Alliant Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This October, we honor LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day, celebrating the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while recognizing the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. At Alliant, our All-In employee resource group plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment through advocacy, education, and community-building. All-In provides development resources and affinity spaces for LGBTQ+ professionals and engages allies in important discussions. Join us in celebrating the enduring courage and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community! #LGBTQHistoryMonth #NationalComingOutDay #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

On this World Mental Health Day, we spotlight the global significance of mental health and the need for equitable access to support. At Alliant, we’re committed to fostering a supportive environment where mental health is prioritized. We are proud to offer resources such as Talkspace and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), ensuring that our professionals, regardless of location, have access to mental health support and counseling. Mental health is a universal concern, and it’s essential that we address it with compassion and inclusivity. #WorldMentalHealthDay #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Vanessa Valdovinos is a Property and Casualty professional with five years of experience in the Real Estate and Hospitality sector at Alliant. As an Assistant Account Manager, she serves a diverse book of clients and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and strategic guidance. For Vanessa, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of celebration.   “Hispanic Heritage Month not only highlights the extensive contributions of our community to society, including economic and cultural enrichment, but also provides a platform for the authentic celebration of our culture. Throughout my time at Alliant, I’ve been afforded ample resources that have helped me learn and grow professionally. Specifically, the Latinos at Alliant ERG has fostered a strong sense of community and provided crucial support.” #HispanicHeritageMonth #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Julio Salazar is an Underwriter in the Employee Benefits Division at Alliant, where he has been a valued team member for eight years. He plays a key role in the Tribal space, a complex and unique sector, and brings extensive experience working with Public Entities. As a father, Hispanic Heritage Month holds special significance to him. “My kids are bi-racial, and it’s crucial for me that they grow up proud of their Hispanic heritage. Hispanic Heritage Month offers a valuable opportunity for them to connect with our rich culture and community. At Alliant, my involvement in the Alliant Insurance Foundation (AIF) Fellows Program aligns with this goal. This three-summer fellowship provides underrepresented students with rotational experiences across various departments. As a mentor, I have focused on helping my first-year fellow develop essential business skills, while sharing career insights and the strengths of our company culture. This mentorship not only supports their professional growth but also reinforces the importance of representation and community connection.” #HispanicHeritageMonth #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Navratri, meaning "Nine Nights," is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights with dance, music, fasting, and devotion. It honors the goddess Durga and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. As Navratri begins, Alliant extends our heartfelt wishes for a joyful and blessed festival to all who celebrate. #Navratri #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Alliant is thrilled to invite you to an engaging discussion hosted by HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement) that will dive deep into the challenges and opportunities encountered by Latinas in the workplace. On Thursday, October 3rd, Adriana Duenas, Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits, will be part of a dynamic panel of Latina professionals who will share their insights on achieving economic justice and closing the pay gap. For information, please visit www.haceonline.org/events.

Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the year to come. As we celebrate the Jewish New Year, Alliant wishes our colleagues, clients, and community a sweet and meaningful year ahead. L'shana tovah! #RoshHashanah #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support research, and honor those affected by breast cancer. Alliant encourages everyone to spread the word about early detection and the importance of regular screenings. We proudly support our ARMS (Awareness, Resources, Mentorship, Support) employee resource group, which is dedicated to assisting Alliant professionals and their families impacted by cancer. ARMS leads awareness campaigns, provides educational resources, and organizes fundraising events, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation walk. Whether you are wearing pink, participating in events, or simply sharing information, every effort contributes to the fight against breast cancer. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #BreastCancerAwareness

Janet Paragas has been a valued member of Alliant since 2017. In her roles as Operations Project Coordinator and Executive Assistant, she plays a pivotal role in streamlining day-to-day operations and managing the schedules of East Region leadership. For Janet, Hispanic Heritage Month inspires a deep sense of pride. “My parents moved from Puerto Rico to New York City with very little, but they instilled in us the importance of family and hard work. Their dedication, along with moments of joy like family dinners and salsa dancing, taught us to proudly celebrate our heritage. It’s a blessing to share our culture with my biracial Puerto Rican and Filipino children, and I’m grateful for how my heritage has shaped me. I appreciate Alliant’s leadership for supporting my growth and the Latinos at Alliant employee resource group for providing valuable connections and community. As a proud Nuyorican (New York and Puerto Rican) I am excited to celebrate this month and beyond! ¡Wepa!” #HispanicHeritageMonth #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Robert J. Ortega, ARM, CIC, CRIS is an Account Manager Lead for Alliant’s Construction Services Group in Los Angeles, with over 8 years of experience in the retail brokerage field, specializing in complex insurance programs. For Robert, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on generational resilience. “This month is a reminder of the sacrifices not only my parents have made, but the sacrifices made by their parents and grandparents before them. It’s a reminder of every generation’s endeavor to give their offspring access to better opportunities – without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Externally, I am on the board of LiNC-LA (Latinos in Insurance Networking for our Community), a Hispanic non-profit based out of Los Angeles, and Alliant has been a key sponsor every year since I’ve joined. Internally, Alliant has invested countless hours in my growth - from our Emerging Leaders Program to our Career Compass Incubator, allowing me to get increased exposure and visibility within the organization.” #HispanicHeritageMonth #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion