Rising Star Taiyana Allen
Wilton Re actuarial analyst Taiyana Allen, 25, is committed to the industry and to working with the community.
Give us a snapshot of your career to date
My education began in Bermuda at East End Primary, then Clearwater Middle School, and finally at CedarBridge Academy where I was a dual enrollment student with Bermuda College during my last two years of high school. I graduated from CedarBridge Academy in 2016 as valedictorian and achieved an AS in Actuarial Science from Bermuda College with merit as the most outstanding actuarial student.
Two local scholarships were instrumental in supporting my college education - the Bank of Bermuda Foundation Joseph C. H. Johnson scholarship and the ABIC/BILTIR graduate scholarship. I attended Georgia State University (GSU), where I graduated in 2019 with two Bachelor’s degrees in Actuarial Science and in Finance, and returned to GSU to obtain two Master’s degrees in Actuarial Science and in Data Analytics in 2022.
My first internship was with Chubb Bermuda, as part of the Summer Select Internship programme as an underwriting intern in Summer, 2018.
My second internship was with Wilton Re as an actuarial intern and I took up a full-time position with Wilton Re in January, 2020 as an actuarial analyst and remained with Wilton Re while completing my master’s degrees. I returned to my full-time role as an actuarial analyst upon graduation and recently passed my second actuarial exam and continue to work hard towards her SOA ASA designation.
I am an active member of the BILTIR Social Impact Committee, a board member of the ILS Education and Outreach Committee as Co-lead for the mentorship module and a board member of the Bermuda College Insurance Advisory Board. I am a co-founder, secretary, and board member of the newly formed Actuaries of Bermuda. I am also a board member and finance vice chair of Crime Stoppers Bermuda.
How did you come to choose a career in re/insurance?
I first learned what an actuary is during a lunch and learn session at Clearwater Middle school. Due to my love of maths and interest in a corporate career, I decided to pursue a career in actuarial science.
What makes the re/insurance industry attractive to young professionals?
There is an abundance of global companies in Bermuda, employing Bermudians on island and internationally. There are many local entry-level opportunities and opportunities for long-term career development within many different roles in the industry.
What are the opportunities and challenges you’ve faced?
The biggest obstacle to achieving my goals has been the lack of finances. After completing two years of Bermuda College, I was in desperate need of funding to complete my college degree overseas. Without local scholarships, I would have never been able to attend university in the US and obtain my four-year degree. Scholarships and internships from local business were critical in creating opportunities for me to embark on my career.
Was there someone who inspired you or acted as a mentor in your career?
Two women have helped me to get to this position. First is Bermuda College accounting professor, Ann Parsons. Without her, I do not think I would have ever made it to university, applied and received my first internship or found the internship at Wilton Re, which led to my full-time offer.
The second is my current supervisor Sylvia Oliveira, CEO of Wilton Re. She is a powerhouse within the Bermuda insurance industry. Without Sylvia, I would not have the knowledge, experience, or the plethora of networking opportunities.
What differences does your generation bring to the industry?
My generation brings innovation, overall efficiency, and a new way to help companies with their DEI. My generation is very tech savvy and tends to make improvements to very analog processes to be more modern, timely and efficient. My generation is also very socially conscience and brings a more wholesome sense of community and support within the workplace.
Is the industry welcoming to younger people?
Yes, the industry is searching for young Bermudian talent to ensure the operational longevity of their companies on island.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to become a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and eventually obtain a senior executive position such as Chief Actuary. I hope to contribute to the industry through groups such as BILTIR, ABIC, ABIR, ILS.
Lastly, I will always be a mentor and advocate for my Bermudian peers and support the younger generation to get their foot in the door and grow within the industry.
If you had chosen a different career, what would it have been?
The teaching profession has always appealed to me. I have a passion to mentor and assist others to reach their goals. I believe life is a full circle, and in order to keep receiving, you must give.
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