NAAIA - Houston Chapter

What a great week at the 2024 NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association National Conference! Over 1000 participants, members, and sponsors gathered in New Orleans to learn and grow. 86 employees from The Hartford were able to participate and absorb invaluable insights from exceptional speakers covering various topics. Additionally, The NAAIA - Greater Hartford Chapter had the honor of being awarded the 2024 Chapter of the Year. Congratulations to the NAAIA Greater Hartford Chapter and The Hartford Board Members Mark Bradley, CRM (Certified Risk Manager), Trevon Canada, Amanda Henry, and Johyna Riley, PSM 1, M.S. on your accomplishment! We can't wait for next year!

Thank you NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association for such a great conference. As a first time attendee, I was blown away by the expertise and excellence in the room. Thanks NAAIA - Houston Chapter for making time to invest in yourself and our chapter! Great sessions with amazing speakers Great networking I met leaders from across the country and abroad in the insurance space who are working toward the goal of sharing knowledge with our communities and the next generation. Let’s Go! #naaiahouston #naaiainnola #naaia2024

Last week I had the honor, like many, to host, speak, and attend the NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association Annual Conference in New Orleans. This conference has meant so much to me over my career and not sure where I would be without the incredible leaders that attend and give their insights year after year. THANK YOU. Sompo is a proud sponsor of NAAIA and has continued to showcase their support through sponsorship and commitment to their employees. What a way to spend a week with 1000+ exceptional people who continue to pour into this industry and help guarantee its longevity. Grateful to be a part of the long-lasting and rewarding road ahead. The Marathon Continues… Can’t forget (just some of) my incredible family. Jerald L. Tillman, LUTCF Omari Aarons-Martin, MDiv George Woods Susan Johnson Rebekah Ratliff Clive McCarthy, MBA, LUTCF, CDP (As Seen on Forbes) Dwight G. Sherita Hardy James Hutchinson Liz Walker Travis Bethune Michele L. Ricky Jones Pete Kidd, MSM, CPCU Juanesha Greenhill Alexander Hatter, CPCU, AU-M Sonya Daies Logan Cheadle Briana Allen Fela Abioye Jephtha J. Snow (VanDunk) Kevin E. Hooks AmberLashae’ ONeil Deej Inge Bonnie Boone Tandeka Nomvete, ARM-E, AIS, CAWC Denise Campbell Krista Scott Rhoda Murray-West Hamill Bassue

I thoroughly enjoyed my first NAAIA National Conference. It was truly inspiring to be in an environment with black insurance Trail Blazers who have been pushing forward, knocking down doors and leaving a path for younger black insurance professionals like myself to follow. I woke up one morning and my initial thought was “this is what it feels like.” I also loved that my Haitian culture had a strong presence. The NAAIA - Houston Chapter didn’t win chapter of the year but no denying we are the #1 chapter and in Philadelphia we will bring home the trophy. #InsuranceMatters #NAAIA24

?? An Incredible Milestone for NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association! ?? It is with immense pride that we share NAAIA’s recent feature in The Rough Notes Company, Inc. —an iconic publication that has been serving the insurance industry since 1878. To be recognized by a magazine with such a long-standing legacy is a true honor and testament to the impact NAAIA National continues to have in shaping the future of insurance. ?? Founded in 1997, NAAIA has always been about more than just professional development—it’s about serving a bigger cause. We are empowering Black and African American insurance professionals to not only thrive in this industry but to lead it, all while giving back to our communities. This isn’t just a moment for us, it’s a movement that stretches across generations, fueled by a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation. With over 2,400 members and 24 chapters nationwide, including our own Houston Chapter, we are on a mission to grow even further—aiming for 50 chapters and 7,500 members by 2030. Every day, through networking, professional development, and community outreach, we are working to build a stronger, more inclusive insurance industry. ???? To be featured in Rough Notes, a magazine that has stood as a beacon for independent agents for well over a century, is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. Our mission is bigger than any one of us—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering leadership, and building legacies for future generations. ?? We’re grateful to Rough Notes Magazine for this incredible feature, and we’d like to thank all our members, leaders, and supporters who have helped make this journey possible. A special thank you to our Founder Jerald L. Tillman, LUTCF, the National Executive Director and COO, Omari Aarons-Martin, MDiv and all those amazing chapter leaders like Rhoda Murray-West in Houston, who are tirelessly paving the way for the next generation of insurance professionals. As we continue to grow, let’s remember that serving this larger cause is not just about us—it’s about creating a future where diversity and representation are the norm, not the exception. ?? We invite everyone to read the full Rough Notes article and see why being part of NAAIA is about more than just a career—it’s about making a difference. ?? #NAAIANational #RoughNotes #EmpoweringLeaders #CommunityDriven #ProfessionalDevelopment #RepresentationMatters #LeadershipInAction #LegacyBuilding #BiggerPurpose #FutureOfInsurance

?? Join the Fastest Growing NAAIA Chapter in the Nation—NAAIA Houston! ?? If you missed out on the Nation Conference don’t worry- IT'S TIME to get in and get involved with the NAAIA Houston chapter! We’re one of the fastest growing chapters across the nation, and you’re going to want to be part of the excitement we have planned for 2025! ???? From networking with top industry leaders to exclusive professional development opportunities, this is the moment to get on board and join a community that’s committed to growth, success, and lifting each other up. ???? Ready to join? LETS GO??!: 1?? Enter your email ?? 2?? Create your profile 3?? List Houston as your chapter in ?? 4?? Pay $150 for a 1-year membership ??Pro Tip: Check with your Manager or HR team to see if your company partners with NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association —they may reimburse your membership! ?? ?? Ready to join? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dyanw7Ms ?? Don’t miss this chance—2025 is going to be HUGE for NAAIA Houston, and we want YOU on this journey with us! Let’s build something great together. ??? #NAAIAHouston #NAAIA2025 #Houston2025 #JoinTheMovement #ProfessionalGrowth

The NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association National Conference is one of my favorite conferences. NAAIA??Nationals feels like a family reunion. Here are five things I learned: 1. Strategic breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (BLDs) are a cornerstone of developing business relationships. Jose(Joe) Cannon is the best business when it comes to BLDs. We?put together two executive dinners last week, and both were successful. I?use this time to listen and learn. Joe?said something that stuck with me. "Years 35 through 60 go by quickly. It?will feel like 15 minutes. Use?your time wisely." 2. The next wave of innovation in InsureTech will be at the agency level. I?sat in on an agency breakout session to better understand their needs. Charles McDade and team helped paint a picture of what it is like to be an agency owner. The?technology that supports agency owners is ripe to be disrupted. 3. The?thing that I appreciate about NAAIA is that the organization does a great job of bridging the gap between those just starting their career in insurance and those who have already seen success. Watching?people you know win awards at the national level inspires you to work harder.?Cheers?to Paul Kearney, MBA, AIC, AIS, PhD (Conferment Pending), Rhoda Murray-West, and Fela Abioye for winning awards at a national level.?It's?all well deserved. 4. AI was one of the significant topics of discussion during the conference. Cedric Wilson and Chris Martin led the conversation and did a fantastic job. As?a seller of the most powerful AI and?Decisioning Platform in insurance?with FICO, I find understanding how technology leaders view where AI can provide value to insurers is?really?helpful. We?need to continue this conversation. ???? The NAAIA - Houston Chapter will win chapter of the year in 2025. We?are ready and primed to win. Cheers to all of my friends, colleagues, and mentors whom I saw at New Orleans including KB Maison, MBA, Rebekah Ratliff, Maria Abate, Carey Bond, MBA, Brandi Lewis, Ben Rathbun, Jason Allen, Susan Johnson, Valerine Conerly, MBA, CAWC, Mecca Woodard, Lexii Zielinski, George Woods, Samy Guerrero, Jeffrey Gallimore, the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (Carlos Lewis, Davon Fields, CPCU, ARM, Christopher Noble, AU, and Damien Jackson). I?am excited to see you all again for NAAIA Nationals 2025 in Philadelphia.

So grateful to my team at NAAIA - Houston Chapter for pushing me to attend this years conference. I can’t think of a better way to have spent my 30th year around the sun ? I’m walking into this Monday feeling inspired and well prepared to take on my career goals. Thank you NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association for a wonderful experience I will cherish for life! #womeninsurance #conferenceseason

?? BIG NEWS from NAAIA Houston! ?? We are beyond proud to celebrate one of our very own— Fela Abioye, NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association Emerging Leader Council Member and Treasurer of NAAIA - Houston Chapter —as he announces the release of his first book: ?? How to Corporate! This book is set to be a Game-changer for professionals navigating the corporate world. It’s packed with insights, strategies, and real-world experiences that Fela has shared to help others thrive. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to elevate your professional game, this book will provide you with actionable advice to succeed and stand out! ???? ?? Get ready to grab your copy and be part of what we know will be a ??Best-seller! Fela’s journey, from launching his podcast to creating this powerful book, is a testament to his dedication to empowering professionals. This is more than just a book—it’s a movement. ?? Mark your calendars and get ready to support Fela and this incredible resource for career growth and leadership! Let’s make sure we show up BIG for Fela Abioye, just as he always shows up for NAAIA and our community. ?? #NAAIAHouston #NAAIA2024 #HowToCorporate #BookLaunch #CareerGrowth #Leadership #NAAIA #EmergingLeaders #ProfessionalDevelopment #BestSellerAlert

?? The key is not in spending time, but in investing it. – Stephen R. Covey At NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association, we’re not just spending time—we’re investing ?? in the future of our children and our communities. Partnering with initiatives like Barbershop Books, Inc. is how we bring that investment to life. A special thank you to our National Executive Director and COO Omari Aarons-Martin, MDiv and the State President of the Host Chapter Kendrick Slan for leading the way for the 2024 National Conferences Volunteer event. We partnered with @Shave Barbershop by Jae a fixture of the New Orleans Community to make this possible. Thank Yall for your dedication and relentless pursuit to create safe spaces where young minds can grow is the very definition of community investment. ??? In our highlight reel, when Omari says, “It’s time!” you’ll hear 1000 insurance professionals at NAAIA respond, ??“Let’s go!” And that’s exactly what this partnership represents—a movement. A call to action to do more, to be more, and to give back. This is what it means to invest—investing in our children, our future leaders, and our communities. Together, we’re building legacies of knowledge, empowerment, and opportunity. ???? Let’s continue to show up, support each other, and create a brighter tomorrow for our youth. #NAAIA #NAAIA2024 #NAAIAinNOLA #NAAIAHouston #BarbershopBooks #CommunityInvestment #LegacyBuilding #LetsGo #Leadership #EmpoweringYouth #InvestingInOurFuture