Black Insurance Industry Collective’s Post

Economic power is the key to success in a capitalistic society. Building successful Black leadership-owned consulting companies is the catalyst to building successful Black businesses to get the means to that power.

Black History Month is a time to reflect and a time to look forward. To recognize this, BIIC is featuring insights from Black professionals throughout the month. Please join us in celebrating the work that is being done to promote positive change within the risk management and insurance industry. Q: What words of wisdom do you have for up and coming Black risk management and insurance professionals? A: Allow yourself time to think, meditate, evaluate, and give serious thought to your behavior, attitude, motivation and desires. Be honest and transparent. Know that you are not alone on your journey to success. Ask questions, seek guidance, and be of help to others around you. Integrity is the key to success. Thank you, LaVonda Lovett of Gallagher.

"Remember, Black History is not a month. Black History spans several lifetimes of generations." -Mynesha Spencer As February comes to a close, our CEO implores all to practice economic inclusion throughout the remainder of the year. This can be achieved by employing any one or a combination of the below recommendations: 1. Take time to build strong relationships with Black-business owners and leaders. 2. Implement a strategic diverse supplier procurement program and require all departments within your workplace to yield to it. 3. Hire a supplier diversity expert for expert and technical instruction. 4. Acknowledge the disparities in supplier procurement that exist within your organization and commit to doing better by holding the organization accountable. Research Black businesses that offer services or goods you want or need to purchase before spending elsewhere. 5. Write, share, or post reviews of Black-owned business experiences. 6. Support business colleges, particularly at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through donations, volunteerism, and stewardship of Black entrepreneurship. 7. Provide opportunities for accessibility to professional, political, and other influential networks. 8. Refer a friend, colleague, or business partner to utilize the goods and/or services provided by Black-business owners who have satisfied your needs or exceeded your expectations. 9. Endorse a Black business and/or business owner on LinkedIn by way of a formal endorsement. 10. Offer Black CEOs and Black Executive Directors networks of support by sharing contacts and support for social capital. ALT TEXT: A color image of a professional headshot of a woman in collar shirt with logo upon left chest. Her arms crossed.

Congratulations to REBNY SVP of Social Impact Yvonne Riley-Tepie, Ed.D. on being named to the City & State 2024 Power of Diversity: Black 100 list. The list highlights the latest activities and accomplishments of these influential leaders and dozens of other Black leaders who are standing out in the spheres of government, business, nonprofits, organized labor, health care, law, advocacy and academia. Read the full list here: https://lnkd.in/e8NZGpU4

Last evening, witnessing Issa Rae grace the stage at TIME Closers' event, I was deeply moved and inspired. Issa's approach to change—starting with oneself and gradually expanding to larger circles—reflects the essence of how I view our mission with Black Innovation Alliance. Her incremental steps towards making a difference underscore the belief that every effort counts, aligning perfectly with my values of innovation, excellence, and impact. It's a reminder that our journey towards creating a more equitable world begins within our immediate surroundings. Issa Rae's story is not just inspiring; it's a call to action. It encourages us to look inward, assess how we can improve, and then channel those improvements outward to effect tangible change. Here's to Issa Rae and all the TIME Closers honorees – for their unwavering commitment to bridging the racial divide and fostering a just economy. #IssaRae #TIMEClosers #SocialImpact #BlackInnovation #ChangeMakers #PersonalGrowth #CommunityImpact

#BlackHistoryMonth is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans across all fields, including business. Today, we shine a light on the incredible journeys and enduring legacies of Black entrepreneurs who paved the way for future generations. From Madam C.J. Walker's groundbreaking hair care empire to John H. Johnson's pioneering publishing company, Black entrepreneurs have defied barriers and redefined success. These are just a few names among countless others who have broken down barriers and inspired generations. At WAA, we are committed to supporting the success of Black entrepreneurs. We offer specialized financial planning and investment services tailored to your unique needs and challenges. This Black History Month, let's not only celebrate the past but also invest in the future. Let's support Black-owned businesses, empower aspiring entrepreneurs, and continue to break down barriers for generations to come. #WashingtonAvenueAdvisors #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanner

Calling all history enthusiasts and Black Business Leaders! Join the NABA SF Chapter and Theresa Hammond, Ph.D., for an exclusive webinar on the overlooked journey of Black accountants in America.  Gain insights into Hammond's career trajectory and her work uncovering the little-known history of Black accountants in America. Secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/4dlYB0r #DiversityInFinance #UntoldStories #Webinar #BlackAccountants #BlackCPA #FinanceInclusion

Calling all history enthusiasts and Black Business Leaders! Join the NABA SF Chapter and Theresa Hammond, Ph.D., for an exclusive webinar on the overlooked journey of Black accountants in America.  Gain insights into Hammond's career trajectory and her work uncovering the little-known history of Black accountants in America. Secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/4dlYB0r #DiversityInFinance #UntoldStories #Webinar #BlackAccountants #BlackCPA #FinanceInclusion

In a time when leadership integrity seems to be in short supply, it's refreshing to think about those in positions of power who truly listen to their constituents. We need more leaders who prioritize the genuine needs of their communities over the influences of lobbyists, bureaucrats, and profit-driven corporations. Unfortunately, there's a critical conversation to be had about the role of black elected officials and government bureaucrats. While holding positions of power, they continue to face criticism for not effectively advocating for and advancing the communities they represent. This issue isn't new; nearly two decades ago, analyses were already pointing out the shortcomings in the political efficacy of black leaders in government. The lack of progress in black communities has often been laid at the feet of the Democratic Party. However, a closer examination suggests that the real issue may be with black officials who have not leveraged their power to prioritize and uplift their own people and neighborhoods. Other ethnic groups have demonstrated that when they come into power, their communities benefit as they put their interests at the forefront. It's time to reevaluate and reinvigorate the mission of our black elected officials. It's essential that they reconnect with their roots, listen intently to the voices of their constituents, and wield their power in a way that brings tangible, positive change to the communities that have entrusted them with their votes and their hopes.

It was an honor to participate in the White House roundtable for Black Professional Associations hosted by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. The reality: In this environment of increasing backlash against DEI initiatives, it is vital for our government, corporations, and leaders to support organizations that continue to fight for equity and economic empowerment. We applaud this administration for doing that. My commitment: As President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, I welcome the opportunity to represent the interests of minority depository institutions (MDIs) and support their crucial mission of reducing the racial wealth gap. Organizations like ours were founded because of historic economic exclusion and discrimination. Black-owned businesses and banks have never received the capital and resources to grow, thrive, and overcome systemic inequities that have sustained enormous disparities in wealth. Those systemic inequities still exist. And we continue to speak up and create opportunities for wealth creation. Our meeting at the White House explored the current reality and challenges, the progress we’ve made, and the work still to be done.