Meet Some of the 2025 Scholarship Recipients

“Andrew Fazio is a junior at Lehigh University pursuing a B.S. in Mathematics with a focus on actuarial science. He has passed Exams P, FM, and SRM and is currently interning at Prudential on the Group Disability Valuation team. Andrew serves as President of the campus actuarial club and Vice President of SPEAK, Lehigh’s LGBTQ+ advocacy council. Passionate about data-driven problem solving and social equity, he aspires to become a credentialed actuary and advocate for inclusive and ethical insurance practices.”

“Hello! My name is Sabine Lucas and I study Actuarial Science at the University of Connecticut and have held internships in the life field. At UConn, I am involved in the UConn Actuarial Society where I serve as treasurer, and the UConn Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team where I serve as president and captain. In these pursuits and my career I strive to develop inclusive communities!”

“Keaton Fierro is a senior at the University of Minnesota studying Mathematics. He has a passion for learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Within the field of actuarial science, Keaton has found interesting problems to solve as well as an accepting community. He hopes to keep challenging himself and fostering compassion in an impactful career.”

“Skye Balonis is an Actuarial Science major heading into their senior year at Temple University. They enjoy the analytical side of Actuarial Science and also have a passion for the arts. They love to form safe communities that are inclusive to everyone wherever they go.”

“Hi, I’m Alex! I’m a third-year Actuarial Science student at Simon Fraser University. Earlier this year, I completed my first co-op term in retirement consulting, which was a great introduction to the field. Through that experience, I realized I want to apply actuarial skills in ways that have a broader impact, especially in public health. After I graduate, I’m planning to pursue a Master’s in Actuarial Science in the Netherlands, specializing in Complex Systems and Health. I’m passionate about using data and risk analysis to improve lives, and I hope to make a positive difference not just through my work, but also in how I live and engage with my community.”

“Trevor is an actuarial science student at the University of Connecticut and a recipient of the 2025 SAGAA Scholarship. With experience in insurance analytics and a growing interest in the intersection of data, strategy, and AI governance, Trevor is passionate about building a career that blends technical rigor with meaningful impact.”

“Samantha Staromana is a Junior at St. John’s University majoring in Risk Management and Insurance with a strong interest in the actuarial field. As a proud Asian woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community, 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 Travelers and is looking forward to gaining more knowledge in the insurance industry and further exploring her career interests.”

“Wyatt is an incoming second-year actuarial science student at the University of Calgary. He is currently completing his first internship and was recently elected VP West for the 2026 ASNA Convention in Ottawa, Ontario. At UCalgary, Wyatt is active in several clubs, holding both VP and Junior Executive roles. Outside of academics, he enjoys singing, dancing, and learning French. Wyatt has always been passionate about making sure all people feel included in every space he sets foot into, and he is so honored to be chosen by SAGAA for this scholarship. He hopes to one day leave the actuarial field better than he found it: a place where all feel welcome, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

“My name is Nikhil Kori, and I study actuarial mathematics at the University of Michigan. I’ve loved math from a young age, and actuarial science has given me a way to express that passion in a supportive community. I’m excited by how this field blends technical depth with real-world impact, and I care deeply about helping others feel empowered to express themselves within it. When we create space for individuality, we allow the actuarial profession to grow stronger, more inclusive, and more innovative.”

“My name is Bright Uwakwe (he/they). I am a rising sophomore undergraduate student at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. I am also a black gay, non-binary person, who loves to crochet, listen to music, clog, watch RuPaul’s drag race, and talk about fashion! I fell in love with Actuarial Science because of my professors. I came into Appalachian State University as an apparel design and merchandising major. However, after taking my first math class, College Algebra, at my university, I realized that I was not only good at but also loved math and after doing my research, I found that Actuarial Science is a perfect blend of math, business, economics, and finance. In the coming academic year, I will be serving as the president of my university’s LGBTQIA+ club, vice president of the math club, and secretary of the actuarial science club.”

“Vincent Italiano is a second-year Actuarial Science student at The Ohio State University. He plans to work in Health Insurance and is very excited to be involved in Humana’s Early ID program in July 2025. Vincent has declared minors in Spanish and German. In addition to these languages, Vincent is proficient in Portuguese and Italian. He serves as the Treasurer of The Ohio State University’s Italian Club. Through his passion for World Languages and other Humanities, Vincent has been selected for the Humanities Scholars Leadership Council. Vincent is employed part-time on campus as a Math/Spanish Language Tutor and University Ambassador, meaning he loves to give campus tours to prospective and admitted students and their families.”

“Hi, my name is Carlos Sanchez, and I am an FGLI rising senior at Columbia University majoring in Mathematics-Statistics and minoring in Computer Science. I am involved with the Organization of Latino Actuaries(OLA) and serve as the co-president of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Columbia chapter. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city, working out, taking spontaneous trips, and trying new food places.”

“Khushi Vora is an incoming junior at the University of Houston, where she majors in Economics and Mathematical Finance with a minor in Risk Management & Insurance. She is an officer for her school’s chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma and works for The Honors College as a student recruiter. So far, Khushi has passed Exams P and FM and is looking forward to learning about all the careers open to actuaries this year while she studies abroad in the UK. She hopes to deepen her understanding of the insurance world by going abroad and learn more about her communities in different spaces and countries before applying those experiences to consulting in the US.”