This year’s IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum will feature thought-provoking sessions over three half-days, with leading subject matter experts and industry executives focusing on:
- How insurers can address ESG-related risks and opportunities
- The future of work
- Emerging risks of mental health
- The why behind the how in DEI
- Gender and inclusion advocacy
Critical discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion are a key focus of the Forum, and how the industry can create a fully inclusive future, including the development of a robust talent pipeline that mirrors the industry’s customer base and society. IICF’s impressive roster of speakers on these topics include leading innovators and executives:
- John Amaechi OBE, Founder of APS Intelligence, New York Times Author and Executive Coach
- Al Tillery, New York Times Best-selling Author and Director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University
- Howard Ross, Author, Social Justice Activist and Co-Founder at Udarta Consulting, and one of the world’s seminal thought leaders on identifying and addressing unconscious bias
- Trevor Gandy, Managing Director, Talent, Diversity at Markel Corporation, who served as Executive Committee Chair of US Conference Board Council of diversity and inclusion executives
Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer at Microsoft and a leading advocate for persons with disabilities
The Forum will also present unique discussions on the emerging risk of mental health and wellness from the business perspective. These sessions will be headlined by renowned subject matter expert Amy Blankson, Founder and CEO of Fearless Positivity, Co-Founder of the Digital Wellness Institute and a member of the UN Global Happiness Council. Blankson will share from her insights as a leader in the mental health and awareness space, and touch on her experience as a featured professor in Oprah’s happiness e-course, as well as the only person to receive Point of Light awards from two US Presidents. Additional presenters on this topic include:
- Stefanie Ott, Managing Director at Swiss Re
- Rachel McCann, Senior Director at Willis Towers Watson
- Dr. Sally Phillips, Chief Product and Proposition Officer, LiveWell
Panel discussions will explore the future of work in the industry, a critical topic today as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to the office and reintegrating those who’ve left the workforce during the past year. Featured speakers include:
- Frances O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, North America Personal Risk Services
- Beverly Harris, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Innovation, Texas Mutual Insurance Company
- Lisa Vura-Weis, Vice President, HR Operations, FM Global
- Meredith Werstak, Vice President, Small Business and Group Reinsurance Plus at The Hartford
“IICF’s International Inclusion in Insurance Forum is an exciting opportunity to bring our industry together for insightful and honest discussions designed to address critical topics, including diversity and inclusion initiatives, challenges and opportunities in creating a fully inclusive future for the industry, while at the same time giving back to those in need,” said Betsy Myatt, Executive Director of the IICF Northeast Division and IICF Vice President, Chief Program Officer. “With such an impressive slate of globally recognized speakers, we are confident our sessions will empower attendees with the actionable and authentic insights needed to advance these ideas into action.”
IICF’s Inclusion in Insurance leadership events, including the IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum, were established in 2013 as the Women in Insurance Conference Series and are the only ones of their kind to benefit nonprofit and charitable organizations through IICF's Community Grants Program. Grants awarded through the IICF’s Community Grants Program provide direct support in addressing food insecurity, homelessness, educational disparities, disaster relief and preparedness, and helping children at risk, veterans and more.
At the Forum, IICF will also announce the 2021 Inclusion Champion Award winners. This prestigious industry award is bestowed upon insurance industry professionals who have championed diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are personally committed to community service.
To register, view the full list of speakers, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://inclusion.iicf.org/.
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF has served as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry for more than twenty-five years, contributing $42 million in community grants along with 300,000 volunteer hours by more than 110,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where funds are raised, serving hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations, for maximum community impact. IICF is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at www.iicf.org or follow us on social media: @doubleicf.