History
“HBCU IMPACT® was founded to service the hunger and ambition of students driven to serve and build legacies.”
History
Empowering the next generation of insurance professionals. HBCU IMPACT® is building futures in insurance, risk management, finance, and law—one student at a time.
HBCU IMPACT® was first conceived at Morehouse College in Fall 2018
HBCU IMPACT® (Insurance Mentoring Program Advance Career Track) was first conceived at Morehouse College in the Fall of 2018. It all began when the Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals (AAIP) presented a career panel aimed at attracting and engaging students in the School of Business with career opportunities in the insurance industry. The message delivered that day was simple yet powerful: insurance is recession-proof and it touches EVERYTHING.
Despite the enticing sounds of a concert happening across the street, three dedicated students chose to invest in their futures by delaying their participation in the Homecoming activities to attend the program. As industry colleagues took turns introducing themselves, it became clear that the attendees represented a diverse spectrum of career professionals from various disciplines.
Among those present was AAIP Charter Member, Ron Thomas, who was there to support the event. Little did he know, he was about to play a significant role in AAIP history once again.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of HBCU IMPACT®, an initiative that has since grown to provide invaluable opportunities for students to connect with the insurance industry, gain mentorship, and build successful careers. The commitment and vision that started at Morehouse College continue to drive the mission of HBCU IMPACT® today, empowering students and shaping the future of the insurance industry.
Courtlynd Mallory, Class of 2019, expressed an interest in licensing and the die was cast.
After the insurance professionals introduced themselves, AAIP President Rebekah Ratliff talked about immediate opportunities that the students might consider. Among them, catastrophe duty and adjuster licensing.
Courtlynd Mallory, Class of 2019, expressed an interest in licensing and the die was cast. He was eager to leverage the spontaneous offer to complete a licensing class during the 2018 Christmas break. AAIP members provided the funds for the licensing class through RS Thomas and Associates insurance licensing and training facility in Atlanta. Courtlynd passed the test and in addition to earning his P & C adjuster’s license, went further to earn a life agent’s license. Rebekah Ratliff called NAAIA Greater Hartford President Ngozi Nnagi and NAAIA Florida President Sha’Ron James, Esq. who enlisted NAAIA Florida leader Yumeko Motley, Esq. and the organization soon took form.
IMPACT launched 4 inaugural campus “Institute” programs
With NAAIA implementing student membership in 2019, the mission of professional development has evolved to include college students interested in careers in the insurance and risk management industry. In Fall 2019, IMPACT launched 4 inaugural campus “Institute” programs at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Bethune-Cookman University, Savannah State University and North Carolina Central University. HBCU IMPACT Initiative, Inc.® continues to build relationships to enable the recruitment of HBCU students for internships and careers in the insurance industry.
HBCU IMPACT® continues to build relationships to enable the recruitment of HBCU students for internships and careers in the insurance industry.”
RECRUIT. RETAIN. REPRESENT.
HBCU IMPACT® was forced to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by pivoting to online platforms. Today the organization is focused on establishing new relationships and strengthening current ones with HBCUs, as well as employers within the insurance industry. We are focused on growth and will continue working to increase student engagement, corporate sponsorships and industry employment opportunities.
