Meet Rachel:
My name is Rachel B. and I am an Underwriter with the Small Business Unit at Nonprofits Insurance Alliance.
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I am originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in Hendersonville, but I currently I live in the Piedmont near Greensboro, NC.
Rachel meets NIA:
How long have you worked at NIA?
I have been with NIA since October 2021.
What did you do before that?
In 2005, I graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, with a BSBA, double majoring in Finance and Banking and Risk and Insurance. I got my first job in insurance my last semester there.
Since then, I have held various roles in the insurance industry, including sales, service, training, and management.
NIA Underwriter Rachel B. shows her support for her alma mater, Appalachian State University, where she double majored in Finance and Banking and Risk and Insurance.
How did you come to find NIA?
I was ready to take on a new challenge and go into an underwriting role on the company side, something I had not done before.
I’ve always appreciated the work nonprofits did and wanted to be a part of that by using my talents and expertise to help them achieve their goals.
Rachel’s NIA Career:
Tell us about the growth of your career at NIA.
I began my career at NIA as an Associate Underwriter. It was the perfect spot for me to learn about NIA’s philosophy and get to know my teammates.
I learned a tremendous amount in that role that really prepared me thoroughly to apply when an Underwriter opening became available on the Small Business Unit. I never anticipated being promoted so quickly, but I felt amazingly prepared and ready to learn more.
My manager provided one-on-one support for me during the transition until I felt confident in my new role. We continue to check in daily in addition to having dedicated one on one meetings.
I love what I do on the SBU team and am looking forward to additional opportunities to advance on the Underwriting team.
Do you like working remotely? How often do you go into the office?
I love working remotely and would not have it any other way. Simply put, it has allowed me to strike the ideal work/life balance.
I can prepare my own meals, go on walks, and hang out with my dogs and still have a productive workday.
Do you feel you have a good work/life balance?
I have a good work/life balance that allows me to take my dogs to enrichment activities several times per week, travel to see family, and spend time in my garden.
Because of this, I’m better able to manage stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed. I feel more engaged and mindful while I am working because I have the time and space to take care of myself.
Are your ideas heard and acted on? Can you provide a short example/story?
Open communication and the sharing of ideas are encouraged at NIA. Creativity and innovation are encouraged, not stifled. I have contributed ideas to my own performance plan and have been able to shape my own experience here at NIA.
Have you taken advantage of any of the continuing education opportunities that NIA offers?
NIA has supported me as I have continued to work on my CIC designation. I have also been able to maintain my P&C license by taking the necessary flood and ethics courses.
Do you feel supported and respected by the people you work with?
Very much so, especially with my manager and team. I have received good feedback and can really tell our leadership team cares. My manager is always available for any questions and treats me with kindness and respect.
Working remotely with NIA gives Underwriter Rachel B. more time to devote to her passion for gardening and growing beautiful dahlias.
Rachel’s Impact:
Can you tell us about some of your favorite/memorable nonprofits that we work with?
I consider myself fortunate to have worked with many different nonprofits across the spectrum.
I have a special place in my heart for a couple of animal sanctuary nonprofits I’ve had the privilege to work with: Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary and Dominifarm Animal Sanctuary.
These nonprofits provide a permanent, safe home for farm animals that are otherwise unwanted. They give these animals a voice to tell their own unique story while educating us about the beauty and worth of each species.
How has your work at NIA affected your life and/or community involvement?
Joining NIA has provided me with the opportunity to understand more of some of the complexities of the challenges we face in this country and worldwide.
In turn, I have been inspired to use my voice and talent to get involved in more meaningful ways.
For instance, last year NIA incorporated one of my professional goals to include volunteer hours with Triad Golden Retriever Rescue.
By the end of August, I had helped heal and shelter six different foster dogs, each with their own backstory and personality. It was an unforgettable experience.
