February’s Select Employee for Black History Month (2022)

We’re celebrating Black History Month with Merial Brown, our new Operations Manager, who is already making a difference here at Berkley Select. She shares advice with us on her career in insurance, the impact of Black History month, and how she thinks the insurance industry as a whole can improve diversity efforts.

“Black History Month reminds me of the beauty of being a Black woman and the diversity of our people and culture. It is a reminder that the level of reverence shown during this month is something that needs to be consistent the entire year. It’s a call to action to continue to advocate for and uplift those within society that are often marginalized”

Welcome to Berkley Select, Merial! You have a great background in operations. What made you choose insurance operations as a career and what has kept you tenured in this industry?

An opportunity presented itself by happenstance. I didn’t choose insurance, insurance chose me. While attending college, I started working as a temporary worker in the file room at a TPA company. Within one month, I was offered a full- time position and continued to seek opportunities as they presented themselves. My career journey went from being a file clerk to an operations manager. I’ve worked in several operations roles over the course of my career. What I enjoy most about working in operations are the people. I’m very passionate about coaching and mentoring people for success.

I was very fortunate to have leaders who recognized my leadership talent and skills and invested in me. The genesis of my leadership journey started in the first leadership readiness program my company piloted for employees who wanted to pursue leadership opportunities.

There are several elements to my longevity in this industry. First, being my authentic self and possessing a strong sense of integrity and a willingness to take on challenges. Second, surrounding myself with great mentors, establishing and sustaining great relationships with my business partners, peers and the teams I managed. Finally, being flexible to change, open to learning new things, and receptive to feedback – whether positive or constructive.

What does Black History month mean to you?

Black History Month means an array of things to me. It is an important time to celebrate the impact of African American culture in the past, present, and reminds us of hope and opportunity for the future. It’s an opportunity to understand the struggles Black people around the world face, but also celebrate our resilience. Most importantly, this month reminds me of the beauty of being a Black woman and the diversity of our people and culture. It’s a reminder that the level of reverence shown during this month is something that needs to be consistent the entire year. It’s a call to action to continue to advocate for and uplift those within society who are often marginalized. Lastly, it’s a celebration of our ancestors and their excellence. It is their motivation that always strived for the greatness that lies beyond our current circumstances. Our ancestors established a sense of community, the task to create better paths for our successors and continued effort to add on to our significant legacy.

Have you participated in civic organizations? What are some examples?

Yes! I have participated in many, including:
• Mentor for Step Up Women’s Network, an organization for underserved young girls and gender-expansive teens
• Toastmaster, serving as VP of Education and President. I received official Toastmaster certification
• Member of the Advisory Board for the Performing Arts at Governor’s State University
• Member of Women Impacting Leadership, a networking group with a former employer
• Member of the African American Employee Networking Group, another group with a former employer
• Prior member of NAAIA – the National African American Insurance Association

What challenges have you faced as a woman of color in leadership? Do you feel as though race has ever played a factor in those challenges? How do you think that compares to today’s climate?

For the most part, I have been fortunate as a woman of color in leadership. I came from a family where my parents were entrepreneurs, so having those early forms of examples helped positioned me to be able to navigate the corporate environment. As previously stated, I had the good fortune of being surrounded by leaders who didn’t look like me and who weren’t the same gender, and still gave me opportunities based on my skills and talent. As I’ve progressed in my career, there have been subtle microaggressions I’ve encountered as a woman of color. There were a few times I felt discounted when it came to my skills and experience and feeling I had to prove myself above and beyond because of my gender and skin color. It’s important to me as a Black woman that I’m seen, heard, valued, and recognized.

I feel race and gender are still prevalent issues in today’s climate for women of color. The difference is today there are more platforms, such as social media, to share and address issues than what I had. It is important that organizations create initiatives and establish equity that allow Black women to lead and thrive in today’s corporate climate.

What do you feel companies in the insurance industry can do to improve diversity efforts?

I feel in light of the recent race incidents that have beset the news, I’m glad to see that our industry has created forums for “all people” to start having the difficult and sensitive conversations on the racial inequities that exist within our society.

We also need to be open and proactive in moving the needle on diversity recruitment. It is critical that the diversity of the talent pipeline is maintained throughout the recruiting and hiring process. Rooting out systemic and unconscious biases is a difficult task and one that needs to be addressed on a continued basis. Companies should strive to do the following:

• Build an inclusive brand – If you want to attract a diverse workforce, candidates should be able to gather from your employer a brand that is promoting inclusion as an organizational priority.
• Partnering with underrepresented groups.
• Ensuring leaders are equipped to manage a diverse workforce.
• Making it a priority to ensure women of different races and color have the same access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities as their counterparts.
• Retain diverse candidates by creating a comfortable environment for them to thrive in.

In addition to your robust career and community involvement, do you have any other hobbies or traditions you like to participate in?

As an avid reader, I’ve been an active member of my book club for the last 20 years. I love to travel and enjoy thrifting for vintage jewelry, clothing, and furniture. I’m also a certified “foodie” who enjoys going to different restaurants and experiencing various cuisines. I patron the arts; attending live concerts, plays, and movies. Another favorite pastime is hosting movie and game nights with close friends and family.

What is your favorite quote?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou