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About Us

Learn about NAAIA’s mission, values, and history. Dive deeper into our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the insurance industry.

Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower Black professionals in the insurance industry by providing unparalleled educational resources, invaluable mentorship opportunities, robust networking, and recognition of industry achievements. We are committed to fostering professional development and community outreach, creating a supportive environment where our members can thrive and excel.

Our Philosophy

NAAIA is rooted in the belief that diversity strengthens the insurance industry. We are committed to empowering Black professionals by providing a supportive environment where education, mentorship, and networking flourish. Our philosophy centers on fostering growth, celebrating achievements, and driving systemic change to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. We strive to cultivate a community that values representation, professional development, and the advancement of underrepresented talent. At NAAIA, we believe in the transformative power of connection and leadership in shaping a brighter future for all.

Our Mission & Philosophy

A Legacy of Leadership, Empowerment, and Impact

NAAIA Cincinnati History

NAAIA Cincinnati is part of a long-standing movement to create space, voice, and opportunity for Black professionals in insurance. While our chapter is newly established, we are grounded in the mission and momentum of the national organization. Our history is one of resilience, ambition, and leadership. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way—trailblazers who challenged industry norms, built thriving careers, and opened doors for future generations.

You’re Not Alone with NAAIA Cincinnati

Across the country, professionals just like you are part of a growing NAAIA network committed to excellence, inclusion, and transformation. Whether you’re launching your career, pivoting into new roles, or mentoring others, NAAIA is here to walk with you.

Whats Next for Cincinnati

Our Chapter is just getting started. With launch events, new programs, and community partnerships on the horizon, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you want to attend an event, join the board, become a member, or partner with us, this site is your hub for connection and next steps.

Visit our events page to see what’s coming up, explore open board positions, join as a member through NAAIA.org, or see our latest news to stay informed and engaged.

Our History

NAAIA Cincinnati
Executive Board

Our chapter is led by a committed executive board focused on growth, strategy, and community impact. Meet the leaders shaping our work, and explore open roles if you’re ready to lead with purpose.

Become a Board Member

Janelle
Winfold

President
About Me

Janelle
Winford

President

Janelle Winford

Janelle Winford is the Divisional Senior Vice President and Claims Manager of the Great American Insurance Company’s Agribusiness Division. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She maintains the Associate in Claims designation as well as the AFIS (Agribusiness Farm Insurance Specialist).

Janelle also serves as the President of NAAIA – Cincinnati. She is a graduate of the We Lead (Women Excel) program provided by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is a Queen City Gamechanger and a member of APIW.

Janelle is a proud associate within the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She serves as a mentor to many emerging insurance professionals within the industry.

Her hobbies include reading and discovering beautiful beaches to explore.

George
Edmondson

Vice President

Joshua
Lawrence

Treasurer
About Me

Joshua
Lawrence

Treasurer

Joshua Lawrence

With over five years of experience in the commercial insurance industry, Joshua Lawrence has built a strong reputation for delivering strategic risk management solutions to businesses across a wide range of sectors.

Josh began his career as a Producer with USI Insurance Services, where he honed his expertise in crafting customized insurance programs and advocating for client needs.

Currently, Josh serves as a Commercial Insurance Producer at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) — the #1 insurance brokerage in the United States and 5th largest in the world. At MMA, he continues to focus on helping businesses navigate complex insurance landscapes with confidence, offering tailored strategies backed by one of the most powerful risk management networks globally.

A proud member and acting Treasurer of the Cincinnati National African American Insurance Association, Josh is committed to promoting diversity, excellence, and innovation within the industry. His passion lies in building meaningful client relationships and creating long-term value through thoughtful insurance planning and support.

Marion
Townes

Secretary
About Me

Marion
Townes

Secretary

Marion Townes

Marion Townes is a distinguished leader in the insurance industry, currently serving as the Vice President and Branch Manager of ERIE’s Columbus, Ohio branch. With a career marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication, Marion has established herself as a prominent figure in the field.

Marion’s journey with ERIE began in 2018 when she joined as a District Sales Manager (DSM) in Kentucky, after successfully completing ERIE’s rigorous DSM training program. Recognized for her exceptional performance, she swiftly rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to DSM in Illinois in 2020, where she significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success.

Her stellar leadership and commitment to excellence have been acknowledged by industry experts, as evidenced by her selection for the prestigious class of Emerging Leaders by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) in 2023 and as a graduate of the 2024 National Executive Leadership Academy from The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) and Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business.

Before her tenure at ERIE, Marion honed her skills in various capacities at Farmers Insurance, where she held roles in marketing, training, and sales management. Prior to that, she spent six years with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where she excelled as a manager.

Marion’s professional journey is underpinned by a strong educational foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Furthermore, she has continued to expand her expertise by obtaining the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) professional designation.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marion is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where she attained non-commissioned officer status. Her military experience instilled in her invaluable leadership qualities and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

With her proven track record of building strong relationships with agents and driving sales success across multiple territories, Marion Townes continues to make significant contributions to the insurance industry, inspiring others with her exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Our Officers

Committee Chairs

Our committee chairs turn ideas into action. They lead outreach, plan programs, grow membership, and create spaces where professionals feel seen, supported, and connected.

If you’re passionate about contributing your time and talent, consider applying for a leadership role that aligns with your strengths.

Become a Board Member

Michelle
Riley

Member Chair
About Me

Michelle
Riley

Member Chair

Board Member

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Michelle Riley has built a strong foundation in underwriting and compliance. Throughout her career, Michelle has developed deep expertise in risk assessment, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices.

Known for a detail-oriented approach and strategic mindset, Michelle has played key roles in ensuring underwriting integrity and maintaining regulatory compliance across diverse insurance portfolios.

Michelle’s commitment to continuous improvement and supporting fellow professionals as they grow has earned her a reputation as a trusted leader and advisor in the field.

Tellyshia
Winbush

Programs Chair
About Me

Tellyshia
Winbush

Programs Chair

Board Member

Tellyshia Winbush is a dedicated and experienced Senior Corporate Recruiter at Great American Insurance Group. With a strong background in talent acquisition and team building, she brings a unique perspective to the recruitment process. She also has previous experience recruiting in the hospitality and manufactory industries.

Tellyshia holds two associate degrees from Ivy Tech Community College, one in Culinary Arts and the other in Hospitality and Food Management. This diverse educational background and work experience has equipped her with a broad skill set. In her role at Great American, Tellyshia leverages her expertise to identify top talent and build effective teams. She is known for her ability to connect with individuals and her commitment to fostering positive and productive work environments.

Your
Name

Agent Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Agent Chair

Board Member

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Niren
Shah

Marketing/PR Chair
About Me

Niren
Shah

Marketing/PR Chair

Board Member

Niren is a cross-continental entrepreneur, strategist, and community leader whose journey from India to the U.S. reflects a deep commitment to empowerment through risk management. As founder of a thriving boutique insurance brokerage, he blends engineering precision with human insight to protect businesses and elevate professionals. His leadership spans industries and communities—from guiding contractors and innovators to raising record funds for nonprofits. Whether speaking on inclusion, resilience, or entrepreneurial growth, Niren brings clarity, compassion, and bold vision to every stage.

J. LaVonn
Berry

Emerging Leaders Chair
About Me

J. LaVonn
Berry

Emerging Leaders Chair

Board Member

I got my start in the insurance industry in October 2023 as a part-time producer at the Brooks Insurance Group, an independent agency in Bedford, Ohio. While at BIG, I obtained my P&C license and learned the fundamentals of the industry. In April 2024 I had the opportunity to work full-time as an Allstate Market Sales Associate. At Allstate, I specialized in homeowners and auto insurance sales throughout Ohio. Starting in December 2024 I transitioned to account manager at Jalen Hudson State Farm agency. This move gave me the opportunity to obtain my Life & Health license while giving me the ability to provide insurance in Ohio and Kentucky. I am currently joining State Farm’s Agent Aspirant program, which will aid me in accomplishing my goal of agency ownership.

Your
Name

Nominations & Elections Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Nominations & Elections Chair

Board Member

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Andre
Williams

At-Large Board Member
About Me

Andre
Williams

At-Large Board Member

Board Member

Andre is a methodical thinker and an unapologetic champion for positive disruption. For over 25 years, he has provided corporations, small businesses, non-profits and social impact organizations with strategic insights, business acumen and market understanding to maximize new business opportunities and drive results. Andre brings a distinctive blend of fine-tuned expertise in strategy, operations, business development and agile leadership, coupled with a remarkable ability to connect with and understand people.

Your
Name

At-Large Board Member
About Me

First
Last Name

At-Large Board Member

Board Member

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At Large Board Members

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you define the makeup of NAAIA’s membership and partners?

NAAIA boasts over 2,500 members and partners with influential associations that drive our industry’s success on local, regional, national, and global levels. Our collaborations with carriers, brokerages, agencies, and strategic alliances ensure mutual success by achieving shared goals, benefiting individuals, businesses, and communities alike. With a presence in twenty-five states and growing, NAAIA’s footprint extends across every major region of the country.

Who are NAAIA’s constituents?

NAAIA’s membership includes newcomers, emerging leaders, experienced staff and executives. NAAIA membership is diverse, comprising individuals from various positions and roles such as insurance agents, brokers, insurers, underwriters, claim adjusters, recruiters, legal and financial professionals, and more.

Is NAAIA exclusively for Independent Agents?

No, NAAIA is not exclusive to any one industry segment. NAAIA engages, encourages and supports any and all insurance career professionals, be they employed, unemployed or retired, in industry-related fields, or students interested in insurance.

How Can I Become a Member of NAAIA?

Becoming a member of NAAIA is easy! Visit our Membership Page for more detailed information. Join Us and become part of a vibrant community of Black and African American insurance professionals!

How Can I Attend NAAIA’s National Conference?

Participating in NAAIA’s annual National Conference is a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from industry leaders. Visit our Events Page for information.

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What Are the Benefits of Membership?

NAAIA offers networking opportunities, access to insurance education resources, career advancement support, and much more. Visit our Membership Page for more information.

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How Can I Stay Updated on NAAIA News and Announcements?

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Frequently Asked Questions