With rising costs of everyday items, many are more reluctant to dip their toe into the gig economy to help hedge against inflation. Generally emerging leaders have a ‘side hustle’ to assist with other financial goals and sometimes overlook the liability implications that can sometimes come with these quick and easy part-time roles. The Emerging Leaders Committee is hosting a webinar to shed light on some of these gaps and help highlight resources that could assist others on making sure they are fully protected.
Presenters:
Marcella R. Beasley, MA, CIC, CISR
Regional Senior Underwriter - Commercial
Capital Insurance Group
Marcella is currently a Regional Senior Underwriter in Commercial Lines for Capital Insurance Group (CIG), focusing on property, auto, liability, and umbrella/excess coverages. Starting her career almost 10 years ago in the mail room of a local broker, she worked her way up from mail clerk to a top Account Manager that specialized in Middle Market construction. While maintaining a large book of business, Marcella has been very involved in the insurance industry through networking, association memberships, professional development, and continuing education. It is through these interactions and opportunities that she wanted to move into underwriting.
In the Fall of 2021, CIG took a ‘risk’ and gave Marcella the opportunity to pursue her professional career goal of working as an Underwriter. In addition to obtaining 12 designations, she has been awarded the 2019, 2020, and 2021 CSR of the Year for California with the National Alliance of Insurance Education & Research, placing as a Top 5 Finalist each year. She was also named a 2020 IBA Rising Star, a 2020 Rising Insurance Star Executive, and the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP) Young New Professional and Risk Management Professional of the Year. Marcella’s plans include advancing her career with CIG, staying involved in the insurance industry, and pursuing her CPCU designation.
Desiré Galanos, CPCU, AINS, API (Moderator)
Sr. Assoc SCS Operations Specialist
Amica Specialty Group at Amica Mutual Insurance Company
Desiré is a Sr. Associate SCS Operations Specialist in the Amica Specialty Group at Amica Mutual Insurance Company. She started her insurance career six years ago after graduating from Bryant University with her finance and applied analytics degree. Desiré was accepted into Amica’s Future Leaders Program, where she was placed in a branch operation in Oregon, managing a team of customer service representatives, underwriting personal line products like auto, home, and umbrellas policies, and working on special projects. Her love for developing her team and innovation led her to work on different projects and teams across the country.
Desiré believes in making an impact both inside and outside the office. She has worked with many non-profit organizations and currently sits on two boards; Greater Than, an Oregon nonprofit that breaks down barriers for disadvantaged students through education and Junior Achievement of Central Virginia, another nonprofit that teaches financial literacy to K-12 students to equip them with skills for their future.
As a lifelong learner and insurance enthusiast, she has received four different designations expanding across underwriting and claims. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a CPCU designee in 2019. Desiré currently serves on the Emerging Leaders and 3iG committee within the CPCU society and continues to make lasting connections by doing the work that positively impacts her community. Her passion for the insurance industry is fueled by the hope of bringing more young professionals and people of diverse backgrounds into the fold.