The California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA) has introduced two initiatives – CIWA Women and an Insurtech Committee – aimed at strengthening the excess and surplus lines insurance sector and encouraging industry innovation.
CIWA Women has been established to support the interests, development and advancement of women in the property and casualty insurance sector.
The initiative, led by Committee Chair Yana Connors (pictured above), includes an inaugural committee with Sarah Sloan of Paragon Insurance Holdings; Elizabeth Mertel of Seneca Insurance Company; Grainne Bohan of UFG Specialty; Yiana Stavrakis of Monarch E&S; Dena Kaplan of The Insurance Journal, and Holly Valiquette of Pacific Inspections.
“CIWA Women strives to provide a dedicated and supportive space within the California wholesale market to foster networking, mentorship and professional growth,” said Connors, who also serves as CIWA president.
The committee plans to organize an in-person event focused on personal and professional development. Future efforts may include virtual workshops, networking opportunities or mentorship programs.
CIWA also formed an Insurtech Committee to address the role of technology in the property and casualty insurance sector. The committee brings together Insurtech professionals, wholesalers and carrier representatives to connect traditional insurance practices with new technological applications.
“Our industry is continuously adapting to new technological advancements,” said CIWA vice president and Insurtech Committee chair Garett Kaneko. “Through the Insurtech Committee, we’re building a collaborative environment where industry professionals can navigate the steady stream of new systems and tools, finding innovative ways to enhance underwriting, distribution and the customer experience.”
CIWA’s initiatives reflect its focus on leadership, professional development, and technology in the excess and surplus lines insurance market.
The new initiatives follow the association’s recent launch of its internship program, which provides college students with practices experience in the growing excess and surplus lines insurance industry.
Developed following CIWA’s annual meeting in January, the program will offer students professional development, networking opportunities and exposure to industry operations through events sponsored and organized by CIWA.
