Last week, I had the honor of representing the California Department of Insurance’s Diversity Task Force at the 2025 Insurance Diversity Summit – Resilience Reimagined, held October 14 in downtown Los Angeles. The event took place inside the stunning Herald Examiner Building, now home to the ASU California Center, where the energy of innovation and inclusion filled every corner.
For me, this event wasn’t just another conference—it was a meaningful reminder of why the work we’re doing matters.
A Journey of Purpose and Connection
The experience began with a quick flight into Burbank, a whirlwind tech check run-through, and then a warm welcome reception celebrating the ongoing efforts of our task force. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) recognized representatives and sponsors who have been instrumental in supporting our mission of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the insurance industry.
To stand beside my partner, Marty, and witness the acknowledgment of the work we’ve collectively invested in this space was both humbling and inspiring. These moments always remind me how deeply shared purpose fuels this movement.
The Power Hour: The Heart of Inclusion
On the second day, I had the incredible privilege of being the Power Hour Lunch Keynote Speaker, where I delivered my signature talk, “The Heart of Inclusion.”
This keynote, rooted in my personal journey and professional advocacy, is a message I’ve carried across industries and stages—and it continues to evolve with each audience. But sharing it here, among leaders dedicated to building a more inclusive and representative insurance ecosystem, felt uniquely powerful.
Together, we explored the intersection of diversity, accessibility, and belonging—and how inclusion truly becomes transformative when we lead with empathy and purpose.
A Summit of Insight and Impact
The two-day agenda was packed with powerful discussions on supplier diversity, leadership representation, and innovation in DEI strategies. One of the standout moments for me was witnessing Commissioner Ricardo Lara participate in a panel discussion—an incredible highlight that underscored the Department’s genuine commitment to driving change from the top down.
Having the opportunity to connect briefly with Commissioner Lara and my fellow task force members for a photo and a few shared reflections was deeply meaningful. It’s in these small, sincere exchanges that I’m reminded of the collective heart behind this work.
Reaffirming the Mission
Throughout the Summit, I found renewed encouragement that the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility—even as they sometimes take on new names or acronyms—are still alive, relevant, and thriving.
Our conversations around disability diversity in the insurance world reaffirmed the importance of representation and access at every level. This dialogue is essential—not only to advance equity but also to ensure that the lived experiences of disabled professionals, consumers, and entrepreneurs are seen as assets, not afterthoughts.
This is where the real heart of inclusion beats strongest.
Gratitude and Forward Momentum
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CDI staff who make this summit possible year after year, to my fellow task force members whose dedication inspires me daily, and to everyone I had the chance to meet and engage with throughout the event.
Being part of this task force and contributing to this body of work is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that I carry with immense pride. Together, we’re not only reimagining resilience; we’re redefining what inclusion looks like in the future of insurance and beyond.