04.12.22
Standout Rising Stars in BISA
by: BISA Staff
The Rising Stars Program is an exclusive BISA-sponsored program that helps young professionals foster professional growth, develop leadership skills and advance careers for diverse individuals through mentoring, networking and more. At the BISA 2022 Annual Convention, the Rising Star Program presented their 2021 and 2022 Rising Stars.
“The Rising Star program provides so much more than recognition to those who have demonstrated leadership qualities,” says Piera Valle, director of the Rising Stars Program and senior director of strategic accounts at Pacific Life. “Our program strives to provide networking, education and mentorship opportunities to help facilitate change and a build a more inclusive environment within our industry. Our Rising Stars champion the DEI cause and exemplify success and can inspire others from diverse backgrounds to embrace our industry.”
Congratulations to all who won! Below are the 2021 and 2022 Rising Stars recognized at the 2022 BISA Annual Convention, including three spotlights.
2021 Rising Stars
Spotlight: Jenny Kaskel, Incapital, LLC
Jenny Kaskel, assistant vice president of marketing, is well known for her interest in making connections and getting to know people. She makes an effort to forge strong relationships — personal and professional — with a diverse group of colleagues from multiple departments.
Spotlight: Anika Hewitt, Knighthead Annuity and Life Assurance Company
Anika Hewitt, senior operations manager and marketing coordinator, is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. In a mostly male-dominated, white industry, she strives to make an equal space for young and diverse financial service workers.
Congratulations to the Rising Stars Class of 2021!
- Sarah Bauder
- Jessie Beach
- Lisa M. Becher
- Rachel Hume
- Bindiya Jadhwani
- Kathy Kim
- Eric Loberg
- Michael Lollman
- Michelle L. Russell
- Anna Sciortino
- Samie Seyal
- Matthew Unger
- Monica Vallee
2022 Rising Stars
Spotlight: Jami Yoder, Sammons Institutional Group
Jami Yoder, manager of the Premier Service Team, leads Sammons Culture Counsel, which strives to ensure all Sammons employees are part of a culture of respect and inclusion. Yoder’s colleagues describe her as “outstanding” for her efforts to create a diverse environment.
Congratulations to the Rising Stars Class of 2022!
- Allen Albee
- Amy Busch
- Deena Espinosa
- Kyle Foito
- Christopher Gadacz
- Tameka Galloway
- Mehrsa Kheibary
- Mary Tuggle
The Rising Star Program is an exclusive BISA-sponsored recognition and leadership development program for young professionals. The 2021 and 2022 Rising Stars were featured at the 2022 BISA Annual Convention.
Nominations for 2023 Rising Stars will be open in the fall!