the Yale innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Open to the Yale community, this series is designed to explore critical topics for aspiring and current founders, offering invaluable insights and inspiration. Sessions may explore the journeys of successful entrepreneurs, the nuances of startup investment, and the latest trends in innovation. Whether you’re a student, alumnus, or part of the Yale faculty, this series promises to be an enriching experience, fostering connections and empowering Yale founders.