RISE Professionals

RISE Professionals (Rising Insurance Star Executives) is a volunteer-led professional community focused on developing and advancing early-career insurance professionals. Founded in 2017 by Amy Cooper and Katerina Garavito, the organization targets the insurance industry's talent pipeline challenge as experienced professionals retire and the incoming generation requires structured pathways into leadership.

RISE operates through a suite of programs including its annual Leadership Summit and Awards Gala, the "35 Under 35" recognition program, a structured virtual mentorship program run twice per year, the Elite 50 Internships initiative, a proprietary member app, and a job board and career resources center. These programs collectively address recruitment, recognition, development, and peer networking across the insurance sector.

Membership is free for individual insurance professionals. Corporate membership is available for insurance organizations seeking to invest in industry talent development. The organization is supported primarily through corporate memberships, event fees, and sponsorships rather than external investment.