RISE® Announces 2024 RISE Award Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

[Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 21, 2024] – RISE proudly unveiled the winners of the 2024 RISE Awards at the 3rd annual RISE Awards Gala held in Fort Lauderdale, FL on June 20, 2024. The awards recognize exceptional individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted the insurance industry.

Mentor of the Year – Michelle Raue

Michelle Raue, Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer at Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, has been honored as Mentor of the Year for her outstanding commitment to mentoring and fostering mutual learning within the insurance sector. Michelle’s dedication to mentoring and belief in mutual learning has empowered many, showing that our voices matter in shaping the future of insurance. Her commitment to the next generation has truly made a lasting impact on our community.

Innovator of the Year – Ryann Foelker

Ryann Foelker, Design and Innovation Director at American Family Insurance, received the Innovator of the Year award for redefining insurance innovation with her unique approach that blends strategic foresight and design expertise. Her work at American Family Insurance has transformed the industry, creating lasting value and driving positive change.

LEAD Award – Charmaine Rice

Charmaine Rice, Senior Vice President of Global Learning, Development, and Diversity at AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., is the recipient of the LEAD Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Charmaine’s organic programs and advocacy have fostered a culture of inclusivity, setting a new standard for corporate leadership in promoting underrepresented groups.

Impact Award – Girls Give Back

Girls Give Back has been honored with the Impact Award for their significant contributions to improving the insurance landscape. Founded by Michelle Licht and Jessica Hamilton, Girls Give Back has led initiatives that empower women within the industry and beyond, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action and shared vision.

35 Under 35-

• Andrew Adams – President, River Valley Underwriters Inc
• Aqil Kurji – Founding Associate & Actuary, Zoë Foundry
• Ashley Walker – Director, Aon
• Breck Seitz – Healthcare Broker, Risk Placement Services
• Chris Gutierrez – CEO, Stryke National Investigations
• Cody Pavlat – Manager, Content Design & Knowledge Management, AF Group
• Colleen O’Brien – Director of National Accounts, Partner Relationships, SageSure
• Connor James Thomson, CPCU – Law Clerk, Stickley Law, LLC
• Daniel Osei-Agyemang – Head of Claims, Prime Insurance Company Limited
• Don Mahone – RVP, Commercial Surety, Allianz Trade
• Gracemarie Mende – Director – Auto Claims, Arch Insurance Group
• Jake Doman – Consulting Director, Axion
• Jeff Weber – Executive General Adjuster, PURE Insurance
• Jessica Lei – Casualty Litigation Specialist III, Cincinnati Insurance Company
• Jessica Rosenow – Director, Data and Analytics, Coterie Insurance
• Jose Hernandez – Senior Unit Manager, NARS
• Joshua Williams – Campus Recruiting & Program Lead Manager, TruStage
• Kayla Pigeon, Esq. – Assistant Vice President, MSP Compliance, Sanderson Firm
• Krista Scott – Senior Underwriter, The Hartford
• Marques Brown – Senior Director of Membership Experience, GradGuard
• Mercedes Peil – Director, Strategy, Selective Insurance
• Molly Niswander – Medicare Compliance Unit Manager, Westfield
• Paria Esmaeelzadeh – Associate Director, Carrier Relations, Willis Towers Watson
• Quron Berry – Claims Supervisor, Utica National Insurance Group
• Rakesh Kumar Dhawan – Founder & CEO, DHA-1, Inc
• Rick Holtz – Chief Technology Officer, Seek Now
• Rocio Luna – Insurance Producer, Modern Reign Insurance Brokers
• Ryan Brichetto – Senior Property Claims Representative, Westfield
• Salena Chaudhry – Claim Technical Consultant, The Auto Club Group
• Sara Cummings – Accounting Manager, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
• Shante Delgado – Operations Manager/Agent, American Benefits Specialists
• Taylor Nelson – Business Generation Consultant II, AmTrust Financial Services Inc
• Thomas Lynch – Senior Vice President, Jencap Group
• Tony Petrucci – Claims Specialist, Amerisure
• Tyler Ross Gehbauer – AVP, Commercial Officer, CNA Financial Corporation

“We are thrilled to recognize Michelle Raue, Ryann Foelker, Charmaine Rice, and Girls Give Back for their extraordinary achievements and profound impact on the insurance community,” said Amy Cooper, Founder & CEO of RISE . “Their dedication and innovation serve as inspirations to us all, and we are privileged to support their journey towards shaping a brighter future.”

The 2024 RISE Awards Gala marks another milestone in RISE’s commitment to celebrating excellence, leadership, and positive change within the insurance industry. For more information about RISE and the award winners, please visit https://riseprofessionals.com/awards/.

About RISE:

RISE® is a vibrant 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