Memorial Hermann Health System’s Post

Did you know that there are about 2.9 million people employed in the insurance industry but less than 15% is Black/African American? Did you know 84% of Black/African American insurance professionals report facing obstacles due to racial bias? Did you know that only 1 in 20 of senior vice presidents in insurance are women of color? Did you know that in 2021, 30.5% of all employees at the largest insurance carriers were people of color but only 16.2% were at the executive level and only 4.6% of those were Black? How is that possible when companies are constantly reporting that they are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion? How can this be with all the DE&I initiatives and programs put into place after the death of George Floyd and so many others? Because all the talk is just that...talk. There's no action behind the words. "They" said they wouldn't forget, that they were committed, but just like a New Year's resolution to eat healthy and work out, all those promises and commitments were forgotten as soon as the news cycle moved on to something else; dropped like it was hot. Commitment to DE&I means more than having the day off for MLK Day or Juneteenth. It's more than having an ERG for women or people of color. It's more than the token woman or person of color on a board just to say there is one. It's so much more than running a few videos and posting a few pictures during Black History Month or Women's History Month. All of that means absolutely nothing if it does not translate to ACTUAL development, retention, and career advancement. Don't just talk about it, BE about it! Put some action behind those words and support organizations (and employee memberships) like NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association that are committed to diversifying the insurance industry. What do you have to lose, what are you afraid of? #DEI #commitment #insuranceindustry #leadershipopportunity #development #NAAIA

🌟 Honoring a Trailblazer: Ernesta Procope and Her Impact on Insurance 🌟 In the spirit of Black History Month, we spotlight the luminaries whose groundbreaking efforts have reshaped industries. Ernesta Procope stands tall among these figures, her legacy in the insurance sector emblematic of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of equality. Ernesta Procope: The "First Lady of Wall Street" Starting in Brooklyn, Ernesta Procope transformed a modest insurance brokerage into the formidable E.G. Bowman Company, Inc., making a historic move to Wall Street. Her journey is a testament to overcoming barriers and pioneering African American presence in corporate America. A Timeless Legacy Procope's mission extended beyond business triumphs; she actively combated racial disparities, bringing vital insurance services to underserved communities. This effort was a crucial step towards economic inclusion. Exploring Further in "Black Pioneers of the American Insurance Industry" For a deeper understanding of African Americans' significant contributions to the insurance industry, "Black Pioneers of the American Insurance Industry" is an invaluable resource. Highlighting Ernesta among others, it delves into the stories of entrepreneurs who dared to transform the economic and social fabric of America. Celebrating Diversity and Representation The narratives of Ernesta Procope and her contemporaries underscore the transformative power of diversity and representation. Their achievements light the way for future generations, showcasing the importance of inclusivity in all industry sectors. Inspiration for the Future Ernesta Procope's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on an industry and society. As we honor her and other Black pioneers, let's commit to advancing their legacy, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Conclusion Ernesta Procope's rise from Brooklyn to Wall Street encapsulates a story of determination, creativity, and a commitment to justice. Her legacy, celebrated during Black History Month and beyond, continues to inspire the pursuit of equality and opportunity in every arena. #BlackHistory #InsuranceIndustry #ErnestaProcope #LegacyOfInnovation #DiversityAndInclusion

To my esteemed colleagues, friends, and family, today we celebrate MLK for the 37th time in our nation's history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s impact is far-reaching and broad. Our lives have been changed due to the many sacrifices Mr. King and his followers made. His advocacy for racial equality and the Civil Rights Movement contributed to legal changes to dismantle discriminatory practices, including those in the insurance and financial services industry. But there is more to do, even with so much already done. Discriminatory practices that persist in the insurance industry can include biased algorithms in underwriting and risk assessment, which may disproportionately impact specific demographics, including Black or African American people. Additionally, there may be ongoing challenges related to implicit biases in the hiring and promotion process, contributing to the underrepresentation of Black professionals in leadership roles. Redlining, where specific communities, often based on race, face unequal access to loans and financial services. All the things mentioned above can be remedied with the help of professionals who care about the future of their industry. Here is where we make a case for NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association nationally and locally for professionals in the insurance and financial services industry. Organizations like NAAIA have picked up MLK's dream and made it part and parcel of our mission and purpose and our organization's guiding light. We exist for your benefit (African American or Black insurance professional) and the benefit of the underrepresented in our industry. Our efforts include regulatory measures, increased transparency, and initiatives promoting, highlighting, and encouraging our industry leaders to think differently about the benefits of inclusion. Those words are not conjecture but are tenants of a plan that will help improve the insurance and financial services industry. Quote: “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”                                         March for Integrated Schools, MLK, April 18, 1959… Corey Tyson ChFC NAAIA - St. Louis Chapter - President

For Black History Month 2024, we are highlighting the recent achievements of six Black American leaders in the healthcare field. Learn about these experts' contributions to health equity, public health information, and more: https://lnkd.in/evbJDJAm

For Black History Month 2024, we are highlighting the recent achievements of six Black American leaders in the healthcare field. Learn about these experts' contributions to health equity, public health information, and more: https://lnkd.in/evbJDJAm

For Black History Month 2024, we are highlighting the recent achievements of six Black American leaders in the healthcare field. Learn about these experts' contributions to health equity, public health information, and more: https://lnkd.in/evbJDJAm

For Black History Month 2024, we are highlighting the recent achievements of six Black American leaders in the healthcare field. Learn about these experts' contributions to health equity, public health information, and more: https://lnkd.in/evbJDJAm

Empowering generations, securing legacies. 🌟  This Black History Month, let's celebrate resilience, honor achievements, and prioritize financial wellness. Insurance isn't just about protection—it's about building a legacy that lasts. #BIVX #Secure65HealthPlans #BlackHistoryMonth #FinancialWellness #InsuranceLegacy

Empowering generations, securing legacies. w This Black History Month, let's celebrate resilience, honor achievements, and prioritize financial wellness. Insurance isn't just about protection—it's about building a legacy that lasts. #BIVX #Secure65HealthPlans #BlackHistoryMonth #FinancialWellness #InsuranceLegacy

During slavery, benevolent societies were formed by the enslaved as a way to care for the sick and bury the dead with dignity. On April 17, 1787, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones formed the Free African Society in #Philadelphia to provide mutual aid and self-help. It was the forerunner of the first insurance company organized and owned by Blacks in the United States, the African Insurance Company. Organized in 1810 in #Philadelphia, the African Insurance Company lasted only three years, but the early model was adopted by many successful Black-owned insurance companies in the post-Civil War era. Juneteenth marks the day, June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. It is a symbol of freedom and progress. The success of Black-owned insurance companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries continued the freedom celebrated on Juneteenth, moving from physical freedom to economic empowerment and financial autonomy. Considering the origins of Black insurance in the United States, it is only fitting that The Black Friday Network/Ako Insurance Consulting host our next Black Friday event in #Philadelphia in collaboration with the NAAIA Philadelphia. By celebrating in #Philadelphia, we honor the city's historical significance in the fight for Black economic independence and the enduring legacy of Black entrepreneurship. By partnering with NAAIA, we build solidarity in the local marketplace to champion the creation of equitable opportunities across the insurance industry, particularly the distribution channel. Agents, Brokers, and Agency Owners of Color join us for direct access to capital, capacity, and consultative resources and an opportunity to network with other Agents, Brokers, and Agency Owners of Color! Underwriters, Actuaries, Claims Adjusters, Defense Attornies, HR Professionals, Risk Managers, and every insurance professional in between, we are calling you too! Join us as we do the work to diversify the future of the insurance industry! 📆: Friday, August 9, 2024 🕘: 9:00 am TO 5:30 pm EST Registration is OPEN! https://lnkd.in/eYQb3nCu Stay tuned as we announce more #BlackFriday - #Philadelphia details! #insurance #partnerships #insuranceindustry #naaiaphiladelphia #insuranceagents #naaianow #insuranceprofessionals #blackinsurancehistory