Celebrating Our Roots as Part of International Women's Day 2024

Women are the power behind some of the greatest technological breakthroughs of modern times, including the first computer programs; the invention of the compiler, which translates English language instructions (a function essential to Generative AI and AI for Insurance); and the development of the Graphical User Interface you're using to read this blog!  

International Women’s Day (#IWD2024), March 8, is a fitting occasion to reflect on progress and celebrate the achievements of women in insurance.  IWD2024’s campaign theme is “#InsipreInclusion." As human-centered businesses, insurance and AI for Insurance rise or fall on the ability to attract, develop and retain the best people.  

We asked some of our Roots Automation colleagues to give their points of view on being a woman working in Insurtech.  

Sharing their thoughts are:  

Tanya Meneses. Director - Philippines Operations

Blaire Huhta, Demand Marketing Manager

Shauna Waldron, Sales Development Representative

Lyn Baduria, Business Analyst

Alyson Taylor, Account Executive‍‍

What sparked your interest in insurance, and in Roots Automation in general?

Tanya Meneses (TM): "It's been over two decades since I started my career in the Insurance industry, and being able to understand its complexity, and share that knowledge has been fulfilling.  

"Technology has evolved over the years, and this is where my time with Roots Automation has been fulfilling. Our products really are “making work more human.” The frustration I saw and experienced working in insurance are being addressed by our Digital Coworkers, which are helping to elevate today’s workers and opening doors to more meaningful careers."

Blaire Huhta (BH): "I don’t have an insurance background. What really sparked my interest in the insurance space was seeing so much mundane labor that wasn't being automated.  

"Professionally, I look to be part of something innovative. When I saw Roots products in action – how they can change the how insurance people work--joining the team was a no-brainer. "‍

Shauna Waldron (SW): "I came to Roots Automation from a business development background to expand my knowledge of the insurance industry and Artificial Intelligence. I wanted to work with a company focused on AI because of the positive impact it could have on other businesses."  

Lyn Baduria (LB): "Before I came to Roots Automation, I kind of “fell into” insurance, when I applied for a job with a carrier without really knowing about the business.  

"I first learned about workers compensation insurance, and then life insurance and retirement planning products. I was with this company for 12 years and, yet I was still learning new things every day!"  

What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in Insurtech?

TM: "Being a woman leader in a tech industry gives me a sense of pride knowing that I have overcome the challenge of proving women are equals as technology leaders, despite what [present diversity and inclusion] statistics show."

BH: "While I personally have not really experienced much gender discrimination in my tech career, I have occasionally experienced "Imposter Syndrome" – when I doubt my accomplishments and skill level. This has at times caused me to feel quite isolated and excluded in a male-dominated industry. "

LB: "I can't recall anything; I think my knowledge of insurance helped me to progress in my career. I started in customer service and ended up leading a unit of 90 insurance professionals in the life and retirement division. And now here at Roots I am using that knowledge to ensure that we understand the customer's businesses and needs."

AT: "Tech sales in general is a male-dominated field. This is especially true at the enterprise sales level, which requires a lot of travel, late nights, and other obligations making things extremely tough for parents. I would love to see more women in leadership, both in insurance and sales in general."

What resources or programs do you believe could benefit women in your field?

TM: "Being part of a group – employee resource groups, professional networks, social or religious circles – is vital for encouraging and empowering women to lead or step into unfamiliar/unconventional waters. Communities like these can boost self-esteem and make women realize they can succeed in whatever field they choose."

BH: "I am a part of Together Digital, a community of women working in the digital space across North America, which has been invaluable to furthering my career. I believe women need more communities with shared goals and challenges, to feel empowered to speak out and help others experiencing similar obstacles as women in tech."

SW: "Having groups in both tech and insurance for women to connect in I think is a huge benefit. Women with the opportunity to build communities give support and help each other grow."

AT: "Women who have attained positions of leadership need to be pillars of support for those following behind. The Women’s Leadership Forum at InsureTech Connect Las Vegas 2023 was a great gathering. Opportunities where we all can come together to bond and create ideas will really help the next generation of women."

Have any industry professionals significantly impacted your career?

TM: "Definitely, I’m glad to have many people who’ve recognized and genuinely believed in my talent; who saw beyond gender, ethnicity, and background; and who challenged me to go beyond limits and inspired me by 'walking the walk.'”

BH: "I can honestly say that having strong women in leadership positions has shown me that it is possible for women to succeed in high level roles. A former manager of mine remains one of my mentors and serves as a role model as she continues to break stereotypes and make huge strides in the tech world."

AT: "I have quite a few mentors and role models in the sales world, as well as quite a few among our customers and prospects here at Roots."

LB: "So many people I have worked with these past years, my mentor here at Roots Automation, Tanya [Meneses], who has encouraged me to learn more about insurance."

Thank you to our contributors for their answers – and for everything they do to make Roots Automation a leader in AI for Insurance.

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