Insurance Association Celebrates the Next Generation of Industry Talent Through $10K in Scholarships

CHICAGO--June 3, 2011: The Chicago chapter of the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) recently held its 5^th Annual Spring Benefit & Scholarship Luncheon. Themed The Road Ahead, the event highlighted NAAIA Chicago's successes and 2011 agenda, including the expansion of its internship program targeted at high school juniors; and featured a keynote address by Dr. Richard L. Bennett, CPCU, ARM, of St. John's University's School of Risk Management and Actuarial Science.

In addition, NAAIA Chicago corporate sponsor State Farm presented scholarships to 10 academically-outstanding youth representing area high schools. This year's scholarship recipients are: Latoya Alexander of Ellen Richards Career Academy; Alexander Augustus of Manley Career Academy; Malik Coburn of Whitney Young Magnet High School; Kailoni Furlough of Plainfield South High School; Jartavius Gaston of Manley Career Academy; Casson Hale of Bolingbrook High School; Deautria Kelly of John Harlan Community Academy; Margaret Mayes of the High School of Leadership at South Shore; Amber O'Donoghue of Homewood-Flossmoor High School; and Courtney Sholar of Hyde Park Academy.

More than 100 guests -- including other corporate sponsors and partners: Aon, CNA, Marsh, MetLife and Travelers -- celebrated the accomplishments of the scholarship recipients and NAAIA Chicago.

NAAIA is dedicated to empowering African-American insurance professionals currently in the industry as well as increasing this number nationwide. NAAIA engages in the sharing of information for personal growth and professional development while providing opportunities for networking, continuing education and building mutually beneficial partnerships.