The International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC was an incredible experience filled with inspiring sessions, meaningful connections, and valuable professional development opportunities. The event brought together both students and experienced actuaries in an environment designed to elevate professional development and networking opportunities.
Keep reading for some highlights from the key sessions that left lasting impressions.
Introducing the First IABA Leadership Development Program
One of the most significant announcements at the meeting was the launch of IABA’s Emerging Leaders Program, a key initiative in their 2026 strategic plan. This comprehensive ten-month development program is designed to accelerate the growth of Black actuaries into management roles.
The program will officially launch in November, coinciding with IABA’s leadership retreat, with applications opening following the annual meeting. Participants will experience a blend of in-person sessions throughout the program, culminating in a graduation ceremony at IABA’s 2026 annual meeting.
Authentic Leadership: Getting Your Foundation Right
The leadership session featuring David Blumenstein from Segal provided profound insights into what authentic leadership truly means. The central message was both challenging and empowering – before attempting to lead others, you must first understand yourself completely. The speaker emphasized the critical importance of self-awareness, urging attendees to deeply understand who they are and why they are who they are..
One of the most memorable quotes from the session was about the relationship between titles and honor: “People should honor the titles they hold. Titles shouldn’t be used to honor people.” This perspective shift challenges traditional notions of positional authority and emphasizes that leadership effectiveness comes from the person, not the position.
The speaker strongly recommended that everyone in leadership read “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, highlighting it as essential reading for understanding what separates good leaders from truly great ones. This recommendation underscores the importance of continuous learning and development for anyone aspiring to leadership roles.
Confronting Racial Gaslighting in the Workplace
Dalesa Bady’s presentation on Racial Gaslighting was both eye-opening and interactive, providing attendees with tools to recognize and address this pervasive workplace issue. She engaged the entire audience in real-time to answer thought-provoking questions, creating an immersive learning experience that made complex concepts more accessible and relatable.
The session addressed how racial gaslighting manifests in professional environments, often in subtle ways that can make individuals question their own perceptions and experiences. By providing concrete examples and interactive scenarios, Bady helped attendees develop the language and frameworks needed to identify these situations and respond effectively.
Looking Forward
The IABA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC successfully demonstrated the organization’s continued growth and impact in the actuarial profession. From launching its first Leadership Development Program to addressing critical workplace challenges like racial gaslighting, the event provided both inspiration and practical tools for professional development.
We’re already looking forward to continuing these important conversations about diversity, leadership, and professional development at the OLA Avanza Conference this week, where we can further explore how different organizations are working to support underrepresented actuaries.
If you’re interested in learning more about IABA’s initiatives or getting involved in future programs, visit their website at blackactuaries.org to explore membership opportunities and upcoming events.