Announcing the winner of Women Creating Legacy in Insurance Scholarship Fund

October 24, 2017 (Toronto, ON) –Aviva Canada and Mills Brokers Insurance Solutions, in partnership with Ivey Business School at Western University, are excited to reveal that Marianna Michael, Vice President, Principal Broker at Canfinse Group Inc. is the winner of the Women Creating Legacy in Insurance Scholarship Fund. Amongst the 16 quality nominations received, Marianna Michael stands out in recognition by peers and leaders alike for being a trailblazer in the insurance sector.

The scholarship fund honours a leader in the insurance industry, Christie McKechnie (formerly Mills), who opened her own insurance brokerage in 1979. Marianna’s nomination exemplifies Christie’s values, her customer-first commitment, drive for innovation, and pursuit of excellence.

“Congratulations to Marianna Michael for being the first scholarship recipient. She embodies the same commitment to her customers and passion for the insurance industry as my mother, Christie,” says Amy Mills, daughter of Christie McKechnie and President of Mills Brokers Insurance Solutions. “We want to thank Aviva and the Ivey Business School for supporting our brokerage’s vision and for empowering women in insurance to pursue opportunities for education and career advancement.”

Marianna will be attending a one-week executive education course at the Ivey Business School’s Leadership Program in November 2017, where she’ll learn how to think more strategically, enhance her leadership abilities and address complex management issues.

“A special recognition goes out to our two finalists, Shannon Renaud and Jen Aitchison, who both are excellent examples of women creating legacy in insurance,” says Deb Hendrickson, Senior Vice President, Customer & Marketing at Aviva Canada. “Our purpose is to fill gaps in insurance solutions for our customers, but we also recognize there are gaps across the industry, including diversity in the workplace and in leadership. We will continue to work together with our brokers to be innovative and solutions-focused.”

The scholarship fund will be open for a second round of nominations in early 2018 for the Ivey Business School’s Leadership Program in April 2018. Marianna Michael will join the judging panel alongside Amy Mills, Christie McKechnie and Deb Hendrickson.

To learn what inspired the Women Creating Legacy in Insurance Scholarship Fund, click here to watch a video, or visit https://www.avivacanada.com/women-creating-legacy.

 

More about scholarship winner, Marianna Michael

Marianna’s colleagues recognize her for being innovative and leading the way for brokers in the technology space. Marianna is passionate about promoting a strong and positive image of the insurance industry, and is committed to advancing her staff’s personal and educational growth.

By 28 years-old, Marianna was the Broker Principal of Canfinse Group Inc. She currently teaches at the Insurance Institute, sits on RIBO’s board of directors, and was recognized as one of CITB’s "Top 10 Under 40".

In 2009, Marianna implemented an e-commerce platform with a chat function for customers. She’s played a vital role in developing and implementing Canfinse’s client self-service portal. Her commitment to innovation led Canfinse to win the Technology Leader Award from CSIO, and she’s helped launch over 60 websites for clients.

About Aviva Canada:

Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for their customers and communities.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada’s longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $7.5 million to over 250 charities and community groups nationwide. Aviva Canada, bringing over 300 years of good thinking and insurance solutions to Canadians from coast-to-coast.


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Media Contacts:

Priscilla Wong
Public Relations Specialist
Aviva Canada Inc.
Mobile: 647 208 7523
Email: priscilla.y.wong@aviva.com