The California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA), an insurance trade body, has introduced two initiatives – CIWA Women and an Insurtech Committee – to support professional development and digital advancement.  

CIWA is a registered 501(c)(6) non-profit organisation focused on advancing the education and growth of wholesale insurance professionals and their business partners. 

CIWA Women aims to support the development and advancement of women in the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. 

Yana Connors is CIWA president and CIWA women chair. 

The inaugural committee features Sarah Sloan from Paragon Insurance Holdings; Elizabeth Mertel from Seneca Insurance Company; Grainne Bohan from UFG Specialty; Yiana Stavrakis from Monarch E&S; Dena Kaplan from the Insurance Journal; and Holly Valiquette from Pacific Inspections. 

The committee will organise an in-person event centred on personal and professional development to explore opportunities for expansion including virtual workshops, networking events or mentorship programmes.  

CIWA also formed an Insurtech Committee to examine and respond to the role of technology within the P&C insurance sector. 

This initiative aims to connect insurtech leaders with wholesale and carrier insurance professionals, facilitating collaboration between traditional insurance operations. 

Connors said: “CIWA Women strives to provide a dedicated and supportive space within the California wholesale market to foster networking, mentorship and professional growth.”  

CIWA vice-president and Insurtech committee chair Garett Kaneko stated: “Our industry is continuously adapting to new technological advancements. Through the Insurtech Committee, we are building a collaborative environment where industry professionals can navigate the steady stream of new systems and tools, finding innovative ways to enhance underwriting, distribution and the customer experience.”