The award recognizes Kaufman Davis’s philanthropic leadership and her commitment to advancing inclusion initiatives within her company and the broader industry.
Set for May 2 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, the 2024 IICF Blazing the Trail Gala will gather insurance leaders from Chicago and across the Midwest, as well as representatives from local non-profits, to celebrate the industry’s philanthropic efforts and raise funds for regional partners addressing critical community needs.
“I am honored to receive the Midwest Trailblazer award from IICF, an organization that shares our company’s commitment to meaningfully impact the communities where we do business,” Kaufman Davis said.
She also highlighted the significance of the Blazing the Trail event and the broader IICF’s 30th Anniversary campaign in fostering industry collaboration for community support.
IICF’s recognition of Kaufman Davis stems from her role in fostering a positive company culture and leading diversity and inclusion efforts across Kaufman’s global operations. She oversees the company’s employee resource groups (ERGs), which leverage the diverse expertise of Kaufman associates to address complex business challenges.
Her accolades include being named to the Insurance Business Global 100 in 2020 and receiving the Business Insurance Women to Watch Award in 2019.
Outside her professional roles, she is actively involved with several organizations. She serves as a board member for the Young Presidents’ Organization Motor City Chapter, a director on the Insurance Supper Club Group Global Advisory Board, and is on the IICF International Board of Governors.
Currently, she also chairs the IICF 30th Anniversary Committee, leading a campaign to combat childhood hunger.
The proceeds from the 2024 Gala will support the IICF Midwest Community Grants Program, which provides funding to non-profits focused on education, safety, and health.
Since its inception in 2011, the IICF Midwest Division has awarded over $5 million to numerous non-profits. The division boasts nearly 150 insurance industry leaders from the Midwestern states on its boards, all dedicated to community service.
Jeff Kroeger, chair of the IICF Midwest Division board of directors and president of Insureon, emphasized the gala’s theme, “empowering brighter futures, together,” which reflects the division’s goal to foster positive community impact.
“Last year we raised $540,000 to help our neighbors in need, and through IICF Community Grants and our volunteer work in the community, we are helping local children, families, and individuals begin to envision a brighter future,” Kroeger said.
Earlier this month, the foundation’s Western Division Horizon Award gala also honored Lockton executive Mark Zwickel for his positive impact on leadership and philanthropy.
What are your thoughts on this story? Please feel free to share your comments below.
