Hello, my name is Kira Simms. I am a rising senior at the University of South Florida pursuing dual degrees in Computational and Applied Mathematics with an Actuarial Science concentration and Computer Science. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, I discovered actuarial science through my passion for understanding how risk affects vulnerable communities, particularly in small island developing states like the Caribbean. I have passed SOA Exam P, am preparing for Exam FM, and am currently interning as a Business Intelligence Intern at COUNTRY Financial. On campus I serve as a Resident Assistant, President of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and Grand Chapter Student Representative for Gamma Iota Sigma, where I work to build actuarial resources for students at universities without actuarial programs. I am honored to be a SAGAA scholar and deeply committed to making the actuarial profession a more inclusive space.

My name is Alex, and I’m a fourth-year Actuarial Science student at Simon Fraser University. Between keeping up with actuarial exams, I serve on my student association and remain passionate about making the profession more accessible and inclusive.

My career goal is to become a health actuary, with plans to pursue graduate studies in health economics abroad and ultimately contribute to public health policy at the international level. Having worked across actuarial and public health settings, I hope to bring the two together in service of more equitable health systems.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces, I’m committed to bringing diverse perspectives to the actuarial field.

Aliyah Abid is a junior at Morgan State University pursuing her B.S. in Actuarial Science and Mathematics. Aliyah loves that actuarial science is a blend of both mathematics and finance, and that there are so many different specialties and career paths within the field. Through her school and work experiences, she wants to continue learning more about the business and problem-solving side of actuarial work. Outside of school, Aliyah enjoys playing sports, volunteering with Special Olympics Maryland, and watching movies with friends. She hopes to always continue learning and growing within the insurance industry while helping make the actuarial field more welcoming and inclusive.

Hello! My name is Avery Dube, and I am a third-year Honors student at the University of Connecticut studying Actuarial Science- Finance. I currently intern with Lincoln Financial Group on the Life Model Development and Life Model Transformation team, where I support initiatives focused on life insurance modeling and reserving. At UConn, I serve as a Resident Assistant and am actively involved in the UConn Actuarial Society and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Through my academic, professional, and leadership experiences, I strive to build meaningful relationships, and continue growing as an actuary.

My name is Bright Uwakwe (They/He). I am a junior at Appalachian State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. I am passionate about mathematics and excited to build a career as an actuary. On campus, I serve as Vice President of the Actuarial Science Club and the Math Club, President of Queer ‘Neers — an LGBTQIA+ organization I founded — and a Society of Actuaries Student Ambassador. My core values are inclusion, innovation, and empathy; they guide everything I do. One of my most meaningful academic projects explored the topic, “Access to HIV Insurance Has Greatly Improved, but More Should Be Done.” Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of the intersection of actuarial science and HIV while creating an educational presentation that I hope to share with actuarial science clubs to encourage discussion and increase awareness.

Hello! My name is Eike, and I’m a third-year Statistics student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a career as an actuary in the p&c field. Through my actuarial internships, I have gained experience in pricing, reserving, and reinsurance, and I’m excited to continue exploring different areas within the insurance and actuarial profession. I’m grateful to SAGAA for this scholarship and look forward to growing as both an actuary and an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession.

Hansal Patel is a rising senior in the Honors College at Georgia State University pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.B.A. in Actuarial Science, along with a Certificate in Data Science and a minor in Risk Management & Insurance. Having passed Exams FM, P, and SRM, he is passionate about using actuarial science, data analytics, and AI to solve real-world insurance challenges and make a meaningful financial impact in people’s lives. Hansal enjoys mentoring fellow students and spreading awareness about the actuarial profession. Outside of academics, he enjoys hiking and working on DIY projects

Hi! I’m Jason Ye, a rising junior at the Fox School of Business & Management at Temple University. I am majoring in actuarial science and minoring in Spanish & Healthcare Management. This summer, I am interning as an actuarial intern at Highmark in Pittsburgh, PA. During the school year, I work as Fox Ambassador and Fox Honors Peer Advisor, where I try to make it an inclusive space for everyone when I’m around, and making sure that everyone is comfortable with themselves and others. I hope to do that as well when I’m in the corporate work force (doing it already right now! 😁).

Kyle Smith is a junior at the University of Notre Dame studying Finance and Applied Math. This summer, he is interning with Oliver Wyman on their Life Actuarial Consulting team in Chicago. On campus, Kyle leads the Actuarial Science Club of Notre Dame, directs student teams in consulting and finance case projects, and participates in Notre Dame’s flagship AI and data ethics fellowship. Passionate about technological inclusivity, business ethics, and the evolving role of actuaries in society, Kyle hopes to build a career that combines quantitative expertise, innovation, and meaningful impact. He is grateful for opportunities that support the growth of future actuaries and promote a more inclusive profession, and he looks forward to strengthening the actuarial community through his work.

Hi! I’m Matthew Truehart, a rising senior at UT Dallas majoring in finance. This summer, I’ve loved my time as an Actuarial Intern at Nationwide, and I’m excited to pursue an actuarial career after graduation. I have also served as President of the UT Dallas College Democrats, completed the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., and conducted research abroad in Marburg, Germany. I love cooking, gardening, dogs, and sea lions!

Hello, my name is Preston Scott! I am currently studying actuarial science at The University of Texas at Austin and am working as an intern at a life insurance company. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, drinking coffee, and spending time with animals and my friends. My extracurricular involvement consists of membership in the Actuarial Science Club & participation in UT Austin’s Spring 2026 Actuarial Science Case Competition. I am beyond grateful to have received this prestigious scholarship and strive to continue my efforts in the field to promote inclusivity and diversity!

Samantha Staromana is a Senior at St. John’s University majoring in Risk Management and Insurance with a strong interest in the actuarial field. Samantha is deeply committed to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the actuarial industry. She believes that representation matters and aims to create space for others to feel seen and empowered in traditionally underrepresented fields. She is currently spending the summer interning at FM after being at Travelers last year and is looking forward to gaining more knowledge in the insurance industry and further exploring her career interests.

Hey! I’m Sasha Belabe. I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship from SAGAA. As a student at the University of Connecticut, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics–Actuarial Science and plan to graduate in May 2027. Receiving this award is a reminder that success is possible, even when the path may seem challenging. I hope that anyone in a similar situation can see that with hard work, determination, and support, achieving your goals is within reach. I look forward to continuing to grow as an aspiring actuary while giving back to the communities that have supported me.