The Insurance Diversity Summit will feature a range of breakout sessions covering topics such as access to capital, contracting opportunities, and effective contracting strategies.

Agenda is subject to change. Be sure to check back often for the latest updates, as we build in more valuable sessions.

Learn more about the speakers.

Registration

Starting at 8:00 AM

Resource Expo

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM



Meet with industry representatives and organizations that can provide diverse suppliers with tools, programs, and resources to grow your business in the insurance industry.

Welcome Remarks & Keynote Plenary

9:00 - 9:50 AM

• Vikita Poindexter (Emcee)
  CEO/President - Poindexter Consulting Group
  Chair, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance
• Chandara K. Phanachone
  Chief, Office of Insurance Diversity & Innovation - California Department of Insurance
• Clair Whitmer
  Deputy Director, Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) 

General Session: Get Ready. Get Connected. Get Contracted.

10:10 - 10:50 AM

• Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner (Emcee)
  CEO - Veterans in Business Network
  Member, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance
• Anda Draghici
  Branch Chief, Office of SB and DVBE Services - California Department of General Services
• Ash Rai
  Senior Director of Sourcing, Global Business Services - Blue Shield of California
• Amanda Wang
  Vice President, Enterprise Procurement - State Compensation Insurance Fund

General Session: Artificial Intelligence: Unlocking AI for Small & Diverse Businesses

11:00 - 11:40 AM

• Cecil Plummer
  Co-Founder - AI Ally Works
  Member, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance

Power Hour Lunch: Impact in Action

12:00 - 12:50 PM

• Jose Plascencia (Moderator)
  Business Owner/Principal - Jose Plascencia Allstate Agency 
  Member, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance
• Dana C. Arnett
  CEO - Wicked Bionic
• Chandara K. Phanachone
  Chief, Office of Insurance Diversity & Innovation - California Department of Insurance
• Sharon Senko
  Business Development Officer - Inclusive Action for the City

General Session: Access to Capital & Succession Planning

1:00 - 1:40 PM

• Tommy Smith (Moderator)
  Manager, Economic Impact, Impact Spending - Kaiser Permanente
  Member, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance
• Leigh Kearns
  Economic Development Specialist, Los Angeles District Office - U.S. Small Business Administration
• Mark Morales
  Vice President - AmPac Business Capital
  Member, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance
• Lily Otieno
  Director of Supply Chain Development and Optimization - SoCalGas & SDGE

Closing Remarks

1:40 - 1:50 PM

• Julia Juarez
  Deputy Commissioner, Community Relations & Outreach Branch - California Department of Insurance

Matchmaking Roundtables

2:00 - 3:00 PM

Finding the right fit for your company to prosper is the key to unlocking greater innovation, especially when it comes to contracting and procurement. Business Matchmaking Roundtables are an opportunity for small and diverse businesses to meet with insurance company sourcing and procurement representatives and share more about their products and services.

Interested participants must register for the Summit to join the waitlist. Once registered you may send your capabilities statement to diversity@insurance.ca.gov. Limited in-person spots are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the event.

• Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner (Moderator)
  CEO - Veterans in Business Network
  Member, Insurance Diversity Task Force - California Department of Insurance