The Summer Olympics happen every four years, but at Cambia, we celebrate the Cambia Summer Games every year. For 30 days each summer, teams of coworkers track their steps and compete against other teams to see who gets the most steps. This friendly competition has motivated colleagues to get moving for 20 years. Collectively, Cambia team members have walked more than 11 billion steps over the last 20 years.
We asked three employees who’ve participated in the Summer Games for most of the 20 years to share about their experiences.
Karma Broemeling, quality analyst
Karma Broemeling joined Cambia in 1996 and currently works in the project management office as a quality analyst. She has participated in the Cambia Summer Games since the first games in 2004.
What’s your favorite memory from the games over the years?
The old junky pedometers we used to count steps—no smartwatches yet. I used to have 3 or 4 pedometers at the ready when the challenge started because they would fall off get lost, break, quit working or would overcount steps.
What’s one thing you’ve learned from your participation in the games?
I need to sit down and relax more. Also, as hard as you work in CrossFit some workouts just don’t give you many steps at all.
Why do you like working at Cambia?
You never have to feel static in your position because there are always opportunities to learn and grow. Even though I have been here a long time, I have had many very different job experiences.
Karla MolieriFelt, sales specialist
Sales Specialist Karla MolieriFelt has had two stints at Cambia from 1990 to 2014 and from 2019 to today. She has participated in the Cambia Summer Games every year she has worked at Cambia.
Why do you like participating in this activity?
I like the camaraderie it brought when we were all in the office and how we challenged each other. Now the challenge I put on myself is to do better each day. I like walking in the gym, around my neighborhood or at my local waterfront. Sometimes I’m solo, and I have time to quietly reflect on my day. Sometimes I walk with family or friends.
What’s one thing you’ve learned from your participation in the games?
That I can challenge my own body to move more. Preparing for this challenge each year has kept me moving more all year long. I have tried to reach 30,000 steps in a day but so far, I think the highest has been like 28,000!
Why do you like working at Cambia?
The company respects its employees. I like working for an ethical and transparent company that with all the changes in health care, never compromises its vision of helping our members first. We have rules, structures, checks and balances and respect for diversity not only in the workplace but within our communities.
Malinda Reinke, systems anaylist
Malinda Reinke is a Systems Analyst III on the Provider Data Excellence team. She joined Cambia 19 years ago just one year after the first Cambia Summer Games. She has participated in the Summer Games most of her 19 years with Cambia and looks forward to it each year.
Why do you like participating in this activity?
I love the extra motivation to get up and move. I have a personal goal of averaging 10,000 steps a day all year long. I don’t always reach that goal, so the Summer Games has always been a great motivator to get me back on track. I also really love the support and encouragement that comes from being on a team and helping to keep each other motivated.
What’s your favorite memory from the games over the years?
My son is my biggest cheerleader and always helps push me to reach those 10,000 steps per day. I’ve been participating in this challenge his entire life (he’s 16), so he’s grown up hearing about the “walking challenge at work.” It has helped enforce good habits for him, and he walks with me most days. My sister is my other walking partner and my participation in the games helps her get more steps too. I cherish the time I get to spend with them both while racking up more steps.
Why do you like working at Cambia?
I appreciate working for a company with an inclusive culture and that prioritizes wellness.
