Welcome to the August issue of the Amplify Women^TM Newsletter!

It’s hard to believe that this September will be two years in my role as Captive Insurance Economic Development Director for the State of Vermont! In a role that normally required networking and frequent in person conferences and events, I found myself trying to understand this new industry in a solely virtual world, just me and my dog at the same desk in my living room every day. I recall in my interview hearing that this industry “is like family” and I was skeptical that it could be that great. I soon found out as I met with industry professionals online and went to my first in-person conference, the CICA Fall Forum in October of 2021, that the rumors were true. Not only are people fun to be around, but they are passionate about their work, foster innovation and seek to constantly improve.

As a member of the CICA NEXTGen Committee over the last year and a participant of the Amplify Women initiative, I have seen the captive insurance industry identify areas of improvement, such as diversity and inclusion. Many industries get caught in the pattern of simply identifying these issues and not going deeper into the root causes of inequality. They fall short of taking meaningful action.

In a world with a complex history of racism, sexism, and other oppressions, we have to work harder to create a level playing field and be open to change. I appreciate that CICA makes intentional space for these conversations in keynote addresses and networking opportunities. A committee structure has been created to nominate women and minority populations for various awards and speaking opportunities and is working to educate students around the country about the captive insurance industry as a potential career choice. CICA also fosters opportunities for mentorship and informational sessions throughout the year. These opportunities create an upward momentum for historically marginalized captive professionals where their talents and leadership can be seen and heard. These opportunities lead to promotions and tangible benefits for those individuals. And those that enter the industry see that they too can contribute and grow to be leaders, no matter their differences.

I was glad to see many of you at the Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference earlier this month - the first time in-person in three years! CICA took on the first return to in-person conferences in the pandemic and has helped pave the way for putting on a safe and successful conference in the midst of an incredibly challenging time. I look forward to attending the next CICA International Conference March 5-7th in Rancho Mirage, California and continuing this important work along the way.