In 2020, the Minority High School Scholars Analytics Academy, or MHSSAA, will mark its 25th year. The time is right once again to pause and honor this program and all that it represents to the insurance industry, the actuarial profession and the students it serves. Through the MHSSAA, participating students from around the country learn about how insurance works, the requirements of the actuarial profession and the role of analytical skills in solving real-world business problems.  

When I recently scheduled an OB-GYN appointment, the first available opening was nearly two months out. Many women already wait months to see a physician for routine care. The critical nature of the aging OB-GYN workforce is clear, and this crisis will force some substantial changes for both patients and insurers.

I was eight years old the very first time I helped out at Springfield, Illinois’ Memorial Medical Center Foundation’s Festival of Trees.  My mother took my siblings and me with her as she volunteered at the annual fundraiser for the Foundation, giving us the tasks of refilling supplies for the children’s craft tables or picking up after the crafts were done.  Since that first year, the Festival has become part of our annual holiday celebration, and this year I used my Pinnacle community service day to once again volunteer there.