30+ Years at Sentinel: Rosa Aguirre

In this Sentinel Spotlight series, we're excited to introduce some of our longest-tenured employees! This week, get to know Rosa Aguirre, our Director of People and Culture. We asked Rosa about her experiences with the organization, and she shared some great tips for someone looking to get involved at Sentinel Group.

Over the years, Sentinel Group has grown and evolved—what are some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed, and how have they shaped your experience? 

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen at Sentinel over the years has been in technology. We've come such a long way — I remember when a lot of our processes involved paper reports and manual spreadsheets. Now, so much is automated. It's made things smoother and more efficient, not just for us internally, but also for our clients and participants. It really improves the overall experience for everyone. 

Another big shift has been in how we hire. We now have team members in over 25 states, which is something I never would’ve imagined when I first started. It’s opened the door to so much talent from across the country, and it’s exciting to see how that diversity and reach have helped us grow and serve our clients nationwide. It’s been amazing to watch and be part of that kind of evolution. 

Sentinel Group is known for its strong culture of employee retention—what do you think sets the company apart and keeps employees engaged for decades? 

What I think really sets Sentinel apart and keeps people here for the long haul is the mix of constant change and strong, steady leadership. The work we do is always evolving, which keeps things interesting. It’s never boring, and there’s always something new happening. At the same time, we have a reliable, supportive management team that provides stability and direction, which makes a big difference.  I feel we are always trying to do the right thing for our clients and employees, which makes people feel good about working here. 

I also have to give credit to our People & Culture team. We put in a lot of effort to keep employees engaged and connected, whether it’s through company events, wellness initiatives, or thoughtful policies. It’s not an easy task, but we are always looking for ways to make people feel like they’re part of something meaningful. That sense of community and shared purpose is a big part of why I think so many of us have chosen to grow our careers here.  And the best part is that our leadership team supports our initiatives.  

How has your role evolved over the years, and what opportunities for growth and development have you experienced along the way? 

When I first joined Sentinel, we were just five employees, and my role was very client focused. I even visited each of our clients in person as the company continued to grow. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a variety of roles, including Executive Assistant to the CEO, Client Relationship Manager, COBRA Manager, Service Team Manager, and New Business Manager. Each position challenged me in different ways and allowed me to develop new skills. 

As I moved through these roles, I discovered that my true passion lies in supporting our employees. That realization led me to Human Resources, where I started working with the People & Culture team back in 2012. At the time, I was the department! I remember feeling nervous stepping into that new space, but I always felt encouraged and supported by the company. 

Since then, our HR function has grown into a full team, now led by Fallon Carpenter, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come. Being part of that journey — both personally and professionally — has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. 

For someone just starting their career at Sentinel Group, what advice would you give to help them succeed and build a long-term future here? 

For anyone starting their career at Sentinel, my advice is to stay curious and be proactive. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and always look for ways to support your team—it really makes a difference. Take time to learn about the company beyond your own department. Attend the companywide meetings. You might find an area that sparks your interest and leads your career in an unexpected and exciting direction. 

Growth here is possible, but it sometimes takes patience. When opportunities come up, be ready—and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to senior leadership. They’re friendly, approachable, and genuinely interested in getting to know employees. 

Also, get involved in events like Walk In My Shoes. They’re a great way to connect with others, build relationships, and feel more a part of the Sentinel community. 

Job loyalty has become less common in recent years. What about Sentinel Group has inspired you to stay for 32 years, when many others change jobs frequently? 

This is a question I’m asked fairly often. For me, the key to longevity at Sentinel Group has been growth and opportunity. If I had remained in the same role all these years, I likely would have moved on. What has kept me engaged is the ability to take on new challenges, transition into different departments, and expand my responsibilities over time. 

Many long-term employees at Sentinel share a similar experience — they’ve been able to evolve in their careers here, whether by moving laterally into new roles or advancing into leadership positions. At the same time, I’ve seen others thrive by staying in the same role because it aligns with what they enjoy and do best. And that is okay.  What stands out to me is that Sentinel supports both paths. 

I truly see Sentinel as a place where you can build a lasting and meaningful career. I’ve witnessed team members join as interns or entry-level employees and grow into senior or managerial roles — and that speaks volumes about the culture of development and support within Sentinel.