Empowering its members through professional
development and networking opportunities
By Christopher W. Cook
Founded in 1997 by independent insurance agent Jerald L. Tillman, whose insurance career today spans over 45 years, the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) was created for Black and African American insurance professionals to network and share information.
“The mission of NAAIA is to empower our members by providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and community outreach within the insurance industry,” says D’Jenique “Deej” Inge, director of marketing and brand engagement for NAAIA. “With over 2,400 members and 24 chapters nationwide, we are actively working towards our Vision 2030 Plan, aiming to expand our reach to 50 chapters and 7,500 members.
“Regardless of race or ethnicity, NAAIA is open to all insurance professionals who are committed to the inclusion and advancement of Black and African Americans in the insurance industry.”
Throughout the year, NAAIA hosts various events to help its members navigate through the ever-evolving industry. “These focus on education, professional development and community engagement and include regional forums, leadership summits, and webinars,” says Inge. “We also offer volunteer opportunities through community service projects and, together with the NAAIA Foundation, we will host our first annual Day of Service in 2025.”
The organization’s annual National Conference is a “highlight of the year, bringing together professionals from across the industry for several days of learning, networking, and inspiration,” Inge continues. “Attendees can expect keynote speeches from industry leaders, panel discussions on current trends and issues, workshops focused on skill development, and ample opportunities for networking.
“The conference also features pre-conference summits tailored to emerging leaders and agents and brokers, as well as special events like the Sneaker Ball, Gala, and Awards Ceremony.”
This year’s annual conference will be held in New Orleans from September 17-19.
Benefits of membership
Members of NAAIA can benefit from a wide range of opportunities. They include:
- Networking with industry leaders and peers
- Professional development through workshops, webinars, and training sessions
- Access to job postings and career advancement tools
- Participation in community outreach and volunteer activities
- Events and conferences designed to foster growth and innovation
“Interested individuals can join by visiting our website (naaia.org) and completing the membership application,” Inge says.
One member, Jarrard A. Powell Sr., principal of Encore Insurance Group in Virginia, joined NAAIA in the beginning of 2021; he participates in all the events at his local Virginia chapter, currently serving as its president.
“Our chapter hosted NAAIA’s 2024 South Regional Forum and I’ve also attended two national conferences; every event is always both impactful and engaging,” he says.
“NAAIA is a place where collaboration is more than a word, it is part of the culture of the membership base,” Powell says. “It’s a place to find individuals whose experiences uniquely model one another in this industry and where a shared perspective serves as a catalyst for personal and professional development. NAAIA has expanded both my personal and professional networks.
“When I joined, I came from an environment where I existed in a bubble and was essentially shielded from the rest of the industry for my first eight years,” he continues. “I can directly tie back the foundation and growth of my agency to its NAAIA membership and the relationships cultivated since joining.
“Whether it was a colleague sharing a referral to a professional in another area to assist a client or a carrier relationship that otherwise may have been unattainable, membership in NAAIA has been, per capita, the best association resource I’ve invested in,” Powell explains.
Kathy Conley Jones, who spent nearly four decades with The Conley Financial Group before establishing a consulting firm with her namesake—that also offers insurance, benefits and extended care planning—joined NAAIA in 2010 and considers it her best professional decision of her insurance career. She has served as both president and membership chair of her local St. Louis Chapter.
“I have actively participated in various events organized by NAAIA, including community and professional advocacy initiatives,” she says. “I attend the national conference for professional development, networking, and building alliances. In addition, I helped create the ‘Still I Rise’ scholarship and award celebration held in St. Louis during Black History Month.
“As an African American woman in the insurance industry, I have faced challenges. … NAAIA provided opportunities for networking, professional development, and support that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.”
—Kathy Conley Jones
Chief Strategist
Kathy Conley Jones Consults, LLC
“Regardless of race or ethnicity, NAAIA is open to all insurance professionals who are committed to the inclusion and advancement of Black and African
Americans in the insurance industry.”
—D’Jenique “Deej” Inge
Director, Marketing and Brand Engagement
National African American Insurance Association
“As an African American woman in the insurance industry, I have faced challenges. However, I credit NAAIA for the tremendous growth and success of my agency over the years. NAAIA provided opportunities for networking, professional development, and support that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.”
Getting involved
For agency owners and individuals thinking about getting involved with NAAIA, “just do it,” says Conley Jones. “The benefits of networking, professional development, and the support system that NAAIA provides is exceptional.”
Inge echoes the statement. “NAAIA provides a unique platform for members to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and enhance their professional skills,” he says. “Joining NAAIA not only helps in personal and professional growth but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering diversity and inclusion within the insurance industry.
“By being part of NAAIA, members can make meaningful contributions to the community, stay ahead of industry trends, and access resources that support career advancement and organizational growth.”
“NAAIA is a place where excellence is the standard, learning is encouraged, and growth
is supported by a community of professionals like no other; it’s a place to stand on your own, but not by yourself.”
—Jarrard A. Powell Sr.
Principal
Encore Insurance Group
“Organizations are made of the people who comprise it, and NAAIA is no different,” adds Powell. “Agency owners should get involved and participate; if they make themselves an active voice within the organization, their voices will be heard, and their impact will be felt.
“NAAIA was founded by agents and agency owners initially, and today has expanded to include the full scope of professionals in the industry,” he explains. “That agency input and lifeblood is still vital for the mission to serve African American professionals in the insurance industry. Agencies represent the boots on the ground and the community engagement that brings attention to these careers.
“It is easy to get siloed and look at what directly affects our business in our immediate vicinity. NAAIA is a place where excellence is the standard, learning is encouraged, and growth is supported by a community of professionals like no other. NAAIA is a place to stand on your own, but not by yourself,” Powell concludes.
For more information:
National African American
Insurance Association
naaia.org
