“IICF was again inspired by this year’s outstanding nominees, and we are proud to congratulate the 2021 IICF Inclusion Champion Award winners,” said Betsy Myatt, IICF Vice President, Chief Program Officer and Executive Director of the IICF Northeast Division. “These leaders are both remarkable advocates for diversity and inclusion within the insurance industry who have also contributed in generous, personal and meaningful ways in their communities.”
The Inclusion Champion Award represents the highest ideals and real-world implementation of championing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility through mentoring, talent development and advocacy to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. The award is bestowed by IICF biennially on those individuals who demonstrate leadership and advocacy for these ideals in the workplace, along with a personal commitment to community service. The award candidates were nominated by industry colleagues and undergo a rigorous review made by industry volunteers working in the DEI space.
2021 Inclusion Champion Dawnmarie Black, who serves as Head of US Broker Practice for the Lloyd’s Corporation, is recognized as a leader in driving diversity and inclusion efforts across the Americas, throughout her region as well as more broadly across Lloyd’s offices globally, including strategies to grow minority-owned business opportunities and expand mentoring and career opportunities for talent of diverse backgrounds. She is Chair of the Boston Chapter of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation and is a board member of several other industry and nonprofit organizations including the Intermediaries Reinsurance Underwriters Association, Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW), founding member of Women in Insurance Global Network Advisory Group, and the Covenant House International Latin American Development board. Dawnmarie is deeply involved in the community through both philanthropic leadership roles and as an active local and international volunteer. "Attending the IICF Women in Insurance Leadership Forum, now the Inclusion in Insurance Forum, 8 years ago changed my life, opened my eyes, and inspired me to get more involved with activities around inclusion and giving back,” said Black. “One small step led to years of growing, a continued desire to make a difference, and an understanding of what impactful leadership can look like."
Fellow 2021 Inclusion Champion Catherine Duffy serves as AIG’s Country Leader of Bermuda and is a respected civic and community leader on the island. Cathy is known for her extensive focus on mentorship, with a long history of identifying and guiding underrepresented talent toward opportunity in the industry. This includes her current role as Executive Sponsor of the AIG Bermuda Women & Allies Employee Resource Group, advocacy for the AIG Student Internship program, and as a speaker on topics that include the role Bermuda has played in (Re)Insurance, career guidance, and DEI. Cathy thrives on the energy from mentoring youth, and she is passionate about helping to attract and retain Bermudians of diverse backgrounds to careers in the insurance industry. She is a published author of the first comprehensive reference book, Held Captive, A History of International Insurance in Bermuda. Currently, she is serving as Chair of the DEI Committee for the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR). She is also an active participant on the ABIC CEO Roundtable and sits on the DEI Council for AIG. “I live and breathe diversity every single day, just by the color of my skin coupled with the fact I am a woman. It allows me to be a leader who is compassionate, empathetic and able to create a space where courageous conversations can be had. We have to move beyond the zero-sum game to lifting each other up regardless of race, gender, sexuality, accessibility or mental capacity.”
This year’s award winners and nominees will be honored on June 17 at the IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum. This unique virtual leadership forum, focusing on diversity and inclusion, wellness and the future of work, runs from June 15-17. Those wishing to attend can register here: IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum - Choose Registration (eventscloud.com)