RMI students gain industry insights at IIANC Young Agents Conference

Group of students and professionals pose together indoors, smiling and holding a large $20,000 donation check made out to “Revell With A Cause” from the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina.

Group of East Carolina University students stand on stage in front of a blue digital backdrop that reads “#YADC25 Young Agents Development Conference October 23–24, 2025, Charlotte, NC.”

Six students from ECU’s Risk Management and Insurance program — Jennifer Ayala-Lopez, Darian Chamblee, Kenna Early, Bashira Morfoh, Gabby Pinon, and Josiah Stuckey — joined RMI professor Dr. David Pooser at the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina’s Young Agents Development Conference, held Oct. 23–24 in Charlotte.

Invited by the IIANC, the group spent two days immersed in educational sessions and networking focused on innovations in the independent insurance agency sector. Topics included the use of artificial intelligence to streamline agency workflows and strategies for building a personal brand and book of business through AI, social media, and thought leadership.

Outside of the conference sessions, students also participated in a service project assembling emergency preparedness kits for disaster relief and networked with young professionals during both formal and social events.

Sophomore Kenna Early said the experience was transformative.
“Attending the Young Agents Development Conference was an amazing opportunity to get hands-on experience networking with professionals in the industry,” she said. “It forced me to leave my comfort zone and develop the necessary skills to succeed and grow. I specifically really valued the tips I learned about LinkedIn and the conversations I was able to have with recruiters.”

Junior Darian Chamblee echoed that sentiment.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the IIANC Young Agents Conference, which provided valuable insight from current professionals within the insurance industry,” Chamblee said. “I had the chance to network with young agents and learn about the steps to take to become a strong and well-prepared agent right out of college. Additionally, I explored different AI tools being used in the industry that I plan to implement into my own professional development.”

The College of Business and RMI program thank the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina for providing students this professional development opportunity.