Alumni Spotlight: Iva Taylor ‘00

I am currently a Senior Underwriter at AXA XL, specializing in Political Risk and Credit. My journey to this position was quite an unusual one, full of diverse experiences that have all contributed to where I am now.

After graduating from Saltus in 2000, I attended Cornell University and then Nottingham Trent University, where I earned an MSc in Economics and Finance. My career began on a different path than insurance. Initially, I worked on the investments team at a local bank, where I gained valuable insights into various asset classes and investment strategies. This role was followed by a stint as an assistant at a legal firm, where I developed an understanding of contract wordings and legal documentation.

Graduate school was the next step in my journey, after which I interned at a hedge fund in London, focusing primarily on credit analysis. It wasn't until I was 30 that I entered the insurance industry as an underwriting trainee. Although it felt like a late entry to the industry at the time, I now see that the variety of roles I undertook provided me with a solid foundation and the necessary skills to excel as a credit underwriter.

 

Looking back on your time at Saltus, what experiences, lessons, or opportunities shaped who you are today?
Graduating from a public primary school and attending Saltus at the age of 12 was truly a transformative, coming-of-age moment for me. I transitioned from an environment that was solely centered around my neighborhood, where everyone was mostly like me, to a very different surrounding. At Saltus, my classmates were mostly white, from a much higher socioeconomic class than myself, and predominantly boys (as Saltus had only been co-ed for a few years at that time). Initially, I felt very much like an outsider. However, I soon adapted and formed a close-knit friend group with whom I am still in touch to this day.

This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, a crucial life skill that I’ve had to exercise in various aspects of my life, including working in new companies, different countries, and frequently, under new management. It has helped me remain resilient when faced with sudden changes and has often led to exciting opportunities.

Reflecting on my academic journey at Saltus, I must say that economics, as taught by Mr. Dai Hermann-Smith, was a pivotal subject for me. His lectures and the thought-provoking discussions we had were instrumental in my decision to major in economics. The insights I gained during those classes have stayed with me since.

In university, my interest gravitated towards developmental economics. It's fascinating how credit insurance and developmental economics intersect, especially in promoting investment in developing countries. This, in turn, enhances economic and social conditions, making a tangible difference in people's lives. I owe a great deal of gratitude to my teachers at Saltus for guiding me towards this fulfilling and meaningful career path.

What advice would you give Saltus students about navigating challenges and embracing opportunities? 
Challenges are a part of life. View them as opportunities in disguise. Embrace the discomfort and trust the process, growing and learn from every experience, no matter how difficult it may seem at first.

The only thing constant in life is change!! Embracing the initial discomfort of growth will help you to develop both personally and academically.

What does Black History Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate or reflect on it in your personal and professional life?
To me, Black History Month is a time for deep reflection and appreciation of the sacrifices that Black people have made, which has allowed the current generation to enjoy better access to all types of opportunities. It is important to acknowledge their struggles and ensure that their contributions are remembered and honored.

It's also a time to celebrate and take pride in the many achievements of Black people and their contributions to society throughout history, despite the adversities in the past. It inspires me to continue the work towards excellence and equality. And also, make the most of the opportunities that we have today!

Professionally, I enjoy attending workshops on diversity and inclusion initiatives. There is so much to learn from listening to Black colleagues share their experiences and career perspectives. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain new insights and contribute to creating a more inclusive environment.

On a personal note, I'm taking this question as a challenge to delve deeper into Black Bermudian history and culture. Currently, I'm reading "Island Flames," a book that explores the social atmosphere leading up to the 1977 Bermuda riots. I'm eager to learn more about the social, political, economic, and racial aspects of this historic event.

Iva Taylor, Class of 2000