Surety One, Inc. Front and Center on Racial and Ethnic Diversity

News provided by

Jul 29, 2020, 08:17 ET

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The tragic death of George Perry Floyd Jr. brought national attention to the problem of institutionalized racism and inequities in the United States, a potent reminder of the need for frank conversation about inclusiveness, reconciliation and change. It is the responsibility of every American to look inward, recognize biases and moderate his or her conduct in effort to guarantee that he or she is living up to the ideal that "all are created equal."

The need for self-reflection and improvement is needed in the insurance sector. According to the "Agency Universe Study," ninety percent of insurance agency principals are white and only three percent of them are black. The producer cadre is only slightly more inclusive. Eighty eight percent of non-principal producers are white and five percent of them are black. These are disappointing statistics that merit sincere consideration and actions to achieve a more diverse industry.

Attention to diversity, sensitivity to racial inequities and inclusiveness are not issues that represent a passing fad among the Surety One, Inc. team. Ninety percent of the staff, including company executives are white Latino or black Latino, and female. Although gender and ethnic minorities are the "majority" within Surety One, Inc., management requires diversity training of all employees.

CEO of Surety One, Inc., Constantin Poindexter advises, "Every insurance executive has a duty to police his own. We have achieved a diverse team here however we are an exception to the rule. The insurance industry is largely white and male. I don't remember having seen any outright racism among the insurance people with whom I have dealt with but when you perceive a gross imbalance in the race and ethnicity of the participants tilting towards a bunch of white guys, you need to check yourself."

Continuing professional education is an obligation of all Surety One, Inc. team members. Part of that internal development program is completion of a course on bias. Says Poindexter, "Everyone is required to complete a training module called "Diversity & Sensitivity in the Workplace." I have never had to remind anyone here to do the work. This year I sent out an advisory to complete the current course version and within twenty-four hours I had seven certificates of completion on my desk. I am really blessed to have a group of folks that are concerned about inclusiveness and take fairness seriously."

Surety One, Inc. is an international insurance intermediary domiciled in Puerto Rico, licensed in all fifty states, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and the Dominican Republic. For more information about the company visit https://SuretyOne.com, call (800) 373-2804 or email [email protected].

SOURCE Surety One, Inc.