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Join us as we dive into the stories of past winners of the RISE Awards! In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with the award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Through these interviews, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Owie L. Agbontaen, an AVP Business Development Leader for the North Central Region at Sompo International, who was a recipient of the prestigious 35 under 35 award. Here’s what Owie had to say about his experience:

What did the nomination and award mean to you?

“It truly meant a lot to be nominated and awarded the 35 u 35 award because it allowed me to be recognized for the work I have put in at such a young age. The recognition alone was great however it also gave colleagues more reason to pay attention to what I was doing and the goals I was trying to reach.”

How did it impact you personally and/or professionally?

“Personally, it made me proud to be a part of an industry that rewards hard work and dedication. Professionally, it showed that I do belong in my position and have accomplished so much thus far.”

Where are you now?

“Currently still at Sompo International as an AVP Business Development Leader for the North Central Region.”

How did you first join/ enter the industry?

“I joined through the CNA trainee program as a Middle Market Underwriter.”

What advice would you share with young professionals or someone just getting started in the industry?

“Continue to stay true to yourself and what you want to accomplish. The industry is never short of young talent that can bring new and creative ideas to life.”

Owie’s story is a testament to the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success in the insurance industry. We hope that his experience and advice will inspire other young professionals to strive for excellence and reach their full potential in their careers.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with the award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Through these interviews, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals.

Mary Calmer, an agribusiness portfolio underwriter at Westfield, had always been determined to succeed in the insurance industry. But as a young professional, she often found herself feeling unsure of her place among more experienced colleagues. That all changed when she was nominated for and won a 35 under 35 award.

For Mary, the nomination was a validation of her hard work and dedication to the industry. It gave her the confidence to step up as a professional, even when she felt like the least experienced person in the room. “I’m no longer holding myself back from opportunities!” she says.

But the award also had a significant impact on Mary’s personal and professional life. It allowed her to meet other young professionals who were doing amazing things in the industry, and to network with them. It also solidified her desire to spread awareness to other young people about the opportunities available in insurance. “Seeing what the other award winners are doing was so inspiring!” she says.

Since winning the award, Mary was promoted at Crum & Forster, and has now started a new role at Westfield, where she continues to make a difference in the industry. But she hasn’t forgotten the struggles she faced as a young professional trying to break into the industry. She has some advice for others just starting out:

“Get on LinkedIn and network,” she says. “Reach out for advice – people are more than happy to help out or find someone who can. Find a local professional group and join. If nothing else, you will make some awesome friends. One piece of advice that always keeps me pushing beyond my comfort zone is ‘if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.'”

Mary’s story is a testament to the power of recognition and community in shaping a successful career. By taking control of her own professional development and seeking out opportunities to connect with others in the industry, she has achieved great success and is an inspiration to other young professionals looking to do the same.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Welcome back to our ongoing blog series featuring past winners of the RISE Award! In these exclusive interviews, we sit down with the brightest young minds in the insurance industry to learn about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. As we continue this series, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also showcasing the impressive accomplishments of these rising stars. Join us as we uncover the inspiring stories of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

Meet Rachel Jenkins, a rising star in the insurance industry who was nominated and awarded for her hard work and dedication in 2022. Rachel’s recognition was well-deserved, as she has been making waves in the industry with her leadership skills and ability to drive success.

When asked about what the nomination and award meant to her, Rachel stated that it served as recognition for her hard work thus far. She was able to meet and network with other star contributors in the industry, and share her recognition with friends and family in a way they can recognize it.

Personally, Rachel was able to share the honor with her team and bring people with her to watch her receive the award. Professionally, it’s something that drives conversation with colleagues and spreads awareness about the accomplishments of younger and newer entrants into the insurance space at a time when things are very top-heavy and it’s hard to be seen.

Currently, Rachel is leading multiple teams to success while managing and pushing product development forward at Foundershield. She’s making a significant impact in the company, and her dedication and leadership are reflected in her team’s accomplishments.

Rachel’s entry into the insurance industry was a result of her doing an operations internship the summer before joining AIG as an underwriter. It was a valuable experience that paved the way for her to make a meaningful contribution to the industry.

For young professionals or those just getting started in the industry, Rachel shares valuable advice: stay diligent, be thorough, and learn the basics. Know and demand what you’re worth and keep pushing forward.

Rachel’s story is an inspiration to many young professionals looking to make their mark in the insurance industry. Her dedication, hard work, and leadership skills are a testament to what can be achieved with the right mindset and work ethic. Congratulations to Rachel for her nomination and award, and we look forward to seeing more of her contributions to the industry in the years to come.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Out Voices of the Future series continues to showcase the brightest young minds in the insurance industry! Through these exclusive interviews with past winners of the 35 under 35 award for insurance professionals, we hope to showcase the impressive accomplishments and unique perspectives of these rising stars. Join us as we uncover the inspiring journeys of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

Lauren Fernandez is a rising star in the insurance and legal industry, having been named one of the 2022 Rising Star 35 Under 35 recipients. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on the nomination, how it has impacted her personally and professionally, where she is now, how she first entered the industry, and her advice for young professionals just starting out.

What did the nomination and award mean to you?

Lauren shared that being named among the high caliber group of professionals that made up the 2022 Rising Star 35 Under 35 recipients was a surprise and an incredible honor. It served as a reminder that even when we may not feel like we are making progress, others are looking to us as an example.

How did it impact you personally and/or professionally?

On a personal level, the nomination was a reminder to look up and appreciate how far she has come. Professionally, she was able to build great relationships with other professionals connected with RISE, which she is grateful for.

Where are you now since receiving the award?

Lauren co-founded Palm Coast Staffing, a recruiting firm that primarily focuses on all roles within the legal space. She has enjoyed putting the entrepreneur hat back on and all the opportunities that come with it.

How did you first join/enter the industry?

Lauren shared that like many others, she stumbled into the industry. Once she discovered the vast world of insurance and legal, she was hooked. She loves being able to talk to individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and learning something new every day.

What advice would you share with young professionals or someone just getting started in the industry?

Lauren’s advice is to not shy away from meeting others in your industry or similar industries, as your network is your net worth. You never know where a seemingly simple conversation will lead you in a few years. To quote her father, “Who you know gets you in the door, what you know keeps you there.”

In conclusion, Lauren’s journey in the industry so far is an inspiration to young professionals looking to make a name for themselves. Her reminder to appreciate progress and build a strong network are valuable insights that anyone can use to succeed in their career.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Join us as we dive into the stories of past winners of the RISE Awards! In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with the award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Through these interviews, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals.

Meet Cynthia Scott, a team lead for a property handling group at Tower Hill Insurance Group. Cynthia was nominated for the 2022 RISE Award, an honor she says she will never forget. We caught up with Cynthia to learn more about what the nomination and award meant to her, how it impacted her personally and professionally, where she is now, and her advice for young professionals just starting in the industry.

Q: What did the nomination and award mean to you?

A: The nomination alone was such an honor to receive. To be recognized by my fellow leaders as a RISE candidate is a memorable part of my career I won’t soon forget.

Q: How did it impact you personally and/or professionally?

A: Personally, it gave me more confidence in myself and the path I have chosen. Professionally, it has opened doors and helped me grow my network in the industry.

Q: Where are you now?

A: I am currently working at Tower Hill Insurance Group going on 8 years, as a Team Lead for a property handling group.

Q: How did you first join/enter the industry?

A: I first entered the industry in 2015 with no prior experience as a Claims Adjuster with Tower Hill.

Q: What advice would you share with young professionals or someone just getting started in the industry?

A: My advice would be to read, ask questions, and absorb. Whenever I am feeling stuck or face a new challenge, articles, books, or reaching out to my mentor (Migdalia Diaz) for advice helps me to navigate and find the solution. Having these tools is undoubtedly the key to success for me.

Cynthia’s journey into the insurance industry serves as an inspiration for young professionals just getting started. Her hard work and dedication have paid off, and her recognition as a RISE nominee shows that the industry has taken note. Cynthia’s advice to young professionals to read, ask questions, and absorb is critical, as the insurance industry is ever-changing, and staying up-to-date is essential. We wish Cynthia continued success in her career and look forward to seeing where her path takes her.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Welcome back to our blog series featuring past winners of the RISE Award! In these exclusive interviews, we sit down with the brightest young minds in the insurance industry to learn about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. As we continue this series, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also showcasing the impressive accomplishments of these rising stars. Join us as we uncover the inspiring stories of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

For many, the insurance industry may not seem like the most exciting career choice. But for Chris Wright, it’s been the career of his dreams. Wright, who is currently an Associate Manager of Casualty Claims at The Cincinnati Insurance Company, was recently honored with the prestigious RISE Award for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

We caught up with Chris to ask him about his experience and to get his advice for young professionals looking to start a career in the insurance industry.

When asked what the nomination and award meant to him, Chris replied that it was one of the highlights of his career. “I still feel deeply honored to have been selected and I cherish the physical award that I display proudly in my office. From a personal perspective, being honored in such a way gave me a renewed appreciation for all the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into my career and helping others succeed over the past 10+ years.”

But the impact wasn’t just personal. Chris also shared how the recognition he received from his peers and colleagues motivated him to keep working hard and made him want to continue “paying it forward” even more.

With more than 10 years at The Cincinnati Insurance Company, Chris has made steady progress in his career, earning promotions and advancing his skills. He was recently promoted to management as an Associate Manager of Casualty Claims, a position that he sees as the next step in his career with hopes of securing an officer-eligible position.

When asked what advice he would give to young professionals starting out in the industry, Chris emphasized the importance of hard work, embracing continuing education, and not being afraid to ask questions. He also urged them to figure out where they would like to see their career in 5 to 10 years and to set goals along the way, as periodic goals help keep one focused. Lastly, Chris advised that if you’re not asking questions on a daily basis, you’re not learning, and if you’re not learning, you’re not getting better at your job.

Chris’s advice is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into his career. His success in the industry is proof that with the right mindset and work ethic, young professionals can rise to the top of the industry and be recognized for their contributions.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Get ready to be inspired by the stories of past winners of the RISE Award! In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our aim is to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders while highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals. Join us as we uncover the inspiring journeys of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

The insurance industry can be a tough nut to crack, especially for young professionals. However, with dedication and hard work, recognition and opportunity can come knocking at your door. Just ask Eric Brown, a Senior Business Analyst and BA Supervisor in the Product Management Department at MMG Insurance.

When Eric was nominated for the Rise Award, he knew it was a big deal. “Recognition and opportunity. I was honored to be recognized for my professional contributions to MMG Insurance, the community, and the industry,” Eric said. “This award presented opportunities for myself and MMG, to expand our footprint and build relationships that will further our reputation and growth.”

The award not only boosted Eric’s confidence but also earned him greater respect from others and expanded his personal and professional reputation. “The award definitely increased my confidence and expanded my professional network,” he said.

Since winning the award, Eric has continued to thrive in his role at MMG Insurance, currently in his third year as a Senior Business Analyst and BA Supervisor in the Product Management Department. But his journey in the industry started in 2012 when he applied for an internship opportunity at MMG Insurance, recommended by his college advisor. From there, he worked hard, gained experience, and found his niche in different departments throughout his career.

Eric’s advice to young professionals or someone just starting in the industry is to keep an open mind and explore what the industry has to offer. “There are so many exciting opportunities in the industry, across a multitude of disciplines,” Eric said. “The industry is constantly evolving and has ample opportunity for you to find your niche.”

If you’re a young professional looking to make an impact in the insurance industry, remember Eric’s story. Dedicate yourself to your work, keep an open mind, and always be on the lookout for recognition and opportunity. Who knows? You could be the next Eric Brown, making a difference in the industry and in your community.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Join us in this exclusive blog series as we dive into the inspiring stories of past winners of the RISE Award! In these interviews, we sit down with award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our aim is to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals who are making a significant impact in the industry.

Zach Brown is a rising star in the insurance industry, having received the prestigious Rise Award. This award recognizes young professionals under 35 years of age who are making a significant impact in the insurance industry. We sat down with Zach to hear about his journey and learn how he excels in the industry.

 

When asked about what the Rise Award meant to him, Zach shared, “The Rise Award meant a lot because there are not very many young people in the insurance space. So it was a great opportunity to meet others like me. Because the insurance industry is on the older side, the people that have taken this award home are the ones that you will see running the industry when the torch is passed.”

 

Winning the award was a significant accomplishment for Zach, who said, “I think that the fact the award is reserved for folks under the age of 35 makes it absolute. When you are 36 you look back and you either took it home or you didn’t. Either way there is no rewinding. The fact that I did have the opportunity to take it home will provide me with tangible proof to show my kids that hard work pays off.”

 

Since winning the award, Zach has gone on to purchase several companies and grow his Venture Capital Firm, New Reign Capital. When asked about his advice to young professionals just starting in the industry, Zach stated, “Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door to help you get what you want. Go get it yourself.”

 

Zach’s ‘Get It Done’ attitude is what sets him apart in the industry. He is an inspiration to young professionals looking to make an impact in the insurance industry.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Get ready to hear from some of the brightest young minds in the insurance industry! Our “Voices of the Future” blog series features exclusive interviews with past winners of the 35 under 35 award for insurance professionals. Through their stories, experiences, and insights, we hope to showcase the impressive accomplishments and unique perspectives of these rising stars. Join us as we uncover the inspiring journeys of these past winners and discover what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of insurance.

In this interview, Josh Carmona shares his experience being nominated and awarded for his hard work and dedication in the insurance industry.

What did the nomination and award mean to you?

The nomination was special because it reinforced the confidence my leaders have in me. It showed that all the hard work over the years have been noticed by my peers and leaders.

How did it impact you personally and/or professionally?

After receiving the award I’ve had many conversations with peers, advocating for them to strive for the achievement themselves. Putting it on my resume has led to questions and positive reactions with leaders.

Where are you now?

Since the award, I’ve been promoted to an Underwriting consultant role.

How did you first join/ enter the industry?

I started in our New Loss department. We entered claims information and answered claims calls. From there, I went into a 6-month training program for Underwriting and have since been in our Brokerage Underwriting department.

What advice would you share with young professionals or someone just getting started in the industry?

Learn as much as you can, take courses, get your designations, get involved with organizations like RISE and find a mentor or three.

 

Follow along for the next edition in this blog series to hear from past winners like Josh Carmona and gain insights on how to excel in the insurance industry.

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.

Join us as we dive into the stories of past winners of the RISE Awards! In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with the award-winning innovators, disruptors, and rising stars of the insurance industry to learn more about their journeys, experiences, and unique perspectives. Through these interviews, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of insurance leaders, while also highlighting the impressive accomplishments of these young professionals.

The insurance industry is known for being complex, dynamic, and constantly evolving. To excel in this field takes grit, determination, and a willingness to learn and grow. That’s precisely what Jennifer Holbrook, a 35 Under 35 insurance professional award winner, embodies.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer to pick her brain on what it takes to succeed in the insurance industry. In our candid chat, she shared some invaluable insights, starting with what the nomination and award meant to her.

According to Jennifer, the nomination and award were a validation of her efforts to make an impact on her company, community, and the industry as a whole. Being recognized for her successes at such a young age was a huge accomplishment and a testament to the hard work and dedication she had put in over the years.

Fast forward to today, and Jennifer is an Underwriting Supervisor for the Large Account Unit with a team of four direct reports. Her journey to this position wasn’t an easy one, but it was certainly a rewarding one. She attributes her success to being open to unexpected career opportunities and embracing every chance to learn and grow.

When asked how she first entered the insurance industry, Jennifer revealed that it was unintentional. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and experience working in animal rescue, she was looking for room for advancement and financial growth. That’s when a family friend encouraged her to apply at Harford Mutual, where she has been working for nine years now.

Finally, we asked Jennifer to share some advice for young professionals or those just getting started in the industry. Her response was simple but powerful: Embrace every opportunity to learn and network. The insurance industry is relationship-based, and making connections is crucial to success. By keeping an open mind and seeking out new learning opportunities, Jennifer has positioned herself as a rockstar in the insurance industry.

In conclusion, Jennifer Holbrook’s story is an inspiring one that proves that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for making a difference, anyone can excel in the insurance industry. We hope her insights will help inspire and motivate the next generation of insurance professionals to reach for the stars.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from past RISE Award Winners, coming soon!

Ready to level up your leadership skills and connect with industry leaders? Join us for the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! This premier event is packed with interactive leadership training, top-tier networking opportunities, and a proper celebration for our esteemed 35 Under 35 Winners.

With fast-paced TED-Talk style sessions and engaging workshops, you’ll learn from the best in the business and gain insights to drive your success. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from over 150 companies, fostering valuable relationships that can propel your career forward. 

Register now at https://riseprofessionals.com/events/2023-leadership-summit-awards-gala/ and secure your spot at the 2023 RISE Leadership Summit & Awards Gala.