Ako Insurance Consulting

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p) and Friday, February 21, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p)| Location

Asset Protection and Wealth Generation for Insurance Professionals

Katrina Patterson, ESQ

Owner & Managing Principal Katrina Patterson Law, PLLC

April Murdaugh, PhD

CEO @ Woman To Woman Financial | Financial Planning

In the fast-paced world of insurance, protecting your assets and generating wealth isn’t just about what you do for your clients—it’s also about securing your own financial future. This workshop, tailored specifically for Black women in the insurance industry, will dive deep into the essential strategies you need to safeguard your wealth and create a lasting legacy.

Join us for an insightful session where we’ll explore the fundamentals of asset protection and wealth generation, from establishing trusts and drafting wills to leveraging life insurance and planning for retirement. You’ll learn how to build a financial fortress that shields your hard-earned assets from unexpected risks, and gain practical tips on wealth generation that align with your professional goals and personal aspirations.

Our expert speakers will break down complex concepts into actionable steps, ensuring you walk away with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about your financial health. Whether you’re looking to secure your family’s future, maximize your retirement savings, or simply ensure that your wealth is managed according to your wishes, this workshop will equip you with the strategies you need to thrive both now and in the years to come.

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p) and Friday, February 21, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p)| Location

Boss Up & Break Through: Unleashing Your Entrepreneurial Power in Insurance

Sylvia K. Alston

Managing Partner and CEO at Momentum Risk Management| The BOW Collective, SBO Member

Are you ready to redefine success and carve out your path in the insurance industry?  

This dynamic workshop designed specifically for Black women who are ready to take charge and build thriving businesses in the world of insurance. This session will explore the vast entrepreneurial opportunities available, from starting your agency to creating innovative insurance products that address the unique needs of our communities.

This workshop will guide you through the essential steps of launching and scaling a successful insurance business. We’ll dive deep into the strategies for navigating challenges, leveraging networks, and accessing capital. Plus, you’ll gain insights into how to harness your unique perspective and experiences to stand out in a competitive market.

Whether you’re just dreaming of entrepreneurship or already on the journey, “Boss Up & Break Through” is your blueprint for turning ambition into reality. Join us and get the tools, inspiration, and support you need to level up and lead the way in the insurance industry!

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p) and Friday, February 21, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p)| Location

Breaking the Silence: Confronting Racial Gaslighting in the Insurance Industry

No Speaker Identified

Racial gaslighting is a subtle yet pervasive form of manipulation that undermines the experiences and realities of Black women in the workplace. In the insurance industry, where diversity often falls short, this insidious practice can have a profound impact on mental health, career progression, and overall well-being.

“Breaking the Silence: Confronting Racial Gaslighting in the Insurance Industry” is a transformative workshop designed to shine a light on this often-overlooked issue. We’ll dive into the tactics of racial gaslighting, how it manifests in professional environments, and the specific challenges faced by Black women in insurance. This session will empower you with the knowledge to identify and challenge gaslighting behaviors, equipping you with strategies to protect your mental health, advocate for yourself, and foster a more inclusive workplace.

Join us to break the silence, build resilience, and create a professional environment where your voice is heard and your experiences are validated. It’s time to dismantle the barriers that hold us back and ensure that Black women in insurance not only survive but thrive.

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p) and Friday, February 21, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p)| Location

Strong Friend - Annie, Are you OK? 

Myshell Gresham

In our communities and workplaces, Black women are often seen as the “strong friend”—the ones who have it all together, who others lean on, but who rarely get asked, “Are you okay?” This workshop, “Strong Friend – Annie, Are You OK?” dives into the complexities of this role and the emotional toll it can take on Black women, especially in professional settings.

We’ll explore the cultural roots of the strong friend complex, why it’s so prevalent among Black women, and how this label can lead to isolation and burnout. More importantly, this session emphasizes the importance of sisterhood in the workplace—encouraging us to check in on each other, support one another, and create a network of care and understanding. Because if no one else is looking out for us, we must do it for each other.

Join us to learn how to navigate this dynamic, break free from the pressures of always being the strong one, and build a workplace culture where emotional well-being is prioritized for every sister. It’s time to make sure that every “Annie” has someone asking if she’s truly okay.

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p) and Friday, February 21, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p)| Location

Beyond the Bots: Future-Proofing Your Career in the Age of AI

Kuda Chibanda

Data Science & Analytics Executive, The Hartford

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, it’s crucial for Black women in the insurance sector to stay ahead of the curve, especially those in administration and operational roles. “Beyond the Bots: Future-Proofing Your Career in the Age of AI” is a forward-thinking workshop designed to empower you with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

In this session, we’ll explore the potential impacts of AI on administrative and operational roles, discussing how automation and machine learning could redefine the industry. More importantly, we’ll focus on actionable steps Black women can take to future-proof their careers. From upskilling in areas that are AI-resistant to leveraging your unique talents and perspectives, this workshop will provide you with a roadmap to remain indispensable in an AI-driven world.

Join us to discover how you can harness the power of technology, not just to survive, but to excel in the future of work. It’s time to turn potential challenges into opportunities and ensure that your career continues to grow, no matter what changes lie ahead.

Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p) and Friday, February 21, 2025 (11:15a and 1:45p)| Location

Level Up, Sis! Creating executive presence through professional storytelling

Kanana Love

Executive Resume Writer and LinkedIn Specialist, Larnell Vickers Enterprises

This workshop is designed to equip our members with the skills to craft compelling personal narratives that enhance their executive presence across platforms such as resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Participants will learn the art and science of storytelling, including how to highlight their unique experiences, achievements, and skills in a way that resonates with employers and colleagues. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, attendees will gain the tools and confidence to elevate their brand and stand out in the competitive job market.

Mistress of Ceremony

Mistress of Ceremony

Natasha Dorsey

Health Solutions Senior Consultant, Assistant Vice President
Aon

Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 10:15a

TBD

Friday, February 21, 2025 - 10:00a

Parametrics - Addressing Insurance Inequities for Underserved Communities

Nyasha Kuwana

Commercial Director, FloodFlash

Kate Stillwell

ClimateTech | InsurTech | Founder

Join us for an empowering keynote session that dives into one of the most promising innovations in insurance—parametric insurance—and its potential to close the gap on insurance inequities affecting underserved communities. Traditional insurance models often leave our most vulnerable communities exposed, creating disparities that hinder their resilience (i.e. New Orleans post Hurricane Katrina). Parametric insurance offers a revolutionary approach, providing fast, predetermined payouts based on specific events or thresholds rather than long claims processes, which can leave policyholders waiting when they need help the most.
 
In this session, we’ll explore how Black female insurance professionals are uniquely positioned to advocate for and implement parametric solutions within their organizations and networks. This session will unpack the role of Parametrics in creating accessible and transparent insurance products, illustrating how these solutions can be particularly impactful in underrepresented areas affected by climate change, health crises, and economic disparity. Discover how Black Women in the insurance industry can champion this model to foster financial equity, streamline claims, and bring crucial support to communities who have been historically underserved. Through firsthand insights and strategic guidance, this keynote will inspire you to leverage your voice and influence to drive change from the inside out, using parametric insurance as a tool for true industry transformation.

Katrina Patterson, ESQ

Owner & Managing Principal Katrina Patterson Law, PLLC

Katrina Patterson loves helping people and making a positive impact on their lives, all because she cares. Her focus is on helping others understand and maximize their options concerning the property they own and putting plans in place to preserve and protect what they own for their benefit and for the benefit of the ones they love. Practicing law for close to 25 years, Katrina is the Owner/Managing Principal of Katrina Patterson Law, PLLC, a New York-based Legacy & Estate Planning Firm. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from York College, CUNY; an MBA in Management & Leadership from Dowling College; and a Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. Though blessed with many achievements and accomplishments, Katrina’s greatest honor and joy is being the wife of Rod Patterson for 33 years and the mother of their two adult children, Ericka and Shane.

Sylvia K. Alston

Managing Partner and CEO at Momentum Risk Management| The BOW Collective, SBO Member

Sylvia has over 23 years in risk management. She has worked for some of the largest national brokerage firms in the country to include; Hub International, Willis, Integro Insurance Brokerage and Risk Strategies Company in advisory and leadership roles and was formerly the Vice President, division manager and private client practice leader of Integro (Ventura) Insurance Brokerage, an entertainment specialty brokerage for over 10 years. Her extensive experience with individuals, successful families and organizations on the negotiation, procurement, placement and management of their insurance programs, makes her incredibly sought after.

Sylvia is a tactician in personal risk management and personal wealth preservation. She also consults with businesses and c suite executives on risk management, business development and risk strategy challenges that affect their organizations. Her stewardship over the most intricate details of a client’s risk management allows them the conveniences to lead their lives with greater opportunity and less risk. Sylvia counsels individuals, families, non profits, religious institutions, museums and small and midsize organizations to prepare for all levels of risk that they face.

She attended the national treasure and historically black university Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland where she studied Speech Communication with a concentration in Rhetoric and Public Address and remains an active alumnus of the university. In 2023, Sylvia graduated from Bank of America’s Women Entrepreneurship Program which is a partnership certificate program powered by Cornell University.

Sylvia is a thought leader in business and a media brand. Building Momentum Risk Management into a national footprint with geographic presence in New York City, Short Hills, NJ and Jacksonville, Florida in a few short years takes focus and grit. Sylvia’s dedication to her clients and their protection and her leadership in business has taken her all over the country. In March of 2023, she was the Women’s History Month speaker to over 300 students at Fox Business School discussing Risk Management for Temple University. Sylvia leads workshops and leadership trainings for entrepreneurship at NAAIA, Black Friday Agents Network, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) and Business Impact Groups around the country. She is one of a few Black Owned and Woman Owned Insurance Brokerage Owners in the entire country. She co hosted and produced for The Karen Hunter Show, the flagship weekday evening drive show on Sirius XM Urban View Channel 126 which focused on civic and social challenges in the African American community. Her popularity and success led to her hosting and executive producing a LIFESTYLE, LEGACY AND LE ADERSHIP weekend show entitled NeXt Nation for 3 years on Sirius XM Urban View 126 and a popular podcast by the same name which can be found on Apple, Spotify an d IHeart. She halted production in 2021 to devote time to her family and her growing brokerage, consultancy and speaker, thought leader opportunities She is a national insurance producer holding multi licenses state to state in life, health and property and casualty insurance.

At her core, Sylvia’s purpose is to serve with excellence. She is a mentor to Risk Management students at both Temple University and St. John’s University preparing them for a breadth of opportunities in Risk Management post college. She sits as a Board member for Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District , a non profit community development corporation which focuses on the arts, culture and sustainability of the Lincoln Park area of Newark, NJ. LPCCD Projects include building mixed use housing units, hosting annual music festivals, historic preservation and restoration projects and urban agriculture.

Myshell Gresham

Executive Resume Writer and LinkedIn Specialist, Larnell Vickers Enterprises

Myshell is an award-winning insurance executive with over 25 years of experience in credit risk, risk management consulting, underwriting, business development, and coaching. She is well-known for her expertise in managing risk, fostering partnerships, and developing high-performing teams while driving business growth across the United States. Her visionary leadership focuses on recognizing potential, challenging limits, and empowering individuals to achieve exceptional growth. Her career began in banking as a credit analyst, where she discovered her passion for deal-making. Currently, Myshell serves as Senior Vice President of Partnership Engagement at Ascot Group’s West Region, acting as the brand ambassador for the Western U.S. and driving new business opportunities to support the company’s expansion. She is deeply committed to community service, with a particular focus on education and women’s empowerment. Myshell is also an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). She has supported numerous initiatives, and in recognition of her industry contributions, she was named to Insurance Business America’s Hot 100 list in 2019. Myshell co-founded We Have Range (WHR), a coaching and speaker’s bureau where she helps individuals and businesses cultivate leadership skills and surpass personal limitations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Hampton University and several professional certifications, including a Certificate in Brain-Based Coaching from the NeuroLeadership Institute, an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation, and a Credit Risk Certification. Myshell is also pursuing her CPCU certification.

Kuda Chibanda

Data Science & Analytics Executive, The Hartford

Kuda Chibanda is the Vice President of Data Science & Analytics in Global Specialty. In that role, she is responsible for that enterprise’s data science, business intelligence and performance analytics agenda. In addition to that, Kuda serves as the strategic leader for the Data & Analytics value stream which is tasked with addressing our data foundation. Under her leadership, Global Specialty has seen the successful deployment and usage of tools to operate more efficiently and profitably.

Kuda joined the Hartford in 2018. Prior to that, she was a Manager in the Advanced Analytics practice under PwC’s Actuarial Services. She also spent three years as an Actuarial Analyst at Verisk (ISO). Kuda has a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from St. John’s University, as well as MBA degrees from Columbia University and the London School of Business. Kuda is also a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society, where she served on the Board of Directors for three years.

Kuda lives in Washington, DC with her husband and twin daughters. Kuda was born and raised in Zimbabwe and came to the US for college.

Kanana Love

Executive Resume Writer and LinkedIn Specialist, Larnell Vickers Enterprises

Kanana is a proficient Resume and LinkedIn Specialist with over five years of experience and a well-rounded understanding of industry dynamics. Her commitment lies in enhancing resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and Bios through professional storytelling. Additionally, she is dedicated to turning the job search into a purposeful undertaking by leveraging key industry-specific requirements, to ensure that her clients meet their career goals

Natasha Dorsey

Health Solutions Senior Consultant, Assistant Vice President
Aon

Experience

Natasha has over two decades of experience in employee benefits. She is a seasoned Health Solutions Senior Consultant and AVP at Aon. She began her career working for life and disability insurance carriers and transitioned to consulting over a decade ago. Throughout her career, Natasha has worked with various broker/consulting firms, gaining extensive experience and knowledge in project management, strategy, ACA compliance, and funding strategies, project management, leadership, innovation, and evolution in the insurance industry. Natasha is truly a visionary and industry thought leader.

Natasha’s comprehensive understanding of the customer service and financial roles in the overall lifecycle of a plan and client retention has been honed through her various roles, including Client Manager positions.

Educational Background & Credentials

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Maryland University College
  • Voluntary Benefits Specialist (VBS) designation
    CA, MA, ME, MD, DC, VA, NC Life and Health Licenses
  • Certified Strategic Account Executive with HUB International Leadership and Community Engagement
  • Vice President, National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) Metro DC Chapter (2023 – current)
  • Co-Chair, Aon’s Black Professional Network (BPN) ERG (2022 – current)
  • Former President of Toastmasters International, Willis Towers Watson “WillTalk” Chapter (2016 – 2017)
  • Board Member (Development Director) for the Bison Impact Group (2023 – current)
  • McKinsey Management Accelerator Program (2024)
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Speaking Engagements

Natasha is an accomplished speaker and has participated in numerous industry events and conferences, including:

  • 2024 Opening Plenary Moderator, NAAIA National Northeast Regional Forum
  • 2024 Keynote Speaker, Future at Work, “Don’t Just Check the DE&I Box”
  • 2024 Panelist, NAAIA National South Regional Form
  • 2022 Speaker, Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech conference
  • 2022 Guest speaker, “You Should Get a License” Podcast
  • 2022 Panelist, “Black Friday Network” Washington, DC
  • 2021 Panelist, “Validate Who? Validate Me!” Clubhouse

Natasha’s expertise and insights make her a sought-after speaker and panelist, where she shares her knowledge on various topics related to the insurance industry, employee benefits, and diversity and inclusion.

Nyasha Kuwana

Executive Resume Writer and LinkedIn Specialist, Larnell Vickers Enterprises

Since 2010 I have led initiatives in insurance businesses to understand new geographic markets, customer cohorts and emerging trends, develop strategies to take advantage of the opportunity, implement new products and services, and launch them.

A large part of my career has been orientated towards and I have developed a passions for
• Digital and emerging technology trends
• Small businesses and start-ups.

I am a highly motivated, confident, articulate and resourceful person who enjoys a challenge. I possess a strong strategic perspective, commercial orientation and analytical approach in tackling business challenges.

Travelling and living in different countries from an early age has made me very comfortable working with people across cultures and organisations, a strong team leader with the ability to embrace and catalyse change.

Kate Stillwell

ClimateTech | InsurTech | Founder

My life’s work is to build resilience to natural disasters. I’ve focused on parametric insurance because of its potential to serve as private-market disaster stimulus and jump-start the rebuild and recovery process.