Power Women: Rebecca Pittillo
Executive Director, Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas
What’s your secret to success?
Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by amazing leaders who challenged me and gave me opportunities for growth. I also embrace a quote by Rory Vaden: “Success is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day.”
What do you love best about what you do?
Through the Blue & You Foundation, I have the opportunity to hear stories from community-based organizations and occasionally see firsthand the impact our funding is having on Arkansans. There are so many needs across our state and people who are truly suffering, so when I see an individual life that has been improved because of a school-based program, a behavioral health effort or a maternal child health initiative that our foundation has funded, it reminds me that there is nothing I would rather do.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Be willing to walk through the doors that open for you. Remember that listening is the most important communication skill, but when you have something to say, make sure it is heard – even if you must say it more than once. It’s okay to fail; just own it, learn from it and move on. Support, build up and celebrate other women.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Being a part of the $5.3 million commitment the Blue & You Foundation made to improving behavioral health care in the state of Arkansas.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Running has been a part of my life for over 20 years. Its purpose has shifted from training for 5K races, to training for marathons, to training for triathlons, to running for my health and mental wellbeing. It is a big part of my life, and so are the people I train with on those early morning runs. I also enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors, whether it’s in my backyard working in my rose garden or hiking in a different country. Being outdoors each day is very important to me; sometimes that just means walking the block around the downtown Arkansas Blue Cross building to breathe in the fresh air.
What are you reading/watching/listening to right now?
“Love is the Way” by Bishop Michael Curry.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
On October 13, 2020, my husband and I lost our 16-year-old son, Isaac, to suicide. Our lives were completely shattered, and our world stopped. Our careers did not stop, and the need to continue getting up every day was real. This was more than an obstacle in life: it was the loss of my precious only child. But I did get up, I did move forward, and I found my purpose in the mission of Arkansas Blue Cross and the Blue & You Foundation to improve behavioral health in the state of Arkansas. I continue to push forward every day knowing we are making a difference and saving lives through the education and behavioral health projects we support.
