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Darian Baker is a student at Southern University and A&M College, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in risk management and insurance. He is passionate about building a career in underwriting, with particular interests in aviation, sports and entertainment, and liquor liability, while remaining open to exploring other areas within the industry. Darian is dedicated to developing a strong foundation in risk assessment strategies. Outside of academics, he enjoys watching sports such as football, basketball and MotoGP. In his free time, Darian also enjoys working and repairing vehicles and motorcycles. He values hands-on problem solving, being able to adapt and adjust, and applying practical skills to real-world challenges.
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Zakayla Beaton is currently pursuing a major in political science with a minor in Latinx, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, while continuing to grow as a dedicated dancer. She is always working to improve her technique and challenge herself creatively by learning new things. Outside of dance, Zakayla enjoys reading, as it helps her relax and expand my imagination. Reading also inspires her by providing her with insight she can apply in the real world. In the future, Zakayla hopes to become an immigration lawyer so she can support and help individuals and families find better opportunities during difficult times. She believes that her experiences can help her develop discipline, confidence and communication skills that will support her in reaching her goals. As a 2026 student scholar, she is excited to learn, connect with others, and continue developing both personally and professionally.
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Kevin Blickley is a junior at Temple University's Fox School of Business in Philadelphia, majoring in actuarial science. Kevin currently serves as vice president of professional development at Gamma Iota Sigma, Sigma Chapter, an insurance, risk management and actuarial science professional fraternity. Kevin is also an actuarial intern in the health insurance industry, working on a pricing support team for a Medicare Advantage company. He values curiosity, lifelong learning and building meaningful connections with those around him. Outside of his academic and professional endeavors, Kevin enjoys listening to jazz, playing saxophone, cooking new recipes and traveling the world. He hopes to use his skills and experiences to one day make positive and lasting impacts on the insurance industry and the communities that they serve.
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Rheanna Cayetano is a legal secretary in the Criminal Division of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, where she supports the administration of criminal cases and contributes to the efficient operation of the justice system. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and certifications in nonprofit management and professional grant writing. Rheanna’s professional background includes experience working with youth, families and underserved communities through roles in public service and community-based organizations. These experiences shaped her commitment to ethical governance, community-centered public service and effective organizational systems. She is particularly interested in how risk management strategies can strengthen public institutions, support informed decision-making and improve accountability in government. Rheanna is passionate about continuing to grow as a public sector professional and engaging with leaders dedicated to advancing innovation and best practices in public risk management.
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Tiffany Cummings has worked with the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence as a graduate research assistant, where she led the research and writing of the Cybersecurity Primer for Oregon Leaders. This resource is designed to aid both public and private sector leaders in understanding and responding to cyber risks in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Tiffany is currently pursuing a PhD in public affairs and policy at Portland State University, and expects to graduate in June 2028. Her research focuses on collaborative governance and how policy design features influence implementation and outcomes. She brings a background in criminology and trauma-informed systems to her policy work, and she is particularly interested in how entities build resilient, collaborative responses to complex challenges. Her work emphasizes practical policy solutions that bridge research, governance and real-world implementation.
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Mason Dingee is a junior at Michigan State University (MSU), majoring in advertising management with a minor in insurance and risk management. At MSU, Mason is developing a strong foundation in marketing strategy, branding and communication while also learning how organizations manage risk and protect their assets. He is interested in how advertising and risk management work together to help businesses grow and operate successfully. As Mason continues his studies, he hopes to gain real-world experience in the insurance and risk management industry. In the future, he plans to build a career in the insurance field and is interested in potentially running his own insurance company.
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Kristen Gutierrez is a graduating senior at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, majoring in applied economics with a minor in finance. She is deeply passionate about public service and is actively pursuing a career in public risk management. Specifically, Kristen is interested in claims management and using risk analytics to protect the financial stability of municipalities and school districts. On campus, she serves as the president of the Economics Club, where she leads student engagement and promotes real-world discussions around economics and finance. Kristen also recently represented her university in the CFA Institute Research Challenge, conducting complex financial and ESG analysis. She is incredibly honored to be selected as a 2026 PRIMA Student Scholar and looks forward to leveraging her quantitative skills to advocate for vulnerable communities and ensure public resources are effectively stewarded.
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Gage Link is a business management student with a concentration in human resource management at Austin Peay State University. He currently serves as an administrative specialist with Montgomery County Government, supporting compliance, employee engagement, investigations, benefits audits and recruitment within the public sector. Gage developed and currently leads a county-wide employee recognition program supporting over 1,500 employees and securing 10 community sponsors. He serves as a student ambassador for The Press Clarksville, advancing workforce development and community engagement. Gage is a Dean’s List student who co-authored and presented research on artificial intelligence adoption in organizations at the Society of Business, Industry, and Economics Conference. He presented to the Tennessee State Workforce Development Operations Committee as a representative of Workforce Essentials and has been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Gage also served as president of Kappa Alpha Order at Austin Peay State University. He is interested in human resources, risk management and organizational leadership.
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Charles Mclaughlin is a dual major student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business administration with concentrations in finance/insurance & risk management, with an expected graduation in May 2027. He earned his associate’s degree in business administration from the College of Southern Nevada and was honored to be named to the Dean’s List. Through his experience in customer service and hospitality roles, Charles has developed strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments. His background in leadership positions, including serving as a swim captain and lifeguard, has taught him responsibility, discipline and the importance of supporting others. As a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, Charles continues to build professional connections and gain insight into the industry. He is especially interested in pursuing a career in finance, insurance or risk management. Charles is grateful to be a PRIMA scholarship recipient and looks forward to making an impact in his field.
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Samantha Staromana is a third-year student at St. John’s University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in risk management and insurance. She is the incoming treasurer of Student Government Inc., a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, and is actively involved on campus through Campus Activities and Public Safety. Samantha has gained industry experience through internships with Travelers and CVS, and will be interning with FM this upcoming summer. She loves the insurance industry and is currently exploring different career paths within the field. She recently participated in a global destination course, visiting insurance companies in London, Zurich, Munich and Bermuda, which helped broaden her perspective on the industry. She enjoys connecting with new people and building meaningful relationships, especially through risk management events. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time in the city, golfing and doing nails for her residence hall community.
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