At MJ, we appreciate the importance of creating an environment in which all associates are valued and feel empowered to do their best work and bring ideas to the table. We recognize that it’s only with each associate’s unique and diverse experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints that we can deliver holistic value to our clients. However, in an industry not widely known for its diversity, we recognize the importance to not just appreciate it, but actively prioritize and advocate for it. Lucky for us, and those in the insurance industry, the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), has set out to empower African American professionals in the insurance industry and contribute to the conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to highlight NAAIA as our Charity of the Month.

NAAIA was organized to create a network among people of color and others employed in or affiliated with the insurance industry. The association currently has over 23 chapters throughout the nation and its members represent every sector of the industry. NAAIA promotes and enhances professionalism in a manner that leads to industry recognition and career opportunities for its members.

NAAIA works to address the underrepresentation of people of color in leadership positions within the industry. NAAIA is also committed to attracting talented individuals to the insurance industry. Through its work and affiliation with other organizations, NAAIA is dedicated to increasing the awareness of opportunities and the attractiveness of careers in the industry. We believe that diversity in the workplace leads to innovation, and the work being done by NAAIA ensures that our industry has fresh, new perspectives.

NAAIA recently released its Vision 2030, a roadmap that will guide the development and achievement of its strategic goals. NAAIA hopes to realize the following as a result of its efforts:

In addition to aligning with our Purpose, NAAIA aligns with multiple pillars of the MJ Foundation. From fostering diversity to advancing education, we share similar values in what we see as the future of the industry. One of our similarities is the commitment to advancing education and overcoming poverty through scholarships that allow those who desire to pursue a career in the insurance industry. The NAAIA JL Tillman Endowed Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to help African American students further their education in insurance, risk management, business, IT, actuarial science, finance, or marketing. 

“NAAIA was created to encourage people of color to consider the many different career opportunities in the insurance industry. Our scholarship provides the industry another avenue to encourage our nation’s best and brightest to enter our great industry.”- Jerald L Tillman, founder of NAAIA

Since its inception in 2013, NAAIA has awarded $190,000 scholarships through the Dayton Foundation. Based on a record 138 applications, NAAIA has increased the award amount from six to 10 $5,000 scholarships. We admire NAAIA’s commitment to advancing education. Our Purpose drives us to inspire the success and fulfillment of each person we serve, and the scholarships provided by NAAIA allow others in the industry to find success and fulfillment in their professional lives.

The MJ Foundation established its own scholarship, the MJ Risk Management & Insurance Scholarship, supporting multicultural students with financial need in the Andre B. Lacy School of Business at Butler University. We are honored to play our part in supporting NAIAA’s mission of increasing the awareness of opportunities and attractiveness of careers in the insurance industry.

For more information about NAAIA and how its work helps to diversify the industry while celebrating the accomplishments of those already in the industry, visit https://www.naaia.org/. NAAIA also hosts several webinars and events throughout each month. We encourage you to read its 2023 annual report.