Alliant Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Last year, Alliant’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion department launched Culture Catalyst, a monthly learning series that provides consistent companywide programming with a carefully curated curriculum intended to not only educate on different forms of biases and workplace issues, but also to promote further discussions and action taking to cultivate a culture of allyship and belonging. Part of this effort is actively increasing access by continually supporting the development of our underrepresented professionals. In June, we hosted a virtual fireside chat with Nora Ali, CEO and Co-Founder of Mason Media, a TV/film/audio production company and brand studio co-founded with MLB all-star Alex Rodriguez and visionary entrepreneur Marc Lore. Nora shared her unique career journey as an AAPI professional. The conversation focused on tactical ways in which Alliant professionals can innovate within their present roles and forge meaningful relationships within the workplace to elevate their career. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Members of Alliant’s Awareness, Resources, Mentorship, and Support (ARMS) employee resource group were recently featured on the CanCare Inc. podcast. Jayme Moreno, CISR, CRIS, CLCS, Diane Fulgar, CWCA, and Sarah D'anjou, CLCS, CLIC shared their inspiring personal stories of “Hope in the Face of Cancer,” while discussing how ARMS has helped foster a robust support network for Alliant employees who have been impacted by cancer. Their stories provide a powerful narrative of hope and resilience. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #AlliantStandsUp Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4eNoB5I Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/45ZmwQ1 Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4cJV2jM

With a master’s degree in business and over 25 years of employee benefits consulting experience, Executive Vice President and Senior Operations Manager, Megan Jones, focuses on the strategic planning, execution, and achievement of operation goals. Megan enjoys leading Alliant’s NorCal management team and employee empowerment committees, helping teams grow and succeed. When asked about Pride Month, Megan shared what being an ally of the LGBTQ+ community means to her: “Many of us feel powerless to change those things in the world that we consider unfair. Participating in the All-In employee resource group, and the All-In Book Club, has given me back some of that power. I’ve had the opportunity to support my Alliant colleagues in a new way, learn about individual perspectives and experiences, and become a more passionate and informed advocate. Change often takes time, and progress can be slow, but I want to be an active participant.” #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #PrideMonth

LGBTQ+ Equality Day celebrates the anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. Alliant acknowledges the persistence of those who continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights while honoring the victories that have been achieved along the way. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #PrideMonth    

In 2023, Frank Verdi joined Alliant Insurance Services as Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group. With over 35 years of industry experience, he designs, implements, and manages strategic employee benefits solutions. Frank is highly regarded for his ability to cultivate strong, long-term relationships with his clients and partners. In honor of Pride Month, Frank shared why Pride is important to him and how Alliant has supported his growth: “I am a 55-year-old gay white man in the insurance industry and it hasn’t always been easy to be accepted. I struggled for years with my “secret” and feared being authentic with my coworkers, family, and friends because of potential rejection and loss of love, respect, friendship, and even my job. Growing up, being gay was not acceptable. We were confronted with persecution, violence, isolation, and job loss. I knew I was different from a young age and resisted it to fit in with my loved ones. Pride, to me, means choosing to never hide who I am again and living my truth. This is why it is crucial to work for an employer who supports your choices, diversity, religion, sexual orientation, color, and race – everything that defines you.” #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #PrideMonth

Zoe Hovland joined Alliant through an agency acquisition right after college and is now an Associate Business Analyst with Senior Market Sales. With 11 years of experience and a keen ability to navigate IT project management, she is a valuable and accomplished professional. Zoe is an active member of the All-In employee resource group and co-founder of its queer book club. Zoe shared her experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and what Pride means to her: “I came out late, only four years ago, as pansexual after some long and enlightening talks with my sister, her non-binary spouse, and many other dear queer-identifying friends. However, my personal journey with Pride and queerness began in college, where I became deeply interested in the origins of the Gay Liberation Movement and the way it is memorialized by the George Segal statues positioned near the Stonewall Inn. At the time, I viewed myself as an ally, positioned as outside-looking-in, believing that the statues failed to convey the righteous anger that moved the Stonewall Inn riot participants to action. Now, positioned differently as a member of the community, my view on the statues has shifted: the subjects project a simple desire to just exist in their truth. This month, and always, I hope that’s what our future holds.” #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #PrideMonth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Alliant acknowledges the history and ongoing struggles of the African American community, while holding space to celebrate the many momentous milestones the community has achieved. Alliant believes in meaningful action, and we are proud to partner with organizations such as NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association Foundation and the Piercing Strategies Magnolia Leadership Program, which are dedicated to the development and advancement of Black professionals. Through a partnership with our Alliant Insurance Foundation, we also support HBCU Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge in creating pathways for students in the insurance industry. In addition to partnerships, we are also committed to supporting our Mosaic at Alliant employee resource group (ERG). Sponsored by Peter Carpenter and led by Lisa Butler-Del Rio and John Drew, our Mosaic at Alliant ERG provides a community for Black Alliant professionals and allies. This year, Mosaic is hosting “Understanding Juneteenth,” a program to bring awareness to the significance of Juneteenth and engage everyone in tactical work to foster a more inclusive workplace. Alliant wishes a happy Juneteenth to all. #Juneteenth #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

We invite you to listen to the latest episode of RIMScast, where Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray, Alliant’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, and the 2024 Spencer Educational Foundation Funding Their Future Honoree, discusses her career and offers advice to the next generation of insurance professionals. #AlliantInsurance #RIMS #DiversityandInclusion

Wishing a blessed Eid al-Adha to all who celebrate. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

Alliant’s All-In employee resource group, led by Tony Garavaglia and Phil Maljevic, is kicking off our Pride Month celebration by taking Alliant professionals on an engaging exploration through classic TV game shows, all centered around LGBTQ+ History & Pride. Featuring LGBTQ+ trivia, this interactive event will highlight key facts and moments of the LGBTQ+ community. Closing out the celebration at the end of the month, All-In will also be bringing back an event favorite, Drag Bingo, hosted by Charlie Hides. Alliant wishes a Happy Pride Month to all. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion #PrideMonth