- Jul 23
- 3 min read
As Tampa Bay continues to experience unprecedented growth, local Black insurance professionals are working to ensure the industry's leadership reflects the communities it serves.
Earlier this year, the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) created a Tampa Bay Chapter. Chartered on Feb. 26, the chapter joins the national organization founded to increase representation and provide professional development, mentorship and leadership opportunities for African Americans working in insurance and risk management.
Leading the effort locally is Cherdonna Epps-Gardner, president of NAAIA Tampa Bay and Operational and Technical Director at Aon Risk Insurance Services, who believes the chapter arrives at a pivotal moment for the region and wants to ensure the industry's workforce reflects the diverse communities it serves.
“Tampa Bay is experiencing tremendous growth, and with that growth comes an incredible opportunity to shape the future of the insurance industry,” says Epps-Gardner. “While we continue to see more diverse talent entering the profession, Black professionals remain underrepresented in many areas, particularly in executive leadership, underwriting, brokerage, risk management, actuarial science, and specialty disciplines.”
According to a 2025 Insurance Industry Blog survey, African Americans make up 14.7% of the less than 15% of the insurance workforce nationwide.
In terms of representation Epps-Gardner says she wants to see more Black professionals not only occupy a seat at the table but prepare a seat for others.
“Representation is about more than numbers; it is about visibility, access, influence, and creating pathways for others to succeed. When individuals see professionals who look like them leading organizations, serving clients, and making strategic decisions, they begin to see those careers as attainable.”
Next event planned for August
The chapter regularly hosts public networking events, professional development discussions, leadership conversations, and community engagement opportunities.
In July, NAAIA hosted the Summer Sales Playbook: What's Working Right Now, a virtual roundtable featuring insurance growth strategist Maya Hill of The WIN Group Insurance Agency.
On Aug. 20 at 6 p.m., NAAIA Tampa Bay will partner with Fifth Third Bank for an evening of networking and professional development designed to bring together insurance professionals, executives, young talent and industry allies.
Mentoring next generation
Epps-Gardner says the chapter welcomes professionals at every stage of their careers. Beyond networking is community outreach. NAAIA partners with local colleges, universities, student organizations, and community leaders to increase awareness of the many career paths insurance has to offer.
“Insurance is one of the few industries that touches every business, every family, and every community,” says Epps-Gardner. “Our goal is to ensure young people understand not only what insurance is but also how they can build meaningful and rewarding careers within it.”
The local chapter's leadership also includes Vice President Selena Stallworth, a Florida A&M University graduate with more than 25 years in the industry who serves with Travelers Indemnity Company, along with Treasurer Oliver Gray and Secretary Jasmine Gilbert.
Epps-Gardner hopes the chapter becomes more than a professional organization but a catalyst for increasing Black leadership throughout the insurance industry.
"I invite every Black insurance professional and every ally who believes in developing diverse talent to join us,” says Epps-Gardner. “ Together, we can educate, empower, mentor, and inspire the next generation of leaders while demonstrating the tremendous value that diversity brings to our industry. The future of insurance is being written today, and NAAIA Tampa Bay is committed to helping ensure that every talented professional has the opportunity to be part of that story.
For more information about membership or upcoming events, visit tampabay.naaia.org or follow NAAIA Tampa Bay on LinkedIn.