Meet Some of the 2024 Scholarship Recipients

“Hello! My name is Justin Batin and I am in my third-year of the Statistics-Actuarial joint program at the University of Manitoba. Next summer, I am intending to take my first internship with Aviva Canada. I greatly value representation in school and the workplace, and I hope to be able to help other actuarial students feel both seen and heard. Being familiar with the unique hardships of being queer and Asian, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be recognized by SAGAA.”

“My name is Keaton Fierro and I study mathematics at the University of Minnesota. As the son of two teachers, I have always loved the pursuit of knowledge. In my childhood, my identity as a queer man meant that I didn’t always have the luxury of fitting in. However, this resulted in my self-confidence and perspective being less influenced by the perceptions of others, allowing me to think and act outside of the box. I hope the actuarial field will give me a chance to grow and a place to find
community!”

“Sam Woodruff Hicks is in his first semester of the Masters of Actuarial Science program at the Fox School of Business, Temple University. He graduated from the Honors program at Temple with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and theater. Sam is interested in pursuing an actuary career in the insurance field. In addition to his studies, Sam is a substitute teacher in the Philadelphia Public School System, a member of the Singing Owls Choir, and a leader of the campus Queer Bible Study group.”

“Matt O’Connor is a Junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in actuarial science. He has held actuarial internships in the health and life fields and looks forward to working as an actuary on the SOA side when he graduates in 2026. At UConn, Matt is heavily involved with
the actuarial program. He serves as the secretary for the
180+ member UConn Actuarial Society, is an assistant at
the Goldenson Center for Actuarial Research, and tutors
via Math Motivators. Outside of actuarial, Matt is
interested in archery and skiing. He is a certified archery
instructor in Connecticut and teaches kids aged 6-15 over
the summer on how to wield a bow and arrow. In addition,
during the winter, he is in Vermont almost every weekend
skiing with friends and family!”

“John Phillips is a 3rd-year actuarial science student at Simon Fraser University, exploring both health and property & casualty fields. Alongside his studies, he works in financial services with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he has honed his financial and analytical skills. Having passed Exam P and preparing for Exam FM, he’s eager to gain more experience through co-op opportunities. John is also passionate about promoting
diversity, equity, and inclusion as he develops his career.”

“My name is Rares Andrei Nechita, I am a first-generation Romanian-Cypriot. I am a senior finance major at Temple University, and I am also on the Men’s Crew team as well as the treasurer for the Student Athlete Safe Space club. I
have a strong passion for the applications of ethical decision making and risk management that engulfs the practice of actuarial science. I am currently furthering my exam process with the goal of becoming a qualified actuary in hopes of creating a more equitable and sustainable environment for insurance.”

“Samantha Staromana is a second year Actuarial Science student at St. John’s University. She is involved in the Women In Stem Club, Gamma Iota Sigma, and SJU’s Orientation Program. Her professional aspirations entail securing a position within a leading insurance company, where she aspires to contribute innovative ideas and foster positive change within the industry.”

“Jing Zhang holds a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from the University of California, Riverside. A former national professional athlete, successfully transitioned into the actuarial field, brings the same dedication and analytical prowess from her sports career to new career.”