WHO WE ARE

Maria Iishiba is grateful for the skills and opportunities she received throughout her career in the military and at Travelers. From active duty in the Army to a civilian role as an Inland Marine Account Executive at Travelers, she brought with her a wealth of experience in leadership, decision-making, and adaptability. 

Maria’s military career began as a paralegal, serving three years on active duty before moving to the Army Reserves. She steadily advanced in rank and responsibility, eventually leading to her promotion as Major and serving as the Brigade S1, a role similar to a Human Resources Manager. 

“This leadership position requires strong communication, strategic decision-making, and people management—skills I leverage daily in both my military and civilian careers.” 

Maria, still active in the Army Reserves, notes that her team at Travelers has been supportive and helpful throughout the entire process. She says she appreciates Travelers’ culture, people, and that the company offers opportunities for its military employees to build long-lasting careers. 

Beyond her professional growth, Maria is committed to paying it forward. Having benefited from America’s Corporate Partners (ACP) mentorship program during her transition to the civilian workforce, she mentored others through ACP and the Hero’s Fellowship program. “It has been incredibly rewarding to share my experiences and help guide others through their professional journeys.” 

Reflecting on her experience as a mentee with ACP from years ago, she remarked, “I was aware that Travelers supported the hiring of military but was amazed how much above and beyond the company goes to support their employees that are serving in the Reserves and National Guard.” 

Since joining Travelers in 2012, Maria has progressed through various roles before holding her current position. She began her career as a Claim Operations Specialist, and in 2013, was promoted to Auto Claim Specialist. She moved into Business Insurance Underwriting as an Account Manager in 2016. In 2021, she held the position of Operations Account Specialist II, and by 2023, she had completed the Experienced Underwriting Professional program, leading to her current role as Inland Marine Account Executive. 

In this role, Maria focuses on the marketing side of Travelers, liaising with agencies to develop tailored solutions for clients. She states, “I enjoy the dynamic nature of my work and the opportunity to build strong relationship with partners and clients.” 

Her advice to veterans entering the civilian workforce? “Take a step back, observe, and adapt. The transition can be challenging, but resilience is key. Ask questions, be open to learning, and embrace the differences.” 

Maria expresses that she is grateful for the support and opportunities she has been given throughout both of her careers at Travelers and the military. “The skills and experiences from both worlds have shaped me into a stronger leader and professional.” 

Maria’s journey is a testament of adaptability, leadership and continuous learning. Whether in the military or at Travelers, she continues to lead with excellence, showing that skills honed in service are invaluable in the insurance industry.