Nicole Semeraro Women in Business Award 2026

Nicole Semeraro

Karias Health

CEO and Founder

Bluffton

Nicole Semeraro is founder and CEO of Karias Health, where she leads the vision, strategy, and execution of a more human health care experience for employers and their people. She sets the direction for how Karias designs, delivers, and scales guided care that helps people make smarter decisions before costs and complexity take over. She brings more than 20 years of experience leading growth across health care, including senior roles at Optum and SCA Health, and as a co-founder of a multi-million-dollar health care business known for its culture and client impact.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career?

Alison Richards is one of the most influential women in health care that has always poured into women in leadership. She is kind, encouraging, and not afraid to also give you feedback that makes you better.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

What matters most is building a culture that people love to be a part of; if you care deeply for your people and serve them well the rest will naturally come together.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

It’s not what you say, it is how you say it, and the way you respond is most important.