From Sisters to STEM Stars: Ava & Bianca Brown’s Actuarial Journey

In honor of #NationalScholarshipMonth in November, we are happy to introduce Ava and Bianca Brown, two bright sisters who are both pursuing their academic careers at Stanford University and are currently involved in our STEM Stars Program. Ava, a data science student with a passion for problem-solving, joined the STEM Stars program to connect with mentors and gain exposure to the actuarial industry. Bianca was inspired by Ava’s experience and the program’s strong sense of community, making her eager to pursue a similar path in actuarial science. We hope you enjoy reading about their journeys below.

 

Ava, how did you hear about STEM Stars? What made you decide to apply?

Ava: I heard about STEM Stars in my senior year of high school while looking for scholarships and professional opportunities that matched my academic interests. My dad works in P&C insurance, so before applying I spoke with him and some of his colleagues about the actuarial profession and the kind of work involved in this industry. As an aspiring data science student with a love of math and problem solving, the actuarial profession seemed like a great fit for my interests! Having always been one of the few girls and the only Black students in my advanced mathematics and statistics classes, the STEM Stars goal of promoting representation in fields like the actuarial one was an important mission to me.

Ava, what’s your favorite memory of the program so far?

Ava: Last summer my cohort, the inaugural STEM Stars Cohort, had our first in-person retreat in Chicago, IL. Having spent the summer in Chicago interning at Milliman on their Life and Annuity Predictive Analytics Team, I was very excited to show my fellow Stars around the city! It was such a great way to connect with my cohort and the STEM Stars mission!

Bianca, after witnessing Ava’s experience in the program, what encouraged you to join the program as well?

Bianca: Ava has always emphasized the strong sense of community she found within STEM Stars. As a high school senior interested in the actuarial field, I wanted to join a vibrant and collaborative environment. With regular check-ins, monthly hangouts, and opportunities to network with industry professionals, I knew STEM Stars would be the ideal environment for my growth.

Bianca, how has having your sister in the program impacted your experience? Does it motivate you to excel?

Bianca: Ava has always been a role model for me, and knowing she understands the challenges of being one of the few Black women in STEM pushes me to embrace my passion for math. It is wonderful to share such a fulfilling experience with my greatest supporter, and Ava and I motivate each other to be the best versions of ourselves inside and outside of the actuarial field.

Ava, how has being involved in this program impacted you both personally and professionally?

Ava: The STEM Stars program has connected me with some of the most impactful mentors in my life. After my senior year of high school, I attended my first IABA conference in New Orleans and had the honor of meeting previous IABA president Jeff. Through the amazing STEM Stars network, I was able to co-host The Actuarial Foundation’s Virtual Gala with Jeff in 2023, and he has been a mentor for me ever since. The STEM Stars program does a fantastic job connecting Stars with thoughtful mentors and industry leaders who can inspire us to have impactful and innovative careers in the actuarial industry. Being a part of this program has motivated me to dream bigger professionally and shown me the vast support network fostered within the actuarial community!

Bianca, are there any study or networking tips you have for students interested in or pursuing a career as an actuary?

Bianca: I cannot overemphasize the importance of truly understanding the material. Utilize resources like Coaching Actuaries and focus on grasping the “why” behind concepts, rather than just memorizing procedures. This deep understanding of the underlying math will help you adapt to unfamiliar questions and achieve mastery. From a networking standpoint, I would encourage aspiring actuaries to attend actuarial events since forming connections with those already succeeding in the actuarial field has yielded unparalleled insight into how my skills best fit into the actuarial profession. One of my actuarial mentors, Dan, recently presented at a STEM Stars cohort meeting, and he has inspired me to further explore the applications of artificial intelligence to actuarial modeling. While classes and coursework are imperative for learning technical skills, building relationships is key to finding your place in the actuarial world.

 

Ava and Bianca’s journeys highlight the power of mentorship, community, and representation within the STEM Stars community. Their shared commitment to academic excellence and professional growth serves as an inspiring example for others pursuing careers in actuarial science and beyond.