RISE Announces 2025 LEAD Award Finalists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Dania Beach, FL, March 28, 2025]  – RISE is proud to announce the finalists for the LEAD (Leadership in Equity and Diversity) Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the insurance sector. The finalists for the LEAD Award are:

  • Caryn Siebert – VP Carrier Practice, Gallagher Bassett
  • Pete Kidd – VP, Head of Insurance Solutions, Foxen Administration
  • Pedro Jermaine Perry – Clerk, Tower Hill Insurance Group
  • Megan Bell – Creator & Host, InsHER Podcast

These outstanding individuals have implemented innovative strategies, fostered partnerships, and implemented educational initiatives to enhance cultural competency and promote DE&I workplace education and communication. Their efforts have led to increased awareness, understanding, and advocacy of DE&I work throughout their organizations.

The winner of the LEAD (Leadership in Equity and Diversity) Award will be announced at the Awards Gala at the RISE Leadership Summit on June 16-18th in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in the insurance sector and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

For more information about the 2025 RISE Awards Gala and to reserve your ticket, visit the event site

About RISE:

RISE® is an insurance community committed to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources.

For more information about RISE and our initiatives, visit RISEprofessionals.com

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | Director of Operations

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

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RISE Announces 2025 Innovator of the Year Finalists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Dania Beach, FL, March 27, 2025]  – RISE is proud to announce the 2025 finalists for the Innovator of the Year award, recognizing individuals that have pioneered transformative solutions, setting new standards for the industry. The finalists for the Innovator of the Year award are:

  • Anna Pray Holzapfel – Innovation Manager, Grange Insurance Company
  • Denise Tyson – Chief Executive Officer, Schaefer City Technologies
  • Jonathan Graves – Director, Field, Tower Hill Insurance Group
  • Vidur Nayyar – McKinsey alum, stealth mode

Each of these finalists has made significant contributions to advancing innovation in insurance, whether through groundbreaking strategies, pioneering technologies, or transformative projects. Their visionary leadership and dedication to driving positive change have had a profound impact on the industry as a whole.

The winner of the Innovator of the Year award will be announced at the 2025 RISE Awards Gala on June 16-18h in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in the insurance sector and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

For more information about the 2025 RISE Awards Gala and to reserve your ticket, visit the event site

About RISE:

RISE® is an insurance community committed to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources.

For more information about RISE and our initiatives, visit RISEprofessionals.com

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | Director of Operations

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

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RISE Announces 2025 Mentor of the Year Finalists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Dania Beach, FL, March 26, 2025]  – RISE is proud to announce the finalists for the Mentor of the Year award, recognizing exceptional leaders in the insurance industry who have dedicated themselves to guiding and nurturing the next generation of talent. The finalists for the Mentor of the Year award are:

  • Adrian Davis – Principal, UCG Staffing
  • Cortney Helfrich – Chief Personnel Officer, Wilber Group
  • Gabe Cossio – Vice President of Sales, Duck Creek Technologies
  • Kim Moody – Head of Claims, Golden Bear Insurance Company

These outstanding individuals have demonstrated exemplary mentorship qualities, inspiring and empowering their mentees to reach new heights in their careers. Their commitment to fostering growth and development within the industry serves as a beacon of guidance for aspiring professionals.

The winner of the Mentor of the Year award will be announced at the 2025 RISE Awards Gala on June 16-18th in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in the insurance sector and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

For more information about the 2025 RISE Awards Gala and to reserve your tickets, visit the event site

About RISE:

RISE® is an insurance community committed to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources.

For more information about RISE and our initiatives, visit RISEprofessionals.com

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | Director of Operations

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

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RISE Announces 2025 ’35 Under 35′

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

[Dania Beach, FL, March 25, 2025] – RISE is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 “35 Under 35” award, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional rising talent in the insurance industry.

The RISE Awards “35 Under 35” celebrates rising stars who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and contributions to their companies, communities, and the insurance sector as a whole. This year, we received a significant number of nominations from across the industry, highlighting the wealth of talent and innovation present among young professionals.

 

The 2025 “35 Under 35” recipients are:

  • Alexandra Santo, Claims Consultant at Golden Bear Insurance Company
  • Alison Murphy, Senior Underwriting Manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance
  • Alyssa Sanchez, Director, Resource Management at Alacrity Solutions
  • Andye Vantol, Underwriting Auditor II at AmTrust Financial Group
  • Angel Song, Assistant Vice President at Corporate Risk Solutions (CRS)
  • Brittany de Frias, Assistant Vice President – Professional Lines at AXIS
  • Cameron Roach, Senior Underwriter at Kinetic
  • Christopher Khan, Chief Compliance Officer at Universal Casualty RRG
  • Dana Ducommun, Marketing Director at MC Consultants
  • Daniel Boyer, Associate Vice President at Schauer Group
  • Daniel Ravitz, Client Advisor at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
  • Derek Yee, Senior Vice President at Westfield Specialty
  • Diauntae Morrow, President/CEO at The Morrow Group & Company
  • Dominic Cacciola, Claims Technical Consultant at AAA – The Auto Club Group
  • Dymphna Menendez, Assistant Vice President at Arch Insurance Group
  • Emily Cameron, Head of Product at Gain Life
  • Emmanuel Singletary, Senior Technical Solution Consultant at Guidewire
  • Giselle Palladino, Vice President at Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers
  • Jarrod Zea, Structured Settlement Consultant at ZC Settlement Advisors/Ringler
  • Jeanette Marasi, Project Manager at Bindable
  • Margo Meta, Claims Legal Counsel at Grange Insurance
  • Matthew DeBernardi, Director, MPL Underwriting at RLI
  • Megan Smalter, Market Development Executive at Lloyd’s
  • Mykaela Ionta, Senior Underwriter, Middle Market, Commercial Insurance at The Hartford
  • Natalie Golubski, Professional Lines Broker at Jencap Specialty Insurance Services
  • Nathan Baker, Property Claims Manager at Preferred Mutual
  • Nicole Sabin, Underwriter I, Reinsurance at Everest
  • Peyton Rudolph, Vice President, Marketing at GradGuard
  • Sandra Nikodimos-Houston, GB Specialty Analytics Lead at Gallagher Bassett
  • Seth Hart, Subrogation Recovery Adjuster at Praxis Risk Services (Crawford & Company)
  • Siena Pizzano, Senior Catastrophe Risk Analyst at Sompo
  • Stephanie Badiola, Excess Casualty Underwriter at Gridiron Insurance Underwriters, Inc.
  • Terry Wilson, Insurance Operations Manager at Leap Insurance
  • Tyzha Gunn, Account Specialist II at Aon
  • Zorigoo “Z” Tugsbayar, Vice President, Group Strategy & Corporate Development at Ascot Group

The winners will be honored at the 2025 RISE Awards Gala, taking place on June 16-18th in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The 2025 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala is more than just another industry event—it’s where leadership, innovation, and celebration collide. For more information about the 2025 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala and to reserve your tickets, visit the event site

 

About RISE:

RISE® is an insurance community committed to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, offering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources.

For more information about RISE and our initiatives, visit RISEprofessionals.com

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | Director of Operations

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com

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