Embracing Diversity

On Thursday January 21, 2010, the California Golden Empire Chapter had CPCU Society Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Martin Alpert, as a guest speaker. Alpert is Vice-President of Environmental Claims at Hinz Claim Management Inc. Diversity Committee member David Chan, of State Farm Insurance, was also present in support of the Society’s Diversity Committee.

The meeting attracted the highest attendance ever for a Golden Empire monthly chapter meeting with 65 attendees. Approximately 20 guests, many of whom are just beginning their CPCU journey, are currently enrolled in the chapter sponsored CPCU 510 workshop. Attending a meeting with such a valuable and timely topic was a unique and meaningful opportunity for potential CPCU members.

In Alpert’s presentation, he provided facts and statistics related to the creation of the Society’s Diversity task force, how it evolved into a standing committee, and the subsequent favorable changes in the Society’s diverse make-up. In addition, Alpert exhibited his extreme passion over the industry’s need to continue to embrace diversity in all its many facets.  

Current CPCU student and meeting attendee, Shannon Lackey, commented, “I was surprised to learn of the leaps and bounds the society has made in regard to its diversity efforts. Martin mentioned though that there was difficulty in tracking some of the information due to hesitation of new designees to provide certain demographic information. I think the information he shared only illustrates there are still leaps and bounds to be made in the area of embracing diversity and creating a more inclusive environment. I am thankful he (Alpert) shared some new tools and resources with us that will help us in actively contributing to making those necessary changes.”

Kristi Batchelder, current president of the California Golden Empire Chapter, stated “The meeting was a great success, both in number of attendees and significance of topic. The more we embrace other’s different knowledge, skills, and background, the better rounded and better off we will be as the CPCU Society and the insurance industry. Alpert did a tremendous job of conveying that message to the attendees.”