Hartford’s Insurance Industry Poised to “Dive In” to Diversity & Inclusion

Dive In is a global movement in the insurance sector to support the development of inclusive workplace cultures. Its mission is to enable people to achieve their potential by raising awareness of the business case and promoting positive action for diversity in all its forms.  The rapidly expanding international event arrives in Hartford on September 26.

Since its birth in 2015, Dive In has grown exponentially, with events taking place in over 60 cities across 33 countries world-wide, attracting more than 9,000 people. The 5th annual multi-city “festival” this fall, including Hartford, is expected to be the largest yet.

Hartford – in the midst of re-energizing the traditional “Insurance Capital,” will focus on the theme: Finding the Spark:  The Impact of Inclusion on Culture.  The event will be held at Upward Hartford in downtown Hartford, 2:00 to 6:00 PM.  Advance registration is required.  The event is free of charge.

The half-day event focuses on the culture of teams and their impact on the people within them. Building a team culture that embraces diversity and truly engages people is not always easy, organizers point out. The panel leading the conversation in Hartford “will provide insight on how great teams work and how we can improve the dynamics of the teams we are part of,” the organizers explain, emphasizing that “team culture can contribute to competitive advantage.”

In addition to Hartford, similar events are being held in cities worldwide on September 26, including Calgary, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Sao Paulo, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, and Hamilton, Bermuda.  Other cities are hosting Dive In events that same week, and in October.

Featured speakers in Hartford include:

Dr. Renu Ann Joseph, CEO/Founder, Luminant Analytics, (located in the Nassau Re building in Hartford)  is passionate about using data insights in the insurance industry. A key ingredient in her problem-solving approach is the combination of traditional analytical methods and a fresh, objective, data-driven perspective. Renu is a trained Economist, with work experience in the financial services industry and in public health, in both corporate and academic environments. She has worked on headline topics in casualty insurance data analytics, macroeconomic modeling, health policy analysis and tobacco control economics.

Luis D’Amire, Global Learning and Development Manager, AXA XL, is a bilingual learning & development executive recognized for his ability to deliver high-quality, engaging learning events as well improving business performance and driving change through brand alignment and the development of human capital. He has over 12 years of experience in designing and delivering high-impact learning and development programs including professional development, leadership/management, and blended talent development programs.

Joy Pena, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, ESPN, leads and advances ESPN’s integrated strategy as a strategic consultant and adviser to business leaders and HR partners. She manages ESPN’s Executive Diversity & Inclusion Council, divisional D&I game plans, and a leadership program for a diverse cohort of junior executives. She also oversees strategy for diversity learning and development, talent management, communications, and measurement.

Jason Richmond, Author of Culture Spark, 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational Growth, is an in-demand keynote speaker widely recognized as a noted authority on helping companies build strong, sustained revenue growth by empowering their employees and developing energizing office cultures.

New research among 10,000 registered Dive In attendees last year revealed that 93% of insurance professionals believe managers have got the message that diversity and inclusion are good for business and are taking positive steps forward. The survey also found that more than three-quarters (82%) feel their views on the importance of diversity and inclusion have changed positively since the festival started in 2015.

The Dive In website indicates that “In order to attract the very best talent to keep pace with the rate of change, insurance needs to focus on its reputation as a great sector to work in.  This means looking beyond traditional definitions of diversity to level the playing field for talent comprehensively including gender, gender identity/expression, age, cultural background, sexual orientation, social mobility, faith, caring responsibilities, mental health and physical impairments.”

Dive In was originally launched in London in 2015.Registration for the Hartford event is now open at https://web.cvent.com/event/f9eeee9a-467a-4e9a-9569-2e9ddfbae986/regProcessStep1