RISE Welcomes Desiree Bennett as New Program Manager

Why did you decide to join RISE?

I was drawn to RISE due to its impressive dedication to supporting and empowering young professionals in the insurance industry, coupled with its departure from the traditional company model. RISE prioritizes investing in and nurturing individual talent, recognizing that as software gradually replaces human labor, future companies will resemble agile, results-oriented teams rather than large organizations confined to cubicles.

What truly impressed me about RISE is its proactive approach in addressing the current talent crisis in the insurance field. I’ve attended countless round table discussions that merely acknowledged the talent crisis in the insurance industry without taking real action. RISE has wholeheartedly embraced the challenge. They rolled up their sleeves, offering scholarships, implementing a mentorship program, and providing numerous other resources to actively develop the younger generation.

I believe that investing in the growth and development of young professionals is not only crucial for their long-term success but also vital for the overall advancement of the entire insurance industry. RISE’s mission resonates perfectly with my own career aspirations, as I am deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of aspiring professionals. By joining RISE, I am confident that I can contribute to the company’s mission while simultaneously realizing my own professional goals.

What are you excited about?

I am thrilled about the opportunities that RISE provides to young professionals. Being involved in organizing impactful events, engaging the community, and facilitating educational programs genuinely excites me. Witnessing the growth and success of young professionals as they benefit from RISE’s initiatives is something I am truly looking forward to. Additionally, I am eager to contribute to the development and expansion of RISE’s offerings through utilizing my skills, ensuring that we continually meet the evolving needs of our wonderful community. 

The RISE team has created an environment where I feel a strong sense of belonging and my voice is truly valued and can’t wait to see all the great things we accomplish together.

Your role is Program Manager. What’s your vision for the future of RISE?

As the Program Manager at RISE, my vision for the future of our organization is to establish RISE as the number one platform for young professionals in the insurance industry. I see RISE as a force that empowers and equips young professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to soar in their careers.

In the coming years, I aim to help expand and enhance our program offerings, ensuring they remain relevant, engaging, and tailored to the evolving needs of our members. I see a future where RISE becomes synonymous with excellence in professional development, where young professionals turn to us as their go-to resource for industry insights, mentorship, internship opportunities, and educational courses. We will continue to illuminate the insurance industry and expose the younger generation to the abundant opportunities available at their fingertips. 

Do you have a mentor or someone you want to mention who has helped shape your career?

I am fortunate enough to have had the guidance and mentorship of many individuals who have played a significant role in shaping my career. One person I would love to mention is Ebony Little. Her experience, expertise, and genuine interest in my growth have been influential in my development. The invaluable words of wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support she has shared with me have been instrumental in navigating the diverse challenges I’ve encountered throughout my career. Her genuine care for those around her is unparalleled, earning her the nickname of my “work mom.” I am deeply grateful for her mentorship, as it has had a profound and transformative influence on my journey thus far.

Who should join RISE and how does someone get involved?

Don’t let all the talk about young professionals fool you, RISE is for any and everyone in the industry! Whether you’re a recent graduate, a student, or someone who is experienced and looking to help others transition into the field, RISE provides a valuable platform to gain knowledge, network with industry experts, and access internship or mentorship opportunities. Getting involved with RISE is simple. Interested individuals can visit our website and explore our various committees or reach out to our team directly to explore the various options and programs available. The relationships you cultivate through RISE will prove to be immensely rewarding, making your journey with us truly worthwhile. 💙💙💙

 

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Pride in the Spotlight

Welcome to our Pride month edition of spotlight interviews, where we proudly highlight the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ professionals in the insurance industry. We had the privilege of sitting down with these remarkable individuals to delve into their personal journeys, insights, and perspectives. They graciously answered a series of thought-provoking questions, shedding light on their career paths, challenges faced, and the positive shifts they have witnessed within the industry. Join us as we celebrate their accomplishments, share their wisdom, and champion a more inclusive future.

Emily Clark

Staff Accountant at Falvey Insurance Group

Lynda Karalla

Manager - Human Resources Consulting and Recruiting at Amerisure

TiJuan Robinson

Associate Quality Review Tech at Liberty Mutual

Has it been difficult to bring your authentic self to work while working in the insurance industry?

I did struggle with my journey previous to finding a home in the insurance industry. I did receive numerous discriminations in other fields I worked previously but found a home at Falvey Insurance Group. Not only am I accepted here but more importantly, I am supported here. I have also found interactions with other companies to be very welcoming and truly celebrate diversity and inclusion.

At times, I have felt apprehensive about sharing my whole self at work.  I worry that I won’t be invited to have a seat at the table, that my voice will be discounted, or that my thoughts and ideas won’t be taken seriously.  I have experienced this and I have watched it happen to others around me. 

 

After a lot of reflection and reading on the topic of vulnerability, I have decided that I want to work with teams that embrace authentic connections, and to be part of a group that openly shares their wins, successes, struggles, fears, and mistakes while creating a safe space for others to do the same.  This openness creates an atmosphere of trust, empathy and collaboration where team members feel comfortable taking risks, expressing ideas and seeking support.  Vulnerability inspires compassion and understanding, and breaks down barriers between individuals while encouraging a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.  I feel very fortunate to have found my team at Amerisure that fully embraces this.  An intentional focus can not only build stronger relationships, but can also empower others to reach their full potential; leading to greater innovation, resilience, and success.

I cannot speak for the entire insurance industry. But working for Liberty Mutual has been a place where I can be my true self. It past jobs I have never revealed that I was transgender. This has been the first job where I felt seen.

In what ways has the insurance industry moved closer to diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion?

In the short time I have been in the industry, I have personally seen growth. I believe that between so much civil unrest within so many different communities that companies have started to take a strong stance on the issues and I believe see the benefits of a more diverse workforce. I also contributing this to great organizations like RISE, DAIP, APIW, and many others standing up and showing the importance DEI and spotlighting companies that are working toward a better future. This in turn pushes employees to work for better companies that have similar values.

Again, within Liberty Mutual I have seen women, and people of color being promoted. There are so many Employee resource groups and people that you can reach out to. We also celebrate all cultures, ethnicities, and sexes. Even in our quoting system we acknowledge non-binary individuals. Our health insurance insure gender affirming care. The company pays for surrogacy for same sex couples. There are so many different things.

What advice would you give your younger self beginning your career in insurance? What prepared you to be in the role/position you currently occupy?

I would tell myself that insurance isn’t what you think it is. It is actually a challenging industry with so much growth opportunity. It is also full of amazing people doing positive things in this world. As an accountant in my company, owning a couple of businesses prior helped me a great deal. I was able to learn so much of the accounting field while learning to grow great relationships with my clients.

Find a company with values that align with yours.  When your values and beliefs are shared and practiced by the organization you work for, you are more likely to feel a strong connection to your work and find meaning in what you do. 

Learn as much as you can! You can never stop learning. Reach out to people in roles that you desire. Increase your education. Take advantage of tuition reimbursement.

Do you see yourself represented in your peers and/or leaders in the insurance industry?  

At this time, I do not. I don’t blame the insurance industry directly as I have seen so much positivity in my experiences. I just think companies need to do a little better job of showing what the insurance industry has to offer and extend the so-called olive branch to the community. I am personally, with my DEI committee, will be attending Pride on Sat June 17th to do our part to show the community a safe and accepting industry.  I would love to share this space with my transgender and gender nonconforming family. I do hope other companies find ways to reach out to my community more so they can see just how great it is.

When I joined the insurance industry in 2016, I did not see myself represented among my peers or leaders.  Over the past 7.5 years, I have seen that shift in a positive way.  Because there has been increase in groups, like RISE, who are being intentional in focusing on inclusion and belonging, I believe more LGBTQ+ people are feeling safer being their authentic selves.

 

While feeling unrepresented at work can be a struggle, there is immense value in being seen and heard.  I am grateful to have worked with teams where my thoughts, ideas, and perspectives are acknowledged and given a platform.  For me, it has fostered a sense of validation and inclusion.  Even though I don’t always find individuals who share my exact background, I feel my voice has been recognized and respected.  This allows me to contribute in meaningful ways.  It also empowers me to be able to share the narrative, challenge biases, and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique contributions of each individual.

With only 2 years under my belt, I am a leader within the ERG. But I have yet to be a leader within the insurance industry. But stay tuned. That 5 year plan is already ahead of schedule!!

We extend our deepest gratitude to each interviewee for their courage and vulnerability in sharing their authentic selves. In a world where it is not always safe or easy to live one’s truth, their openness is truly inspiring. Their stories and experiences contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the importance of creating safe spaces and fostering acceptance for all individuals, showcasing resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of diversity. 

RISE stands as a proud ally, committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where the LGBTQ+ community can thrive and flourish in their careers. It is encouraging to witness the positive strides the industry is taking towards diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion, however, we recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done for the entire industry to fully embrace diversity. Together, we strive to foster an environment that celebrates and values the unique contributions of every individual, promoting a future where inclusivity is the foundation of the insurance industry and beyond.

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Top 5 Benefits of Being in Insurance

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Introducing Elisa Swanson’s insights on the insurance industry and its exciting possibilities! In her thoughtful exploration, Elisa shares five key tips that shed light on the abundant opportunities within this booming field. Join Elisa as she delves into the world of insurance, unveiling its dynamic nature, meaningful work, and boundless potential for personal and professional growth.

1570195984060
Elisa Swanson
Actuarial Analyst
Berkley Healthcare
  1. Entry-level positions – the industry is booming and that means there are plenty of jobs, especially entry level jobs. It’s like the doors to the industry are busted wide open and it’s accepting anyone that’s up for the job. I’ve found that in insurance, people from every background have stumbled into the industry. You studied psychology in college? Great, you have a deeper understanding of human behavior that could be utilized in underwriting. You were a nurse? Perfect, our claims team gets plenty of medical reports and your expertise will be invaluable in assessing them accurately. Did you work in retail? Fantastic, your customer service skills will set you apart in handling client inquiries and building relationships. The diversity of backgrounds brings fresh perspectives and contributes to the dynamic growth of the industry. 
  2. Flexibility – According to McKinsey & Company, 3/4s of the time spent on tasks in the finance and insurance industries can be done remotely. Meaning, through the pandemic, insurance companies were still productive and, therefore, companies are more open to hybrid and remote roles. I, myself, work three days in office and two days at home, but if I am waiting for a package or my dog gets sick, I can work from home and continue doing my job.
  3. Diversity – I’ve met people in every step of their career and people from all around the world. Insurance is a global industry. In fact, when I was an intern, I had the opportunity to work with people from Spain, Australia, and Canada. Because the industry is diverse, I’ve found that D&I initiatives are well-thought out and have ample support. As a American-born Chinese, it’s nice to see people that look like me and as a woman, it’s empowering to see female leaders support young women.
  4. Your job today doesn’t have to be your job tomorrow – there are so many different roles of insurance. I’m an actuarial analyst, but even in analyst roles, there are operations analysts, claims analysts, business analysts, and data analysts. Insurance is a data driven industry; being a math lover, it speaks to me. Your career in insurance isn’t linear. There are people that starts in claims and end in leadership or people that start in operations and end in claims. There are actuaries that end up in recruiting. The future is limitless and you could be at the same company!
  5. The work you do matters – I know the industry has a bad reputation. The big bad insurance, but insurance wraps the world in safety. It is everywhere you look. The doctor you went to see for your broken bone? She has insurance. The car you drove to work in? It has insurance. The house you sleep in? It has insurance. Insurance gives the world peace of mind. It ensures even in the face of catastrophe, someone isn’t left out on a limb.

Elisa Swanson’s valuable insights on the insurance industry shed light on its vibrant and ever-evolving nature. From the abundance of entry-level positions to the flexibility of remote work, the industry offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals at all stages of their careers. The industry’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion, coupled with its myriad of roles and career paths, ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to its success. Most importantly, Elisa reminds us that the work done in insurance matters, as it provides essential protection and peace of mind to individuals and communities worldwide.

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