LAAIA and the Spencer Educational Foundation Join Forces to Empower Latino Students in Risk Management & Insurance Industry with Scholarships

Miami, FL, July 6, 2023 – The Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies (LAAIA) is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Spencer Educational Foundation in providing scholarships to top-ranking Latino students aspiring to build careers within Risk Management & Insurance.

Through the collaboration between the LAAIA and the Spencer Educational Foundation, two scholarships will be awarded annually to deserving Latino students, who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in the field. These scholarships aim to empower and support talented individuals to ensure they can access higher education and professional development opportunities.

“We are thrilled to once again join forces with the Spencer Educational Foundation to provide these scholarships for Latino students,” said Javier Naranjo, National President of the LAAIA. “We believe in the importance of diversity and representation within the insurance industry, and these scholarships serve as a catalyst for expanding opportunities for Latino students to excel in the field.”

The LAAIA greatly appreciates the invaluable support from partner companies Ascendant Insurance Solutions and Progressive, whose contributions have played a significant role in making these scholarships possible. Their commitment to education and diversity aligns seamlessly with the vision of the LAAIA and the Spencer Educational Foundation.

This year’s 2023 LAAIA Spencer Scholarship awardees are Carlos Fuentes, a Colorado-based rising senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Gabriel Garcia, an Iowa-based rising senior at Dordt University. The scholarship is accompanied by a stipend that will allow both students to attend the LAAIA 2023 Annual Convention in Hollywood, FL from July 12-15. This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking and building connections with industry partners, featuring hundreds of trade show exhibitors and informative educational sessions.

“Spencer is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the insurance industry, as we firmly believe that a diverse workforce drives innovation and enhances business success,” said Megan Miller, Executive Director at the Spencer Educational Foundation. “Supporting the LAAIA in providing scholarships to exceptional Latino students aligns perfectly with our core values, and we are honored to be part of this initiative.”

The scholarship applications will be open to eligible Latino students pursuing degrees or certifications in Risk Management & Insurance, with a particular focus on rewarding those who have demonstrated leadership qualities and a passion for making a positive impact in the industry.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the LAAIA website (www.laaia.com/scholarship_award) to learn more about the scholarship requirements and submission process.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Maribel Cordova Ramirez
Executive Director
305-477-1442
maribel@laaia.com

About the Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies (LAAIA):

The LAAIA is a prominent organization representing independent insurance agents of Latin American descent throughout the United States. Committed to promoting excellence, education, and engaging in community service, the LAAIA serves as a bridge between the Latinx community and the insurance industry.

About the Spencer Educational Foundation:

The Spencer Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funding the education of tomorrow’s risk management and insurance leaders through scholarships, grants, internship opportunities, on and off campus experiential learning, and support of risk management/insurance curricula. Since Spencer was founded in 1979, we have impacted thousands of students and driven more and better prepared talent into risk and insurance roles. For more information, please visit us at www.spencered.org