Meet the New RISE Student Committee Leadership!

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Prepare for RISE’s newest committee launching this February! Introducing the RISE Student Committee. Get ready to meet Milena, Quynh, and Lauren, the superstars leading the charge, and discover how their collective passion fuels a mission to bridge the gap between students and the world of insurance, offering a platform for learning, networking, and community building.

Milena Russo

Innovation Manager, AmericasAXA XL

Quynh Nguyen

Student
University of St. Thomas

Lauren Angelina

Senior Underwriter
Allianz

Q: What drives your passion for Student Engagement?

Milena: My passion for student engagement is deeply rooted in the belief that remembering our origins and giving back is pivotal for growth. I’ve accomplished so much in a short period of time because of mentors who generously shared their knowledge with me. Now, it’s my responsibility to pay it forward. In the insurance realm, there’s a wealth of career avenues that often go unnoticed by students. I’m driven by the desire to illuminate these paths, making them aware of the diverse opportunities within the industry. If we don’t invest in the younger generation, who will pave the way for their success? It’s about creating a supportive community and ensuring that the knowledge and mentorship I received continue to shape the next generation’s journey.

Quynh: As a college student who initially had no knowledge nor connections in the insurance industry, I benefited greatly from the guidance and support provided by the RISE professionals, enabling me to expand my network and broaden my understanding of the field. Recognizing the significance of such experiences for college students, I am committed to helping others gain access to the resources and support offered by the RISE Student Committee.

Lauren: I first joined the insurance industry as a freshman in college and found it shockingly welcoming towards newcomers. After two more insurance internships during college, I have a unique viewpoint of joining the business as a student and want to share my positive experience. Now, nine years on from the first internship, I really think this industry is the best-kept secret. I wish more people knew how wide the range is of fulfilling career paths within our field- particularly, people who are in the stage of life where they are deciding what to study & which career paths to try, students.   

I’m especially passionate about student engagement because I really believe there’s an extraordinary opportunity unfolding for students entering the business now. We’re on the cusp of major disruption, driven by two key forces: a massive wave of retiring baby boomers creating hundreds of thousands of job openings and a technological revolution reshaping risk assessment, pricing, and management. I can think of a specific demographic perfectly positioned to address both disruptions- one that’s not retiring anytime soon and was basically born navigating new technology, making them innately talented adapting to it.  It’s optimal timing, as they’ll have the benefit of learning from all the wisdom & experience of the generation nearing retirement, adding value immediately by bringing their tech-savvy & fresh perspectives, and soon having unlimited growth potential from expected retirements in the coming years.
 
Students jumping into the insurance industry now will be in the right place at the right time- that is, only if they know the opportunities exist and understand their power to shape the landscape. That’s where I want to help.   

Q: What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

Milena: I’m most thrilled about the prospect of connecting with new faces and sharing my experiences in the hope of making a positive impact on at least one person. My vision for the committee is to break stereotypes surrounding the insurance industry, showcasing that it can be dynamic and enjoyable, and doesn’t require a conventional career trajectory. There’s a vast landscape of unexplored avenues within insurance that often go unnoticed, and I’m excited to shed light on these possibilities. For me, the crux of our committee’s purpose lies in creating a genuine community. I want students to grasp the intricacies of the working world, offering them more than just high-level answers that often fall short. My focus is on bringing realistic examples to the forefront, providing students with a clear understanding of what they’re stepping into and fostering an environment where they can navigate the professional landscape with confidence.

Quynh: I am excited to connect with other students and offer insights from my experience. While some might think careers in the insurance limit to agents, brokers, or underwriters, there exists a wide array of other opportunities awaiting to be discovered within this field. Thus, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community for students, allowing them to explore different career paths in the insurance industry.

Lauren: My vision for the committee in this inaugural year is a foundation for intentionally developing the future of the business. We’re looking to bridge the gap between current students & professionals, while demystifying the diversity of career paths & facilitating knowledge transfer between generations.

I envision greater industry awareness & appeal among students, paving the way for attraction & retention of top talent. I’m excited about the upcoming advocacy & outreach, connections to internship & networking opportunities, mentorship, reverse-mentorship, engaging students in R&D initiatives, & innovative workshops connecting students with experts to brainstorm current challenges. Imagine mock negotiations, case studies solved alongside underwriters, or even shadowing an actuary for a day.   

Q: Why should people join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

Milena: I encourage individuals to join because our industry is fundamentally a people business. The connections and relationships you cultivate will hold more significance than any specific skill you acquire, and you never know when a connection will come back around (it’s a small world, and insurance is smaller!). By becoming a part of our network, you’re not just joining a group; it’s an opportunity to build a go-to network with folks who are in a similar phase of their career as you are, facing similar struggles as you. Too often times questions are left unasked or unanswered due to hesitation. This can be a place where individuals can openly discuss, learn, and grow together. Joining isn’t just about the tactical skills you gain; it’s about fostering connections and building a supportive community that can be invaluable throughout your professional journey.

Quynh: Whether you are a student or not, joining the RISE student committee opens doors to networking with like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. This committee serves as a place where professionals can give back and contribute to nurturing the next generation of the industry. It also provides students with opportunities to connect and gain deeper insights into the field. People are the cornerstone of the industry, so by helping students, we are actively building a brighter and better future for the insurance field!

Lauren: This committee empowers both students and professionals to actively shape the trajectory of the insurance industry. It’s also brand new, so it’s a rare chance to be a part of building from scratch.   

 
Beyond the benefits for students, joining this committee offers growth opportunities to current professionals. They’ll gain exposure to the next generation’s needs and perspectives, share their wealth of experience, and play a pivotal role in developing new talent. This is the chance to connect with potential recruits and build lasting relationships with future insurance leaders.   
 
For students, it’s an opportunity to develop skills through workshops and interactions, foster a professional network, and actively contribute to shaping the industry’s future.   
 
Regardless of career stage, all members will make an impact creating dialogue between generations, building a future-ready business, and driving sustainable growth.    
 

Dive into action with the RISE Student Committee! Discover diverse and exciting career paths, change preconceived notions about the industry, and become apart of a supportive community. Join the Student Committee today – your perspective and passion can reshape the landscape for students and professionals alike!

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

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Navigating Your Path: St. John’s Graduate Programs in Insurance

For early-career professionals in the insurance industry, the journey to success often involves continuous learning and skill enhancement. At RISE®, we’re committed to empowering professionals like you by providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and connections to aid in your career development. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on St. John’s University’s graduate programs in insurance – a valuable resource for RISE members looking to elevate their careers through advanced education.

St. John’s Graduate Programs Overview:

  1. MS Actuarial Science:

    • Tailored for those aspiring to excel in the actuarial profession.
    • Evening classes available in person, online, or a combination of both.
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships, including the prestigious Promise Scholarship for eligible candidates.

  2. MS Enterprise Risk Management (ERM):

    • Focused on equipping professionals with skills to manage enterprise-level risks.
    • Flexible course options – attend classes in person during evenings or online (synchronous and asynchronous).
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships, with the opportunity for the ILOTY fellowship.

  3. MS Risk Management and Risk Analytics (RMRA):

    • Comprehensive program offering insights into risk management and analytics.
    • Evening classes offered in person or online, with academic scholarship opportunities and eligibility for the ILOTY fellowship.

  4. MBA in Risk Management:

    • Specialized MBA program concentrating on risk management.
    • In-person, online, or hybrid course options.
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships.

  5. MBA in Enterprise Risk Management:

    • MBA program with a focus on Enterprise Risk Management.
    • Flexible course delivery – attend in person or online.
    • Automatic consideration for academic scholarships, along with eligibility for the ILOTY fellowship.

Advanced Certificates:

St. John’s also recognizes the unique needs of early-career professionals. For those seeking a more manageable academic commitment, advanced certificates in Risk Management and Enterprise Risk Management offer a streamlined 15-credit program. These certificates serve as an excellent starting point and seamlessly transfer into the respective MS degrees.

Admission Details:

  • Rolling admission with opportunities to start classes in September, mid-January (MS RMRA and MS ERM), and fall-only start for MS Actuarial Science.
  • Application process through grad.stjohns.edu/apply.
  • Required documents include the application, resume, short essay, one letter of recommendation, and college transcripts.
  • International students with foreign credits must submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation from a NACES member.

Your journey to success in the insurance industry is supported by RISE and enhanced by educational opportunities. St. John’s University’s graduate programs in insurance offer a flexible and comprehensive pathway to advance your career. Whether you’re an aspiring actuary, risk management expert, or seeking an MBA with a focus on risk, St. John’s provides the resources and scholarships you need. Elevate your career with education tailored to the dynamic world of insurance, and let St. John’s be your partners in professional growth.

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Meet Your New Innovation Committee Co-Chair: Silvia Diaz-Roa

Silvia Diaz-Roa

Co-Founder at ClaimDeck

Silvia Diaz-Roa combines her passion for technology and insurance to bring innovative solutions to the insurtech industry. As the co-founder of ClaimDeck, she’s transformed insurance claims litigation with her unique blend of digital expertise and operational efficiency. With dual master’s degrees from Yale in Health Policy and Business Administration, Silvia’s academic background fuels her drive for excellence. She’s recognized as a 2023 RISE 35 Under 35 Award recipient. Known for her vibrant energy and forward-thinking approach, Silvia is dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of insurance professionals.

Step into the realm of innovation with the dynamic force that is Silvia Diaz-Roa, your newest Co-Chair for the Innovation Committee! In this interview, Silvia shares the drive behind her passion for transforming challenges into opportunities within the insurance world. Drawing inspiration from her firsthand experiences in Insurtech, she unveils her vision for the committee -a space where cutting-edge ideas take center stage, creative problem-solving is the name of the game, and yes, a sprinkle of fun is non-negotiable. 

Join us in discovering why being part of the Innovation Committee isn’t just about staying ahead; it’s about shaping the future of insurance, where members actively contribute, learn, and make a real impact.

What drives your passion for Innovation?

Innovation, to me, is the engine that propels industries forward, especially in the dynamic world of insurance. My passion for innovation stems from its transformative power – the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, and ideas into tangible solutions.

Having worked in Insurtech, I’ve witnessed firsthand how inventive approaches can revolutionize traditional practices, making processes more efficient and customer-centric. This fuels my drive to foster an environment where new ideas are not just encouraged, but celebrated, leading to groundbreaking developments that benefit both professionals and clients in the insurance industry.

 What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

My vision for the Innovation Committee this year is to create a place where insurance professionals can both contribute and benefit from a collective pool of forward-thinking ideas. What excites me the most is the prospect of harnessing our collective talents to not only keep pace with the rapid changes in the insurance industry but to be the trailblazers that define its future.

I aim to focus on three core areas: firstly, by introducing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for folks to present to their organization; secondly, promoting a culture of creative problem-solving and continuous learning through brainstorming sessions; and finally, just having a bit of fun 🙂

Why should people join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

Joining the Innovation Committee offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the future of the insurance industry. It’s not just about being part of something groundbreaking; it’s about actively contributing to and driving change. By participating in our initiatives, members will gain invaluable experience in innovation-driven projects, expand their professional network with like-minded peers and industry leaders, and develop skills that are crucial in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Most importantly, it’s a chance to make a real impact – to bring in fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo, and contribute to initiatives that could redefine how insurance works for generations to come.

We are the future!

Join the Innovation Committee and be at the forefront of transformative change. Your ideas are the catalyst for innovation that shapes our industry’s evolution. Be the driving force behind progress—join the Innovation Committee today!

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

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Meet Your New DEI Committee Co-Chair: Brandi Lewis

Brandi Lewis

President & Chairwoman at Health Plus Trans

Brandi Lewis, the Chairwoman of www.healthplustrans.com has consistently been a model of success and empowerment. Brandi is a vision-driven, goal-focused, forward thinking business executive with expertise in team management, proven business turn-around strategy, a business operations specialist, proven history of innovation and being an out of the box thinker.

Furthermore, Brandi’s ability to build consensus among executive teams and stakeholders, harnessing team strengths to promote transparency and influence positive change has been repeatedly proven.

Brandi believes in the three G’s “Get involved, Get it Done, and Get Results” without excuses

As our committees embrace a new chapter with fresh leadership, Brandi Lewis takes the Co-Chair role of the DEI committee and brings a passionate perspective focused on generating awareness and fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity. In this interview, Brandi delves into the impactful initiatives she envisions, driven by the urgent need for change within the insurance industry. Her vision isn’t just about awareness; it’s about fostering authenticity, driving innovation, and amplifying opportunities for all. Join us in discovering Brandi’s compelling journey and her vision for transforming the DEI landscape.

What drives your passion for DEI?

Among America’s largest insurance companies there has been little change in racial, ethnic, and gender representation among employees and ancillary vendor partnerships.

People of color are underrepresented in executive level positions, with an average of 16.2% of executives identifying as people of color in the insurance industry currently. Women are underrepresented in executive level positions, with an average of 33.5% of executives identifying as women.

Even more disturbing is the average amount of money spent with diverse suppliers amongst  insurance companies equates to 1.2% with minority and women owned suppliers as a percent of overall procurement spend combined.

My passion is bringing awareness to these staggering statistics stated above.

Change starts with action, actions start by identifying why change is necessary.

 What’s your vision for the committee this year? What’s exciting?

My vision is to create an environment that fosters acceptance and openness for minorities to lead as their authentic self. Being authentic is a distinctive competitive advantage that fosters powerful, impactful and influential leadership. Anytime any of us can be who we really are in an environment; we always outperform. This is a key factor that demands being intentional when building trust in a competing environment.

Why people should join and help with your initiatives you have planned?

Having a range of talent decreases reliance on any one group during times of constrained staffing, thus adding flexibility. Diversity increases innovation and provides more opportunities to collaborate and develop new business opportunities within companies talent and vendor partnerships.

My vision aligns purpose for employers, customers, and investors and calls for more corporate social responsibility (ACTION) that promotes competition and enables revenue.

Join the DEI Committee and be part of a transformative movement toward a more inclusive industry. Your voice matters in shaping lasting change. Together, we’ll advocate, innovate, and champion lasting change that resonates across all levels of our industry.

Learn more about RISE Committees here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

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