Today we’d like to introduce you to LaSeante’ Thurman.
Hi LaSeante’, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from the Chicagoland area and bring 17 years of diverse experience in the insurance industry. Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, a Master’s in Human Resources Management, and an MBA in Finance.
I started my career at Travelers Insurance in auto claims and eventually expanded into property and inland marine lines. From there, I transitioned into underwriting, beginning as a Middle Market Technology Underwriter and later joining Westfield Insurance as a Small Business Commercial Underwriter.
I continued growing in leadership roles, becoming the Underwriting Manager for Special Property at USI Insurance. After that, I joined ICW Group as a Business Development Underwriter, and today I serve as a Consultant Underwriter on Nationwide’s Small Commercial team, returning to the national carrier side.
I was first introduced to InVEST through NAAIA (the National African American Insurance Association). While in Chicago, I helped expand a summer camp program at Travelers Insurance and added a mentorship component for high school and college students.
I’ve also volunteered with POSSE, North Central College, Aurora University, and the Katie School of Insurance at Illinois State University — all with a strong passion for mentoring and exposing young people to careers in insurance.
When I moved to Dallas in 2020 and transferred to the NAAIA DFW chapter, I continued that mission. I began volunteering immediately and became Programming Chair in 2023. During that time, we grew our footprint by supporting local classrooms, raising funds for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk, volunteering at Minnie’s Food Pantry through toy drives and meal service, and significantly expanding our impact in the community.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is helping drive record-breaking growth in our scholarship program — from the first $500 award in 2011 to $10,000 in 2023, $15,000 in 2024, and $30,000 in 2025.
Today, as Vice President of the NAAIA DFW chapter, I’m focused on deepening partnerships with InVEST, Junior Achievement, and other local organizations to continue empowering students and expanding opportunities in our communities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many organizations, we faced some challenges along the way. Participation fluctuated — both from students and from volunteers within our organization.
Students don’t always immediately see the value of mentorship and exposure to the insurance industry, so engagement wasn’t always easy. At the same time, we struggled to consistently secure enough volunteers, and over several years our involvement with InVEST and Junior Achievement declined as a result.
However, we never lost sight of our mission. We remained committed to rebuilding those partnerships and strengthening our presence in the community. Under the leadership of our current President, who brought a renewed focus and personal passion to this effort, we’ve been able to reinvigorate engagement.
Today, we’re proud to say we’re once again making a meaningful impact — particularly through our work with the Duncanville School District — and we’re continuing to rebuild momentum.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a seasoned insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience across claims, underwriting, and underwriting leadership. My career has really been defined by versatility and continuous growth. I’ve worked in personal and commercial lines, with both national carriers and agency partners, and I’ve specialized in middle market, technology, and small commercial business segments.
In my current role, I serve as a Consultant Underwriter, where I focus on helping agents grow profitably by pairing strong underwriting discipline with relationship-building and market insight. I’m known for being both analytical and strategic, but equally for being collaborative and solutions-oriented. I pride myself on being someone who understands risk, understands people, and can bridge the gap between technical underwriting requirements and real-world business needs.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve made beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Mentorship and developing future talent in our industry are incredibly important to me. Through my involvement with NAAIA, InVEST, Junior Achievement, and local universities, I’ve been able to help young professionals and students gain exposure to insurance and build pathways into the industry. Watching others grow, find confidence, and step into their careers is something I consider one of my greatest accomplishments.
What sets me apart is my commitment to advancing both business outcomes and people. I lead with purpose, whether it’s driving profitable underwriting results, strengthening agency relationships, or expanding access to education and mentorship in underserved communities. Insurance is about protecting people and communities, and I carry that mission into everything I do.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, sports, volunteering, spending time with friends and family, attending concerts, and dining out.
I also run an event-planning business, L’Rene Event Management LLC, which allows me to tap into my creative side. I’ve had the privilege of planning everything from weddings and milestone birthdays to corporate functions. Right now, I’m working on my aunt’s 75th birthday celebration, a wedding, and assisting with NAAIA DFW’s 2026 annual scholarship luncheon, which I’m really excited about.
Balancing professional work, community service, and creative passions keeps me energized, and I love being able to pour into people in different ways, whether it’s through mentorship, celebration, or shared experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naaiadfw.org/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/laseante-thurman-a6163910
Image Credits
Charles Hearns
