RISE Announces 2026 Mentor of the Year, LEAD Award, and Innovator of the Year Winners at 10 Year Anniversary Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. – RISE (Rising Insurance Star Executives) recognized three outstanding industry leaders during the 2026 RISE Awards Gala, held as part of the 2026 RISE Leadership Summit. The awards celebrate professionals who are making a meaningful impact through leadership, mentorship, innovation, and inclusion across the insurance industry.

This year’s honorees are:

Mentor of the Year: Liva Rivera, Hamilton Miller & Birthisel

The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of insurance professionals. Throughout her career, Liva Rivera has been a dedicated advocate for mentorship, helping emerging leaders navigate challenges, build confidence, and advance their careers. Her willingness to invest time, share knowledge, and create opportunities for others has left a lasting impact on countless professionals across the industry.

LEAD Award: Pedro Jermaine Perry, Tower Hill Insurance

The LEAD Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the insurance industry.

Pedro Jermaine Perry was selected for his sustained efforts to ensure inclusion is experienced through action rather than simply discussed. For more than a decade, he has integrated cultural representation, historical awareness, and community engagement into workplace initiatives at Tower Hill Insurance. Through educational programming, employee engagement efforts, and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for others, Pedro has helped foster a workplace culture where employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Innovator of the Year: Valkyrie Holmes, Faura

The Innovator of the Year Award honors a professional who is driving meaningful change through innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership.

As Founder and CEO of Faura, Valkyrie Holmes has challenged traditional approaches and leveraged technology to create new opportunities within the insurance ecosystem. Her innovative vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and commitment to solving industry challenges have positioned her as a transformative force helping shape the future of insurance.

“These award winners exemplify the leadership, innovation, and commitment to developing others that strengthen our industry,” said Amy Cooper, CEO of RISE. “Their impact extends far beyond their organizations and serves as an inspiration for professionals at every stage of their careers.”

The awards were presented during the 10th Anniversary RISE Awards Gala on June 10, 2026, at the 2026 RISE Leadership Summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In addition to the winners, RISE recognized an exceptional group of finalists whose contributions continue to make a difference across the insurance industry. Their dedication to leadership, mentorship, innovation, and inclusion reflects the values at the heart of the RISE community.

About RISE:

RISE® is an insurance community dedicated to developing leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking, and leadership development, RISE empowers professionals to accelerate their careers and helps organizations attract, engage, and retain top talent.

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

Contact:

Tori Snoddy | VP, Operations & Marketing

tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com