Top DEI Experts, Wellness Leaders and Insurance Executives Gather for IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum, Raising Funds for Charities
Virtual event hosts 500 attendees for action-oriented discussions on inclusion, wellness and future of work
LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities and enriching lives, gathered over 500 attendees from seven countries at the IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum, June 15-17. The forum consisted of three days of discussions with 30 industry and thought leaders dedicated to advancing ideas into action on DEI, accessibility, innovation, the future of work and mobilizing the insurance industry as a force for positive societal and workplace change. Insurance industry professionals, C-suite executives, D&I leaders and wellness experts shared motivating insights and action plans designed to move the industry forward toward a fully inclusive future.
DEI discussions were led by several renowned speakers, including John Amaechi OBE, Founder of APS Intelligence, and Dr. Leroy Nunery, Founder of PlūsUltré LLC. Amaechi delivered an inspiring session, sharing what executives and employees can do to build more inclusive cultures in their workplaces, including one important component that there is a "responsibility for people who are rare in a space to lift up others who are rare or unique in a space." Together, Nunery and Amaechi discussed the importance of creating an environment that allows employees to feel empowered to speak out, as well as an environment that holds people accountable for implementing inclusion initiatives.
With the strategic importance of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) in the industry, two international leaders from EY, Ed Majkowski, Americas Insurance Sector and Consulting Leader, and Isabelle Santenac, Global Insurance Leader, discussed 'How Insurers Can Address ESG-related Risks and Opportunities'. Moderated by Theadora Valero, Corporate Social Responsibility Manger at Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Majkowski noted how ESG is moving from "what are you doing" to "show me what you're doing", as evidenced by A.M. Best adding the role of race in insurance as a rating factor and the Departments of Insurance in many states are now tracking climate risk/action of insurance companies. EY has been the lead Diamond Presenting Sponsor of the two most recent IICF Inclusion in Insurance Forums.
As the insurance industry also prioritizes wellness and mental health in the workplace, another theme of the forum, foremost speakers shared their expertise on how to best integrate wellness programs, address emerging risks related to wellbeing, and introduced initiatives and tips to improve the quality of life and experiences both inside and outside the workplace, and for the successful return to the office setting.
A panel of DEI industry executives exploring 'The How Behind the Why in Diversity and Inclusion' featuring Harriet Dominique, Chief Diversity Officer at USAA, Trevor Gandy, Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Markel Corporation, and Kennedy Ihezie, Senior Director, AIG, and moderated by Heather Giordano, Vice President, Human Resources at CNA, yielded a numerous actionable steps including what these executives consider critical ones for all organizations to make meaningful strides towards DEI goals. Harriet Dominque stated that DEI programs "must be run like a business strategy like all other business imperatives" and "has to be woven into everything an organization does." Trevor Gandy added that "DEI must be prioritized by all", not only those directly responsible, and Kennedy Ihezie stressed the importance of inclusive leadership and that all "leaders must prioritize inclusiveness".
Another critically important aspect of inclusion discussed at this year's IICF forum was 'Accessibility Insights' by Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer at Microsoft. Lay-Flurrie shared that "most accommodations are very quick, very simple… and they empower someone with a disability", and technology and innovation have a significant part to play in narrowing the disability divide. "Disability is a strength. It's a talent pool," said Jenny Lay-Flurrie, and corporations can "change the lens" to view this way.
"The IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum presented a wonderful opportunity to convene the industry once again to discuss challenges we face and explore the myriad of opportunities at this unique time," said Betsy Myatt, IICF Vice President, Chief Program Officer and Executive Director of the IICF Northeast Division. "We're grateful for the ambitious vision and valuable insights shared by our speakers as we openly and honestly delved into some very important topics and initiatives that will help shape the future of the industry. It is our hope that all attendees will take what they've learned at the forum and translate into practice and action within their own workplaces."
During this international leadership event, IICF announced the winners of its biennial 2021 IICF Inclusion Champion Awards, an honor given to insurance industry professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication in advancing diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, along with a personal commitment to community service. This year IICF named Dawnmarie Black, Head of US Broker Practice for the Lloyd's Corporation, and Catherine Duffy, AIG's Country Leader of Bermuda, as the 2021 IICF Inclusion Champions.
IICF's Inclusion in Insurance leadership events are the only ones of their kind to benefit charitable causes. Proceeds from this forum benefit IICF's Community Grants Program, through which grants are awarded to nonprofit and charitable organizations focused on food insecurity, homelessness, children at risk, disaster relief and preparedness, veterans and more.
IICF will host its IICF Inclusion in Insurance Regional Forums in 2022, in Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles and New York, with dates to be announced later this year.
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF has served as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry for more than twenty-five years, contributing $42 million in community grants along with 300,000 volunteer hours by more than 110,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where funds are raised, serving hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations, for maximum community impact. IICF is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at http://www.iicf.org or follow us on social media: @doubleicf.
Media Contact
Alisa Breese, IICF, (949) 412-2143, [email protected]
SOURCE IICF
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