Appalachian State University students from underrepresented backgrounds recently interacted with insurance industry professionals during a February 15, 2018 event.
Hosted by the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, and organized by Walker College of Business Inclusive Excellence Chairperson Jamie Parson, the event aimed to inform and encourage students to consider Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) as a major at Appalachian.
Presenters included Travelers Insurance Middle Market Vice President Melanie Hudson; State Farm Insurance Vice President of Agency/Sales Barbara Carr; XL Catlin Risk Manager Rumbi Masamvu '13; Travelers Insurance Account Executive Ndjo Shosola '13; and USI Insurance Services Employee Benefits Account Executive Liz Hernandez.
Each presenter shared their experiences in the industry, underscoring the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace as core of the insurance business and their companies. Appalachian's Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) president, Christy Simpers, attended to share the benefits of GIS membership and opportunities offered through the organization's programs.
Parson chairs the Walker College of Business Inclusive Excellence Team and leads the Brantley Center's work to recruit and retain RMI students from diverse backgrounds.
Related: Courageous conversations: ASU hosts workplace diversity panel discussion
Diversity is one of the Walker College core values, and inclusive excellence is critical to effective global citizenship and key to a greater work experience.
Rumbi Masamvu, Ndjo Shosola and Jamie Parson during the February 2018 Inclusive Excellence dinner
