BIP Spring 2025

students don’t realize the variety of roles available. “People hear ‘insurance’ and just think of agents and brokers, but there are opportunities in IT, accounting and operations. There are so many ways to build a career in this industry.” Jenkins, who joined NABIP two years ago, says the event is also about representation. “We need younger professionals. I’m 43, and I’m still one of the youngest people in the room. This is a way to show students that insurance is a viable career path and not just something they stumble into later in life.” Before the main program, a job fair will allow students to meet potential employers and learn more about the industry. The event has taken shape through collaboration between NABIP Oklahoma members, local businesses and sponsors. Ryean Miller, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma representative, has helped with planning and outreach. She says professional associations play an important role in career development. “I got my job at Blue Cross because of a mentor I met through a business program,”

Miller says. “That’s why events like this are valuable. We want students to see the different career paths in insurance, whether in sales, operations or corporate roles.” Miller, a NABIP member since 2003, says engaging students early is key. “This generation wants to work and contribute. They just need guidance on where to start,” she says. Other NABIP chapters can engage Hosting the event in the Greenwood District brings additional meaning. Once a thriving Black business district, Black Wall Street was devastated in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Today, Tulsa continues to acknowledge and reflect on that history. “This isn’t just about putting on an event. It’s about being intentional with outreach,” Ashford says. “Bringing students into this space, showing them

they belong in this industry and giving them real connections to potential careers makes a difference.” For other NABIP chapters, Oklahoma’s experience shows that launching an outreach initiative doesn’t require a massive budget or years of planning. “We divided tasks, relied on partnerships and kept our focus on what mattered — connecting students with opportunities,” Miller says. “Every chapter has local universities and businesses they can work with. It’s just about starting the conversation.” With the April 14 event sponsorships and continuing outreach. Organizers hope this model can serve as a blueprint for other NABIP chapters looking to engage the next generation of professionals. Those interested in supporting or attending can find more details at nabipoklahoma. org/meetinginfo. php?id=2&ts=1738960487. approaching, NABIP Oklahoma is finalizing

Learn more about NABIP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives by visiting nabip. org/diversity equity inclusion belonging.

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