OUR SCHOLARS & IMPACT

Ambition, supported.
Possibility, expanded.

Investing in ambitious students and powering the future of Risk Management & Insurance.

Meet our scholars

THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR PURPOSE

Empowering tomorrow’s insurance leaders.

At The LAAIA Foundation, we believe removing financial barriers for talented students is an investment in the future of the insurance industry.

Through university partnerships, we support students pursuing Risk Management & Insurance and related academic disciplines. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, connecting recipients with career and internship opportunities through our corporate partners.

15 scholarsRecognizing recipients from 2021 to 2026
Education with purposeRMI and related business disciplines
Career connectionsOpportunities through corporate partners

2026

Scholarship recipients

4 scholars
Adrian ArroyoReceiving the LAAIA Scholarship means a great deal to me because it recognizes the hard work I've put into my education and career goals.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

Receiving the LAAIA Scholarship means a great deal to me because it recognizes the hard work I've put into my education and career goals. As a Finance major with a minor in Risk Management at the University of South Florida, this scholarship will help relieve some of the financial pressure of college and allow me to focus on gaining valuable experience through internships and professional development. As someone who hopes to build a career in the insurance industry, I'm grateful for LAAIA's support and encouragement, and I'm excited to continue growing while giving back to the profession and community in the future.

Adrian Arroyo

University of South Florida

Dimas AlvarezBeing selected as a recipient of the LAAIA scholarship is an incredible honor and one that means the world to me.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

Being selected as a recipient of the LAAIA scholarship is an incredible honor and one that means the world to me. I was born in Cuba, and my family left everything behind to build a better future in the United States, so this recognition is a meaningful reminder that their hard work and sacrifices have been worth it. As I continue building my career in the insurance industry, I hope to give back to the Hispanic community by serving families in both English and Spanish with someone who understands not only their language but also their background and needs. I am truly grateful to LAAIA for believing in me and for investing in the next generation of insurance professionals.

Dimas Alvarez

University of South Florida

Evaristo SotoI must give my greatest heartfelt thanks for the impact that this scholarship will have upon the rest of my time at USF.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

I must give my greatest heartfelt thanks for the impact that this scholarship will have upon the rest of my time at USF. The LAAIA Scholarship will relieve the financial burden placed upon my shoulders by USF. With this renewed vigor I can turn my attention to greater heights in pursuit of enlightenment. There is no place I would rather be than where I currently stand. As I know certainly, that it is through the might of God that I have been given license to be where I am today.

Evaristo Soto

University of South Florida

BV

Brian-Valdes Moreno

University of South Florida

2025

Scholarship recipients

4 scholars
Jayda RamosReceiving the LAAIA scholarship means more to me than just financial support—it’s a powerful reminder that my hard work, dreams, and potential are seen and valued.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

Receiving the LAAIA scholarship means more to me than just financial support—it’s a powerful reminder that my hard work, dreams, and potential are seen and valued. This opportunity not only helps ease the financial challenges of pursuing my education, but it also motivates me to keep striving toward a future where I can make a meaningful impact in my community and this industry. I’m deeply grateful for LAAIA’s belief in me, and I hope to one day pay it forward by helping others the way this organization has helped me.

Jayda Ramos

University of South Florida

Micheal MillerThis scholarship from LAAIA will directly support my education by relieving financial pressures, and allow me to focus more on my coursework and professional development.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

This scholarship from LAAIA will directly support my education by relieving financial pressures, and allow me to focus more on my coursework and professional development. With this support, I plan on pursuing my major in Risk Management and Insurance at USF, and explore opportunities in the Tampa Bay Area.

Micheal Miller

University of South Florida

Tushar ShivdasaniI am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship and grateful to the LAAIA for recognizing my efforts as a student at the University of South Florida.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

I am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship and grateful to the LAAIA for recognizing my efforts as a student at the University of South Florida. This opportunity motivates me to continue looking for excellence and to give back to the community that believes in my potential. Thank you for your generous support and encouragement.

Tushar Shivdasani

University of South Florida

Javier CassisThank you for this opportunity and for supporting my education.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

Thank you for this opportunity and for supporting my education. This scholarship means a lot to me, as it helps me stay focused on my professional goals and motivated to keep growing.

Javier Cassis

University of South Florida

2024

Scholarship recipients

2 scholars
Alejandro Mendoza LunattiReceiving the LAAIA Scholarship was an important part of my academic and professional development.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

Receiving the LAAIA Scholarship was an important part of my academic and professional development. The financial support allowed me to focus more fully on my studies while continuing to explore my interests within the insurance industry, particularly actuarial science, risk modeling, and catastrophe risk. As part of the scholarship experience, I also had the opportunity to attend the LAAIA conference, where I was able to meet and learn from Latino insurance professionals and other industry leaders. That experience gave me valuable exposure to different areas of the insurance industry and helped me better understand the opportunities available within the field. The scholarship also helped me continue building the academic foundation that later led me to pursue a master’s degree in Data Science, where I was able to strengthen both my technical and business skills and explore topics related to insurance risk and catastrophe modeling. I am very grateful to the LAAIA Foundation for investing in my education and professional development. Their support helped me continue preparing for a career where I hope to apply actuarial, data science, and risk management skills to make a meaningful contribution to the insurance industry.

Alejandro Mendoza Lunatti

LAAIA Scholarship Recipient

Manuel MartorellI am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the LAAIA Scholarship.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the LAAIA Scholarship.

Manuel Martorell

LAAIA Scholarship Recipient

2023

Scholarship recipients

2 scholars
Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes

University of Nebraska

Gabriel Garcia

Gabriel Garcia

Dordt University

2022

Scholarship recipients

1 scholar
Omar Gonzales

Omar Gonzales

LAAIA Scholarship Recipient

2021

Scholarship recipients

2 scholars
Andrea OrtizThe insurance industry plays such a critical role in economic growth that its connection to various business sectors allows Insurance to provide multiple networking and career growth opportunities.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

The insurance industry plays such a critical role in economic growth that its connection to various business sectors allows Insurance to provide multiple networking and career growth opportunities. No matter your skill set, there is always a job available for your interests and talents.

Andrea Ortiz

St. John's University

Bianca AnchondoA career in Insurance is an exciting career option for young people because it is a way to give back.Read full quote +In their words

IN THEIR WORDS

A career in Insurance is an exciting career option for young people because it is a way to give back. I am excited to work within the risk management field because I can use my skill set to help those in need. Working in insurance is an admirable profession because it helps those in crisis rebound with minimal stress. Insurance is constantly changing and evolving, which makes it an exciting profession.

Bianca Anchondo

LAAIA Scholarship Recipient

FROM EDUCATION TO OPPORTUNITY

A pathway built around students.

01 / UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

Start with education.

We partner with colleges and universities offering accredited Risk Management & Insurance degree programs.

02 / SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION

Recognize potential.

Students apply through their university’s scholarship portal. School committees evaluate applicants and submit qualified candidates based on shared selection criteria.

03 / CAREER CONNECTIONS

Build what comes next.

Scholarship recipients are considered for internship opportunities made available through our network of corporate donors.

INVEST IN THEIR NEXT CHAPTER

Sponsor a scholar.
Open a door.

Help fund a student’s education or offer an internship that connects academic ambition with professional experience.

Connect with the Foundation