The Monthly Review spotlights a different URACer each month in a Q&A. This month it's Sarata Kabore, URAC's Accounting Manager.
TMR: When did you start at URAC and what brought you here?
Sarata: I started at URAC in February 2015. Two things brought me here: My current supervisor, Dave Souders, with whom I worked quite well at another company, reached out to me to inform me of the position and recommended that I consider applying because he felt that I would be an ideal fit. Secondly, as I learned more about URAC’s mission, vision and goals, I became even more interested and excited about this new opportunity. Having lost a loved one after a surgery due to medical errors, I've always felt the desire to work in some capacity to affect change within the health care/compliance/accreditation sectors. Although my scope of work is outside the realm of formulating or enforcing standards and measures, I know that being a part of URAC even in the accounting department is still contributing to the great work that URAC is involved in by holding our health care clients accountable and that ultimately affects patients for the better.
TMR: What were you doing before you came to URAC?
Sarata: Before I started at URAC, I was an Accounting Manager at Colonial Parking Inc. and managed 13 Accountants.
TMR: Describe yourself in three words.
Sarata: Caring. Loyal. Goal-oriented.
TMR: How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Sarata: Reading and research for self-development, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
TMR: What’s your favorite restaurant?
Sarata: Ruth’s Chris Steak House; the food is delicious, and they provide excellent customer service.
TMR: What do you like to watch?
Sarata: Soccer (Real Madrid and Barcelona games) and Nigerian movies.
TMR: What kind of books do you like to read?
Sarata: Inspirational books – I recently read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. My favorite quote is “When you want something, the whole universe conspires to make it happen.”
Non-fictional books – I read “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. This book is about overcoming resistance (fear) in order to achieve whatever you want to be successful at in life.
TMR: What's your favorite vacation spot?
Sarata: Ivory Coast, my home country. It has now become my favorite vacation spot, because I get to enjoy eating authentic African foods, enjoy the beach and visit my family and childhood friends. The last time I visited was in 2017 and I plan to go back next year if Dave allows me to do so. 😊
TMR: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Sarata: I am neither a cat nor a dog person. Maybe I am missing out as I hear people talk about their cats and dogs so fondly. 😊
TMR: Tell us something about yourself that most people at URAC would not know about you.
Sarata: I was born in Ivory Coast and moved to the US in 2007 after winning the green card lottery without speaking English and not enough money. I had worked odd jobs to get started, put myself through college, and fought hard to overcome all obstacles. I am very proud of myself for everything I have accomplished in 11 years. The journey has been quite challenging, but I’ve made it. I am continuing to diligently work toward becoming the best version of myself.
