Meet the New RISE Student Committee Leadership!

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/