Travelers EDGE® Graduate Series – Diana Sanchez

Who is Diana? Can you share where you are from and a bit about yourself?

I’m Colombian and came to the United States when I was 14 years old. In Colombia, my dad was a Chief Security Officer for one of the biggest distribution companies there. Through his work, we almost lost him and after many threats to his and our family’s wellbeing, we decided to move to the U.S.

Moving here was a complex experience, and though we faced many obstacles, we were welcomed with open arms – from teachers and mentors through my time in High School Inc. (now the insurance and financial services pathway in Weaver High School in Hartford, CT), to the Travelers EDGE Program Manager Ivelisse Maldonado that started coaching me during my first internship with Travelers at 16 years old.

What is your current role at Travelers?

I am the Economic & Public Policy Insights Manager for the Travelers Institute, the public policy division of Travelers. I lead some of the Travelers Institute programs on various initiatives including Cyber, Forces at Work and the Wednesdays with Woodward webinars and continue to spearhead initiatives that add value to the agents and brokers who attend our educational symposiums and, in this manner, add value to our business partners and field leaders.

Prior to joining the company, where did you attend college and what did you major in?

Before coming to Travelers, I attended Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Business Management with a minor in Finance.

What initially drew you to the Travelers EDGE® Program?

Three factors played a major role in drawing me to the Travelers EDGE® Program:

1. Financial stability – I wouldn’t have been able to go to college if it weren’t for the support of Travelers EDGE. I am very grateful for this aspect of the program.

2. Mentorship and internship experiences – After my first internship here, I realized Travelers was a great place to work given the coaching and internship opportunities provided by the program. Both of these aspects helped me learn more about working in a corporate setting as well as navigating the organization and adding value.

3. Professional Development Institute (PDI) – The annual PDI event is filled with great speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. Not only did it help me with developing various skills and learning about the business, but it connected me with many people within Travelers.

Can you share your Travelers EDGE journey and how it led to your current position?

My Travelers EDGE journey was a bit of a surprise, honestly. Growing up, I always thought I’d be in the arts and entertainment world, but the program opened my eyes to the incredible opportunities in the insurance industry. The support I received through scholarships, mentoring and peer connections was life changing. It not only helped me get through college, but also helped me discover a career path I hadn’t even considered before. Now, I’m a manager at the Travelers Institute, and I couldn’t be happier with where my journey has taken me.

How did the program help you develop skills that are essential in your current job?

The Travelers EDGE program was instrumental in fostering a growth mindset, which is essential in my current role. It emphasized leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and critical thinking, encouraging me to approach challenges with a strategic and open-minded perspective. The program helped me shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, allowing me to embrace learning opportunities and adapt to new situations effectively. This focus on personal growth and leadership development has been crucial in preparing me for the dynamic environment at the Travelers Institute, enabling me to lead programs, drive projects and contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals through our various business partnerships.

You said you had mentoring support through Travelers EDGE. How did that affect your career journey?

Yes, mentorship was a cornerstone of my experience. The Travelers EDGE program manager at CCSU was not only a great mentor professionally, but also helped me see my own worth. The guidance and support I received were instrumental in navigating my career path and making informed decisions that have positively impacted my journey at Travelers. Additionally, I experienced peer mentorship and became the co-manager of the peer mentoring program at CCSU during my senior year. This role allowed me to develop leadership skills and contribute to the growth and development of other students, further enriching my experience and preparing me for my career.

What makes the company culture at Travelers unique?

The culture at Travelers is something special. There’s a real emphasis on diversity, inclusion and professional growth. It’s a place where all employees are encouraged to participate in initiatives that foster a supportive and collaborative environment, and that’s been instrumental in my career development.

What advice would you give to individuals considering applying to Travelers?

I’d say go for it! Take advantage of the learning and development opportunities, like internships and mentorship programs. These experiences are invaluable in building a strong foundation for a successful career in the insurance industry. It’s a place where you can really grow and thrive.