Lee H. Vuu: Promoting D&I in the (Re)insurance Industry

Meet Lee H. V. , the founder of MRIA (Multicultural Reinsurance Insurance Association), a nonprofit organization that aims to bring together diverse voices and create a platform for underrepresented groups in the reinsurance and insurance industry. In this blog post, we will delve into Lee's inspiring journey, her motivations for creating MRIA, and the impact she envisions for the future.

Written by: Katy Rodriguez Botello

Building a successful career

Lee's journey in the reinsurance industry began right after college, almost by accident, when a friend connected her with a startup in the insurance industry. She majored in International Business with a double minor in Finance and Economics, but like many of us, she didn't have a grand plan or a clear path in mind. She simply took a chance and embraced the opportunities that came her way. Along her journey, she encountered challenges and learned valuable lessons, particularly the importance of creating community and knowing when to step back and ask for help.

The birth of the Multicultural Reinsurance Insurance Association

Early on in her career, Lee faced the reality of being a minority in a predominantly homogeneous industry. It was then that she recognized the urgent need for a collective that could unite diverse voices and champion inclusivity in both the reinsurance and insurance industry. Determined to challenge the status quo, Lee set out to create a platform that would amplify underrepresented perspectives and dismantle the barriers hindering progress. Her own journey of breaking through barriers and overcoming biases served as a powerful catalyst for the birth of MRIA.

“There are not many opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds to have a seat at the table, so we decided to build a new table.?This table is built to bring insight, solutions, and direction to underrepresented individuals where they can develop connections with people of power with the intent of creating progress in the industry.” - Lee H. Vuu

MRIA is more than just a network; it's a vibrant community focused on connecting, supporting, and empowering individuals from all backgrounds and roles with a focus on the reinsurance industry. It provides a platform for these individuals to have a voice and share their stories, fostering an environment where diversity thrives.

The importance of self-care

The importance of self-care cannot be overstated, and Lee H. Vuu understands this firsthand. Recently, she made the courageous decision to step back from her leadership role at MRIA, recognizing the immense value of prioritizing self-care. Throughout her life, Lee has always been a pillar of strength for her family, and she has also experienced the profound loss of a loved one. These experiences have served as powerful reminders of the importance of listening to ourselves, understanding that self-care is not a luxury, but a vital component of our overall well-being.

“It’s really knowing yourself well enough to know when it's a good time to step back and allow other people to help you”. - Lee H. Vuu

By taking care of ourselves, we not only enhance our own happiness and fulfillment, but we also inspire those around us to do the same. In a world that often glorifies busyness and constant productivity, it's crucial to remember that self-care is not selfish. It is a necessary investment in ourselves, enabling us to show up as our best selves in both our personal and professional lives. By practicing self-care, we become more effective and resilient changemakers, capable of making a lasting impact in the world.

The Future of MRIA

While MRIA is still in its early stages, Lee envisions it as a sustainable organization that will continue to raise awareness, support other organizations, and amplify diverse voices. MRIA plans to forge partnerships with other organizations and host events that go beyond traditional networking, providing participants with meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact.

If you’re interested in learning more about MRIA, please visit: MRIA - Multicultural Reinsurance (mria-change.org)

Changemaker Chronicles is a community of people with a passion for shaking up the world. I believe it's time to shine a spotlight on your remarkable journeys.

Please feel free to DM me to nominate people you admire, who are actively driving change in their respective fields.