CL Proferes Scholarship

Life’s most disruptive risks rarely announce themselves. A normal day can end with illness or injury, and suddenly, the ability to earn an income disappears. I experienced this early growing up in Zimbabwe when my grandfather, the primary provider for our household, developed severe back problems related to cancer and could no longer work. Our family’s income vanished almost overnight. I had to step away from school, and basic needs like food became uncertain. That experience reshaped how I understand stability and showed me how quickly hardship follows when financial protection is absent. That moment did not just influence my career interest. It defined it. I am pursuing a career in risk management and insurance because I have seen what happens when protection systems fail. I am studying a double major in Mathematics and Finance with a concentration in Actuarial Science. Since arriving in the United States in 2024, I have passed four Society of Actuaries exams: Probability (P), Financial Mathematics (FM), Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM), and Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) while balancing a full academic load and part-time work, preparing independently at a university without a formal actuarial program. This required developing my own learning and exam-preparation structure. My academic preparation has been reinforced through professional experience. In 2025, I worked as an actuarial intern at Reinsurance Group of America, supporting the pricing of long-term disability products. Disability insurance provides income replacement when individuals are unable to work due to illness or injury, offering financial stability during periods of lost earnings, though it is highly sensitive to assumptions around recovery timing, claim duration, and healthcare trends. I analyzed claims data to evaluate how these factors influence cost and sustainability, and saw how delays in updating assumptions can affect both insurer stability and the affordability of coverage for policyholders. I was also selected as a National Finalist in the 2026 Travelers Actuarial Case Competition, where I applied catastrophe risk modeling across multiple perils, including hurricanes and hailstorms, to inform real-world pricing decisions under uncertainty. This recognition reinforced that my independent preparation allows me to compete alongside students from established actuarial programs and strengthened my confidence in navigating complex, unstructured problems. These experiences deepened my interest in building more responsive and forward-looking risk frameworks. Beyond technical work, I focus on expanding access to the profession. At a university without an actuarial program, I mentor students preparing for their first actuarial exams, helping them structure study plans, approach practice problems, and understand early career pathways. As Treasurer of the Actuarial Society, I manage budgets for student-led events designed to increase exposure to actuarial careers on campus. I also volunteered as a judge for the 2026 Modeling the Future Challenge, administered by the Actuarial Foundation, evaluating high school teams’ projects in data analysis and risk modeling and helping identify finalists. These efforts reflect my belief that access and guidance can change trajectories. Financial uncertainty, however, has been a recurring part of my academic journey. There have been semesters when funding delays affected my ability to register for classes, leaving me unsure whether I could continue my education. Having once stepped away from school due to financial hardship, that possibility carries weight. This scholarship would provide stability, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and continue progressing toward a career dedicated to strengthening financial protection systems. Risk management and insurance exist to protect people from the kinds of disruptions I experienced growing up. My goal is to help build systems that are not only technically sound but also responsive, accessible, and resilient. That is the impact I am committed to building.

When my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, everything in our lives changed. I was still in high school, trying to balance classes, sports, and my future—but suddenly, none of that seemed to matter as much. Watching my mom go through treatment was really hard, but what stood out to me was how strong she was. Even when she was sick, she kept working in the insurance field, helping other people prepare for the worst and protect what mattered to them. That left a big impression on me. My mom showed me that insurance is more than paperwork and numbers. It’s about giving people peace of mind when they need it most. After she passed away, I saw firsthand how her work had helped others—and how the life insurance she had in place helped our family get through a really difficult time. We didn’t have to lose everything, and I know that’s because she believed in what she did. Now, I want to follow in her footsteps and study risk management and insurance. I’ve always liked problem-solving and thinking about how to prepare for the unexpected, but more than that, I want to make a difference in people’s lives. RMI is about helping people and businesses stay strong when life throws challenges at them. That’s something I really believe in. In school, I’ve taken 11 dual enrollment courses and completed almost 80 hours of community service. I’ve also played soccer all my life and will be continuing to play overseas in Argentina this fall. Right now, I’m recovering from a hamstring injury, and my dad and I are both unemployed, so things have been tough financially. That’s why this scholarship would mean so much to me. It would help me pay for college and allow me to focus on my goals instead of worrying about how we’ll afford everything. This scholarship also means something personal. CaroleLynn Proferes was someone who made a big impact in the RMI field, just like my mom did. Applying for this scholarship feels like a way to honor both of them. I want to take what they built and carry it forward—to help others, to protect families like mine, and to make a difference through a career in insurance. Thank you for reading my story and for considering me for this scholarship. It would be a huge step toward helping me reach my goals and continue the work that my mom started.

I recently graduated high school with over half of my associate's completed with dual credit courses. I received my insurance license recently and plan to pursue a career in the insurance industry. My goal is to educate and empower individuals in my community about the importance of financial planning and protection through insurance policies. By providing personalized guidance and support, I hope to make a positive impact by helping others secure their future and achieve peace of mind. In addition to my career goals in the insurance industry, I am also passionate about giving back to my community. I plan to volunteer with local organizations that focus on financial literacy and education, particularly for underserved populations. I believe that by sharing my knowledge and expertise, I can help empower individuals to take control of their financial future and make informed decisions. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of my community through both my career and volunteer efforts. By educating others on important financial concepts, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. I believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and resources necessary to achieve financial stability and independence. Through my dedication to both my career and volunteer work, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those around me and helping build a stronger, more prosperous community for all. In my professional role, I strive to provide personalized financial guidance and support to individuals and families, helping them navigate complex financial decisions and achieve their goals. Through education and empowerment, I aim to equip others with the knowledge and skills needed to take control of their financial future. Insurance is something that everyone needs in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from unexpected financial hardships. By staying informed about the latest insurance products and regulations, I am able to provide my clients with the best possible coverage options tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Ultimately, my goal is to serve as a trusted advisor and partner, guiding individuals and families towards a secure and prosperous financial future. I'm very grateful for the ability to work while I attend college , as it allows me to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the field of insurance while also furthering my education. This unique opportunity enables me to not only support myself financially but also to invest in my future career prospects. I believe that the combination of practical experience and academic learning will give me a competitive edge in the industry. By balancing work and school, I am able to develop a strong foundation of skills and expertise that will benefit both my clients and myself in the long run. I am confident that this hands-on approach to learning will lead to a successful and fulfilling career in insurance.