Welcome to EIP Los Angeles!
Connecting early-career insurance professionals across Los Angeles and Orange County through networking, education, and community.
Our Story
Founded in 2005, Emerging Insurance Professionals (EIP) was created to connect and support early-career professionals across all areas of the insurance industry, including risk management, brokering, underwriting, claims, loss control, reinsurance, and more. EIP focuses on individuals in the first 0–10 years of their careers, providing opportunities for meaningful networking, education, and professional development.
Today, EIP is a thriving community of over 1,000 members, supported by an engaged and growing Board of Directors. We host quarterly events ranging from social gatherings and charitable initiatives to educational forums, all designed to strengthen industry connections and build lasting relationships.
2024 marked an important milestone for the organization. Orange County integrated into EIP Los Angeles, allowing EIP LA to serve both the Los Angeles and Orange County regions under one unified chapter.
EIP is also committed to the future of the industry by building relationships with local universities and introducing talented graduates to the wide range of opportunities within insurance. With the continued support of our sponsors, EIP remains focused on growing its impact and empowering the next generation of insurance leaders.
Board of Directors
President
Gabriela Gonzalez
Los Angeles native who graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Women and Gender Studies.
She currently works as an Underwriting Technician in Casualty Construction at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI), where she continues to build her expertise in risk assessment and client service.
She joined the EIP Board in 2024 and she is passionate about empowering others and creating inclusive environments where people feel safe, supported, and connected.
Vice President
Johnny Williams
Anaheim native Johnny Williams graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2020 where he received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Marketing.
He is currently an underwriter for Traveler’s in their Excess Casualty department, and he has been on the EIP board since the summer of 2024. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, playing tennis, and trying out new recipes.
Board Member
Vanessa Lam
Los Angeles native, Vanessa, graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics specializing in Cognition and Language. Vanessa is a Senior Account Manager at Lockton Insurance Brokers on the Middle Market Property & Casualty Team.
She joined the EIP board in 2024. Outside of insurance, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering in her community, traveling, and testing new recipes.
Board Member
Jonathan Freeman
Knoxville, Tennessee native Jonathan is a 2019 graduate of the University of Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising with a minor in Business Administration. Jonathan is currently an underwriter and leads The Hartford's Life Science team in Southern California. He handles both primary and excess placements for a broad variety of clients involved with developing and manufacturing devices, as well as clients providing services in the medical industry.
Jonathan joined the EIP Board in 2023; He also serves as a board member of CAIP (California Insurance Professionals). Outside of insurance, Jonathan enjoys skiing, camping, and hiking as much as possible.
Board Member
Diana Ramirez
Orange county native Diana Ramirez graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2020 where she received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science. She is currently an excess casualty underwriter for Upland Specialty, writing a broad range of risks from construction practice and wraps to agriculture and beyond.
She has been on the board since the fall of 2024. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.
Board Member
Feada Kakish
CA native and recently returned after earning her Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance major from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She joined Aon after graduating Spring of 2022 and is currently an associate broker in the Construction & Infrastructure practice. Feada became part of the EIP board Spring of 2023.
Previously, Feada worked in the pharmaceutical industry before stepping foot into the insurance industry. Feada enjoys helping others and while she’s no longer helping people with their health, she is excited to be part of a team that helps build America. Feada has a large collection of indoor tropical plants and spends her free time caring for her plants, exercising, and enjoying her family.
Board Member
Anjali Mody
Anjali was born and raised in Orange County, California, and graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Neuroscience. After graduation, she took a gap year to explore different career paths, earning certifications in Data Analytics and User Experience (UX) while connecting with professionals across a variety of industries. In 2024, Anjali joined Gen Re as a Property Facultative Underwriter. She enjoys the analytical side of underwriting, solving complex challenges, and building relationships with clients and colleagues.
Outside of work, Anjali loves to travel, bake, and explore everything Los Angeles has to offer. She is also a movie and television enthusiast who enjoys discussing the latest releases and breaking down plot twists, character arcs, and storytelling choices long after the credits roll.
Board Member
Mia Velazquez
California native, Mia is a 2019 graduate of the University of California, Irvine with both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Anthropology.
Mia is currently a property underwriter at Starr Insurance in Southern California and joined the EIP Board in 2026. Outside of insurance, Mia enjoys longboarding, playing with her animals (Dog, Snake, & Gecko), and traveling.
Advisory Board
EIP LA President (2018-2023)
Dave Benyo
Graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance and Risk Management and Insurance. After graduation, Dave started with Gen Re as a casualty facultative underwriter in the Los Angeles Branch. At Gen Re, Dave specializes in the marketing and underwriting of large stock, middle market, specialty and E&S casualty business. Dave is a Western Region team leader for Gen Re and joined the EIP board in September 2017.
EIP OC President (2017-2023)
Briana Vu
Currently an underwriter at the United States Liability Insurance Group (USLI) specializing in commercial property and casualty. Prior to joining USLI, she has worked at Marsh USA and the Walt Disney Company. A graduate from the California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Business Administration and a double concentration in Finance and Accounting, Briana was an active leader and member of Gamma Iota Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), Finance Association, Business Inter Club Council, the Business Honors Program, and the University Honors Program. In her spare time, Briana likes to watch Korean dramas and try out new places to eat.
EIP LA Vice President (2022 - 2024)
Ryan Blasher
Los Angeles native Ryan is a 2017 graduate of Villanova University where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with an economics and finance double major. Ryan is currently a broker for Aon's Construction and Infrastructure team. In this role, he is responsible for marketing, placing, and servicing primary and excess casualty related insurance coverage for construction specific clients. He has been on the EIP board since the fall of 2018. Outside of insurance, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing basketball, and traveling to different parts of the world.
Board Member (2018- 2026)
Jessica Ayala
Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Jessica considers Los Angeles her “home away from home.” After graduating from ‘Iolani School, she went on to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. She graduated in 2016 in Public Health with an emphasis in Environmental and Occupational Health.
Jessica has been able to apply her background in safety and risk management throughout her career. She previously served as a Loss Control Representative for Lockton Insurance Brokers, and she now works as a Loss Control Specialist at Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC). In her role, she leverages her expertise to promote workplace safety and help organizations effectively manage risk.
Jessica was also a member of ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals) and has received her master's in safety management. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with her husband and three children.
President (2018- 2026)
Nina Rodriguez
Los Angeles native Nina graduated from Arizona State University in 2017 where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication studies and a minor in Spanish Literature. Nina is also a 2019 graduate of the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program hosted by the USC Marshall School of Business.
Nina is currently with Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance as a Senior Property Underwriter for the Western region and also joined the EIP board in March 2018. Outside of Insurance, Nina enjoys helping non-profits in the Los Angeles area and spending time traveling.