NAAIA Florida

As Hurricane Milton bears down on my home State of Florida, my hearts and prayers are with everyone facing its destructive path. This storm has brought with it immense challenges, from evacuation orders and curfews to shortages of essential supplies, and the relentless preparation to protect homes and loved ones. I see you. I hear you. I am praying for you. Evacuation orders have uprooted entire lives in a matter of hours. The stress of deciding whether to stay or leave can be overwhelming—packing up your family, trying to remember everything important, and leaving behind homes filled with memories. These are not easy decisions, but remember that safety is the priority, even if it means abandoning what's familiar. I pray for those who have had to make that heart-wrenching choice, unsure of what they will return to. Know that your community stands with you, and you are not alone. The anxiety of gas lines stretching for miles, empty shelves where food and water used to be, and the frustration of trying to secure basic needs in the face of an approaching storm are felt deeply. Every trip to the store, every gallon of gas can feel like a battle, but you are showing resilience in the face of an unpredictable disaster. May God provide strength and comfort to those in these lines, and may the supplies you need come through. I am praying for all those tirelessly working to keep families fed, fueled, and safe. My prayers are with those who have had to secure their homes, not knowing what they will face when the winds die down. May your efforts be blessed with protection, and may your homes withstand the storm’s fury. I pray for peace in these moments of waiting. May you find comfort in the stillness and strength in knowing that you are cared for by those around you, near and far. As we face the impacts of Hurricane Milton, it’s important to remember that you are not facing this storm alone. Communities are banding together, neighbors are helping one another, and people across the country are lifting you up in prayer. In moments like these, faith is a source of strength that helps carry us through the unknown. I pray for our safety and the protection of our homes. I pray for strength, resilience, and comfort for each of you, whether you’ve evacuated or are riding out the storm at home. When the skies clear, may we find the support, care, and hope we need to rebuild and recover. My thoughts and prayers are with us, Florida. I stand with you, and I believe in our strength to weather this storm. Stay safe. Stay strong. Praying for us.

👏Prayers for Florida Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches, expected to make landfall tomorrow evening, Wednesday, 10/09/2024. This is a challenging time, and we urge those who can safely evacuate to please do so. Please check local news for updated news and expanded safety details For those unable to leave, here is a list of shelters providing refuge: Burnett Middle School 1010 N Kingsway Rd, Seffner, FL 33584 🐈🐕 Pet Friendly: Yes Durant High 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567 🐕🐈 Pet Friendly: Yes Erwin Technical College (Special Needs Only) 2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 🐈🐕 Pet Friendly: Yes Middleton High School 4801 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33610 🐈🐕 Pet Friendly: Yes Pizzo Elementary School 1701 USF Bull Run Dr., Tampa, FL 33617 🚫Pet Friendly: No Shields Middle School 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 🐕🐈 Pet Friendly: Yes Sickles High School 7950 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33626 🐈🐕 Pet Friendly: Yes Sumner High School (Special Needs Only) 10650 Co. Rd. 672, Riverview, FL 33579 🐕🐈 Pet Friendly: Yes Strawberry Crest High School (Special Needs Only) 4691 Gallagher Rd., Dover, FL 33527 🐈🐕Pet Friendly: Yes Please stay safe, follow evacuation orders if you can, and take care of each other. We stand with you through these tough times. #PrayersForFlorida #NAAIA #NAAIAHouston #HurricaneMilton #StaySafe #ShelterLocations #CommunitySupport

This past week, 30+ members of NAAIA Florida along with over 1,000+ insurance professionals experienced an extraordinary moment at the NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association Conference in New Orleans last week. A dynamic event that transcended mere networking to foster a rich tapestry of ideas and inspiration! Imagine a vibrant assembly of dedicated professionals uniting to exchange invaluable experiences, insights, and dreams for the future of our industry. Each session was not only an opportunity to absorb knowledge but also a catalyst for igniting ambitions, driven by the collective enthusiasm of passionate individuals. This conference stood as a resounding celebration of unity and progress, reinforcing the powerful truth that when we join forces, we can elevate our professions and create meaningful, lasting impacts within our communities. The energy and commitment witnessed during this gathering serve as a testament to our potential to shape a brighter future together. The best way to experience what the week had to offer is to check out our LinkedIN NAAIA Florida page as we share member experiences. The next conference will be in Philadelphia week of 9/23/25. Stay tune for more details. A huge thank you to the NAAIA Florida (listed below), NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association Planning Committee - Omari Aarons-Martin, MDiv, Jephtha J. Snow (VanDunk), George Woods, Events Plush and everyone that helped plan this powerful event. Members of NAAIA Florida that attended: Maria Abate Maria (NAAIA Florida Board member) Irlande Audenier, MBA (NAAIA Florida Board member) *Panelist* Octavia Bush Victor Carter Jose(Joe) Cannon Sonya Daies Sharlee Hobbs Edwards (NAAIA Florida President) Ije E. Ejim Cherdonna E. Epps-Gardner Tanya Fertil Rasheeda Garricks, MBA, IICRC WRT David J. Ralph Kamara David Lee Taylor Little (NAAIA Florida Board member) Trelvis Randolph (NAAIA Florida Board member) Erica M. Scott, MHA Anthony Sealey (NAAIA Florida Board member) Jamie Smith *Panelist* Jamaine J. S. Jo Colbert Stanley Selena Stallworth Charles Watkins (NAAIA Florida Board member) Johann Weekes, PhD, PE Tarik Williams, CPCU, AU, ARM, APA, CIPA Yhanique Whitely, MS, CLCS Sandra Woolery Courtney Preston Nicole Preston It's Time - Let's Go!! The theme, "Diverse Perspectives, Collective Impact: Shaping the Future of Insurance". Let's continue to drive towards this goal. #naaiafl #naaia #naaia2024 #naaia24 #naaiainnola #naaianow

Charles Watkins, Chief DEI Officer and Shareholder, recently attended the 2024 NAAIA National Conference, hosted by the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA). The annual event gathers professionals and thought leaders from across the insurance / legal industry to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges. To learn more, visit www.naaia.org. #KDLaw #NAAIA #Florida #Alabama #Diversity #Inclusion #DEI #ProfessionalDevelopment #law

Last week was an awesome experience! I was fortunate to have attended the 2024 NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association National Conference. It was an excellent opportunity to connect and network with such a diverse group of 1,000+ insurance professionals. The conference was filled with insightful discussions and powerful speakers who are passionate about driving positive change in the insurance industry. The level of engagement exceeded my expectations. I walked away with new perspectives, strategies and resources to implement in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. A huge thank you to my employer, Marsh McLennan I Marsh McLennan Agency Private Client Services, as a Level 1 sponsor for allowing me to be part of this amazing event! Special shout out to my peeps – NAAIA Florida! #aMMAazing #NAAIA2024 #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership

It’s Monday morning, and I start this day with a reinvigorated pep in my step and a strong desire for continued growth and development. The #naaia24 National Conference events of last week have me FULL: FULL of Hope, FULL of Dreams and FULL of Desire, to grow and do more.  The highlights of my #naaia24 were the family reunion atmosphere and the people I met, engaged with, learned from, admired from a far, and some I hope to be like, when I grow up😊. Each introduction and conversation translated to unique, yet similar stories of intersectionality, accomplishments, and challenges within the insurance industry. Everyone, with a different perspective, but the same common interests, seeking OPPORTUNITY and striving for EXCELLENCE. The #naaia24 experience fed my professional, educational and wellness needs. The event attracted our industries best and brightest professionals, innovators and leaders, from every facet of our industry.  I now have no less than 100 new cousins that I can call on when I have a question or just reach out to when I have a challenge or concern. It was especially great to get the opportunity to build on and foster internal relationships with my fellow #naaiafl and #naaiaemergingleaders groups. Congratulations to #KristaScott, our 2024 Emerging Leader Award Winner!!! I look forward to learning and working with both of these groups as we grow together.  I am beyond proud to be a #naaia member!!!! LET’s GO!!!!!! Thanks again to #allianzcommercial for investing in my Personal, Professional and Wellness journeys!!!

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What an honor it was attending NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association conference in New Orleans last week. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with Aon leadership, colleagues, and fellow NAAIA Florida chapter members. Looking forward to the 2025 conference in Philly! #Aon #NAAIA24 #NAAIA #NAAIAFL