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Lynn Abhulimen

Antares partners with Equity
Antares partners with Equity 1920 1003 Equity

Antares partners with Equity on recruitment and talent to advance inclusivity

 

Equity City and Antares are delighted to announce the launch of a new recruitment and engagement partnership. Antares, the global provider of trusted insurance and reinsurance solutions, is committed to fostering a diverse work environment through its culture of excellence and focus on learning and development.

As part of this ambition, Antares will now work with Equity on programs around several key areas, including:
• Building diverse, high-performing teams.
• Creating engaging environments through community events and initiatives.
• Attracting and retaining talented individuals from all walks of life.

Chief Executive Officer of Antares, Michael van der Straaten, commented “Teaming up with Equity City amplifies our ability to attract and elevate diverse talent. By fusing their recruitment expertise with Antares’ innovative insurance approach and focus on bringing a diverse set of next-generation talent into the insurance market, we’re reshaping the future of talent and development at every level within Antares. Further, by empowering and celebrating diverse talent, Antares also supports the wider market vision of creating an inclusive sector where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

Junior Garba, CEO & Cofounder at Equity City said: “Equity City is proud to partner with Antares. Together, we’re driven by a shared commitment to building diverse, high-performing teams and creating more inclusive and positive workplace cultures. Through this partnership, we aim to attract and support talented individuals from all walks of life, with a focus on those that are underrepresented, ensuring every perspective is celebrated. Their commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented talent aligns perfectly with our mission to build a more inclusive sector.”

About Antares

Antares provides local and international insurance and reinsurance capacity, risks transfer solutions and products through our Lloyd’s and company market platforms operating from our regional hubs in the UK, EEA, Bermuda, Singapore and Qatar. We cover complex international business risks to local retail SME and consumer personal lines. Our world-wide group of companies and employees are united by expertise, excellence and efficiency.

About Equity

Equity is a recruitment agency and network dedicated to addressing under-representation in the Insurance industry and the City by fostering vibrant communities and breaking down barriers.
We work with Insurers and City firms to connect our community of more than 10,000 students and professionals with firms through engaging events, incisive research, impactful mentoring, and active recruitment.

 

 

 

Celebrating Apprentices: Sahra Issa’s Journey
Celebrating Apprentices: Sahra Issa’s Journey 913 1166 Equity

Celebrating Apprentices: Sahra Issa’s Journey at Howden

 

At Equity City, we’re proud to highlight the impact and importance of apprenticeships in shaping successful   careers and creating more accessible, diverse workplaces. We’re doing this by highlighting inspiring apprenticeship stories from professionals who have taken this exciting career path. Today, we’re featuring Sahra Issa, a Bid Management Apprentice at Howden, who shares her experience, achievements, and future aspirations.

 

Why I Chose an Apprenticeship Program

For me, university never really felt like the right fit. I wanted a hands-on learning experience where I could develop real-world skills while earning a qualification. When I discovered apprenticeships, I knew it was the perfect route—it offered the opportunity to gain practical experience while still progressing academically. The blend of learning and working just made so much more sense compared to traditional education.

My Proudest Achievement So Far

One of my proudest moments so far has been participating in design projects and preparing research presentations for clients. It’s rewarding to see my work have a direct impact. But beyond specific projects, I feel a deep sense of pride every day just by coming into the office, knowing that I am valued and needed by my team.

My Career Aspirations After My Apprenticeship

I want to continue growing, both professionally and personally. My goal is to develop the confidence to take full responsibility for projects, knowing that my skills and knowledge will support me. Learning doesn’t stop with an apprenticeship, and I’m excited to keep pushing myself every day to become the best version of myself in my career and beyond.


Thank you, Sahra, for sharing your journey! Apprenticeships provide a fantastic alternative to traditional education, helping individuals gain practical skills and industry experience.

 

 

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship, let us help you find the right opportunity. Join our candidate pool here.

Discover Diwali: A Festival of Lights and Tradition
Discover Diwali: A Festival of Lights and Tradition 1687 1103 Equity

What is Diwali?

Diwali’s literal meaning is “a row of lights,” and it is celebrated by lighting oil lamps (called diyas) or candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. The exact traditions and stories behind Diwali vary across regions and faiths, but its central theme is the celebration of hope, renewal, and positivity.

Why is Diwali Celebrated?

The reasons for celebrating Diwali differ based on cultural and regional traditions, but these are the most widely known stories:

  1. Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya (Hindu Tradition): One of the most famous stories associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps to celebrate his homecoming, marking the triumph of good over evil.
  2. The Victory of Lord Krishna Over Narakasura: In some parts of India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of divine forces over evil forces.
  3. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi (Hindu Tradition): Diwali is also considered a time to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on Diwali night, she visits homes to bless them with wealth, peace, and happiness. This is why many people clean and decorate their houses, hoping to welcome her blessings.
  4. Sikh Tradition (Bandi Chhor Divas): For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, which celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Sikhs light lamps and celebrate the release of their leader and the spirit of freedom.
  5. Jain Tradition: Diwali is important for Jains as it marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers), attained nirvana (spiritual enlightenment).
  6. New Year Celebration: In some regions of India, Diwali is celebrated as the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Businesspeople close their books for the year, perform religious ceremonies, and pray for success in the coming year.

Importance of Diwali as a Community

Diwali has deep cultural and spiritual significance, and its celebration strengthens the bonds within families, communities, and societies at large. Here’s why Diwali is important to the community as a whole:

  1. Unity and Inclusivity: Diwali transcends religious and cultural boundaries, making it an inclusive festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists alike. It serves as a reminder of the shared values of love, peace, and mutual respect. It also brings people together, regardless of their faith, as communities gather for festive meals, prayers, and socialising.
  2. Strengthening Family and Social Ties: Diwali is traditionally a time for family reunions and gatherings. Families clean and decorate their homes, prepare sweets and festive meals, exchange gifts, and come together for prayer and celebration. This strengthens familial bonds and fosters a sense of community well-being.
  3. Celebration of Hope and Renewal: Diwali symbolises a fresh start and new beginnings. The festival encourages individuals and communities to let go of negativity and past grievances, embrace positive change, and look forward to a brighter future. Lighting lamps and bursting fireworks are seen as acts of dispelling darkness and evil, bringing hope and prosperity to all.
  4. Acts of Charity and Compassion: During Diwali, many people engage in charitable acts and service to the less fortunate. Communities organise food and clothing drives, and families often donate to those in need. This emphasis on charity and sharing makes Diwali a time of collective goodwill.
  5. Economic Importance: Diwali plays a crucial role in boosting the economy, particularly in India. It is a time for new purchases, from clothes to gold to electronics, and marks the beginning of the festive shopping season. Markets come alive with people buying decorations, sweets, and gifts, helping small businesses and artisans thrive. The economic activity during Diwali positively impacts the entire community.
  6. Cultural Preservation: Diwali’s rituals and customs help preserve cultural identity, especially for those living in diaspora communities. Celebrating Diwali in different parts of the world allows people to reconnect with their heritage, pass down traditions to younger generations, and celebrate the richness of their culture within a broader multicultural context.

Diwali’s Message to the World

Diwali’s message of hope, light, and unity has universal appeal. It reminds everyone of the importance of goodness, compassion, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. As communities gather to celebrate, it strengthens the idea that collective well-being, mutual respect, and kindness are essential for a harmonious society.

In summary, Diwali is much more than just a religious festival. It is a time for reflection, togetherness, and renewal, reinforcing shared human values. Its celebration as a community brings people together, fosters social unity, and offers an opportunity for hope and new beginnings, making it an occasion of immense significance for people all over the world.

Argenta Partners With Equity
Argenta Partners With Equity 2048 1152 Equity

Equity, an award-winning diversity network and recruitment agency committed to boosting Black & minority ethnic representation within insurance, is pleased to announce that underwriting and insurance services group Argenta has joined as a bronze sponsor of Equity.

This collaboration aims to enhance Argenta’s efforts in fostering an inclusive workplace and attracting and retaining the best talent.

 

“Argenta is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining talent from all backgrounds. This involves creating recruitment strategies that reach the broadest possible audience and fostering a culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed. We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with Equity, as their expertise will play a crucial role in enhancing our diversity and inclusion efforts” said Nick Moore, Group CEO of Argenta.

“Equity is pleased to welcome Argenta onboard as a bronze partner. Following on from our discussions with Argenta and hearing more about their Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, we are confident that we can work together to achieve our goal of addressing ethnic underrepresentation in the insurance industry. We are very much looking forward to supporting them on their journey”, commented Godwin Sosi, Co-Founder & CBO of Equity.

About Argenta

Argenta Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Hannover Re, is the parent company of Argenta Syndicate Management Ltd (“ASML”) and of Argenta Private Capital Limited (“APCL”), which provides investor capacity to the Lloyd’s market of £4.3 billion for 2024.

https://www.argentagroup.com

About Equity

Equity is a recruitment agency and network dedicated to addressing under-representation in the Insurance industry and the City by fostering vibrant communities and breaking down barriers.

We work with Insurers and City firms to connect our community of more than 10,000 students and professionals with firms through engaging events, incisive research, impactful mentoring, and active recruitment.

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Equity Announced as Inclusive Futures Partner
Equity Announced as Inclusive Futures Partner 1920 585 Equity

Equity Announced as Lloyd’s Inclusive Futures Delivery Partner to help Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Insurance

Equity is proud to announce its participation in the newly formed Inclusive Futures Coalition, spearheaded by Lloyd’s, the world’s leading marketplace for insurance and reinsurance. This coalition is the collective of market firms and delivery partners behind the Inclusive Futures programme of initiatives launched in November 2023.

The Inclusive Futures programme aims to create lasting, meaningful change by enabling Black and ethnically diverse individuals to thrive and progress from the classroom to the boardroom. These initiatives were shaped by feedback from over 250 Black and ethnically diverse professionals within the Lloyd’s market, and insights from finance, academia, and diversity and inclusion (D&I) experts.

Coalition members

The Coalition consists of eight market firms: Arch, AXA XL, Beazley, Chubb, Hiscox, Howden, MS Amlin and Tokio Marine Kiln; and three delivery partners: Equity, Green Park and the Lloyd’s of London Foundation.

Initiatives

The Coalition will fund and enable Inclusive Futures’ three flagship initiatives:

  • Higher education bursaries: Starting in September, the Lloyd’s of London Foundation – in partnership with the Cowrie Foundation and Black Heart Foundation – will provide bursaries for hundreds of Black and ethnically diverse students undertaking undergraduate degrees in disciplines aligned to risk and insurance. Applications will open in early summer via lloyds.com.
  • Early careers talent pool: The Coalition will work with market diversity firm Equity to create a talent pool of top-quality early careers and entry-level talent from Black and ethnically diverse backgrounds. These individuals will have undertaken pre-assessment, Lloyd’s market familiarisation and assessment and interview coaching.
  • Board talent pool: Run by diverse recruitment specialist Green Park, the talent pool for Board-level candidates will map and equip Black and ethnically diverse candidates to be ready for executive and ‘executive minus one’ roles in the market. Founding partners of the Coalition will have priority access to these candidates alongside executive search consultancy services. Market mapping around five areas of Board succession will begin in June 2024.

These initiatives will be connected to a mentoring & sponsorship programme, launching in September and managed by Lloyd’s, to connect bursary recipients and individuals from the early careers talent pool with sponsors from founding member firms. We will provide regular updates on these initiatives to show the impact they are having.

Bruce Carnegie-Brown, Chairman of Lloyd’s, said: “Lloyd’s launched Inclusive Futures to make our market and society more inclusive. We are now expanding our ambition for what we can achieve by launching the Inclusive Futures Coalition, harnessing the capabilities of our market and delivery partners to increase the impact of Inclusive Futures in delivering lasting change.”

Junior Garba, Co-Founder & CEO of Equity, said: “Equity is honoured to collaborate with Lloyd’s and our fellow coalition members to foster a more inclusive and diverse marketplace. By investing in initiatives that support Black and ethnically diverse talent, we are taking concrete steps to ensure diversity is woven into the fabric of our industry. Our role in developing the early careers talent pool is crucial in ensuring that the next generation of leaders reflects the rich diversity of our society, bringing fresh perspectives and driving innovation within the industry.”

Raj Tulsiani, CEO and Founder of Green Park, said: “Green Park is proud to be the executive search delivery partner of the Inclusive Futures initiative, bringing over 17 years of experience changing the face and composition of leadership teams. Our data, insights and experience tell us there is still much work to be done to achieve equity of opportunity at leadership and pipeline level for those from diverse backgrounds, but insurance has rarely been as an attractive industry as it is now.
It’s why we are delighted to see the commitment from the coalition members to partner with us to sustainably change their ability to attract and retain rare and transformational talent from all backgrounds, based on performance and culture, to company boards.”

Hugh Sturgess, CEO of Arch Insurance International, said: “We are proud to be part of this pioneering initiative to attract, retain and develop diverse talent in our industry. Creating more opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds benefits everyone, as it brings together individuals with varied experiences and backgrounds to spark new ideas, improve decision making and ensure we are drawing from the widest talent pools.”

Andrew Carrier, CEO of MS Amlin, said: “Ethnicity should never be a barrier to success. By widening opportunity from the classroom to the boardroom, we can create a more diverse marketplace, and an industry that is truly representative of the communities we serve, both domestically and internationally. Supporting Inclusive Futures is a cornerstone investment for us, working with our coalition partners to create a better, fairer more representative marketplace.”

 

For full details of the Inclusive Futures programme visit: https://www.lloyds.com/inclusivefutures

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