Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The American Academy of Actuaries’ mission is to serve the public and the United States actuarial profession.
Consistent with our mission, the work and support we provide to policymakers must be non-partisan, objective, and balanced, which cannot be achieved if our work does not reflect different perspectives and experiences.
The Academy’s specific efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion are geared to strengthening the Academy’s work and elevating its impact for the decision makers who rely on this work.
Our efforts do not focus on specific metrics like quotas for members, volunteers, and staff, and are designed to include anyone who wants to participate.
On this page, we highlight recent work done by the various Academy committees and task forces. You can access a list of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s members and read its charge here.
The American Academy of Actuaries recognizes every individual’s unique voice, talents, and experiences, in an environment in which every person’s contribution is valued and respected.
The American Academy of Actuaries is committed to building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. We understand that we have a shared responsibility to nurture an inclusive and diverse community. We cultivate a community that embraces individual differences in all aspects of life, such as age, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender expression, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and all the many other characteristics that make each of us unique. In support of this commitment:
- Within our organization: Our employment practices and policies foster a workplace that is open, receptive, and respectful, where all employees feel valued and valuable and interact with the actuarial community and the public in a way that embodies these principles.
- Among our volunteers: Our community of volunteers welcomes and embraces the diversity of thought and life experiences that allow our work products to reflect our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage active engagement of members from underrepresented groups within our actuarial community, including all levels of leadership.
- Among the U.S. Actuarial Profession: We continue to promulgate and adhere to the highest professionalism standards. We ensure that those standards evolve and adapt to reflect our commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We educate actuaries on the application of these principles to their work and interactions with colleagues, clients, and the public.
- For the public: We provide objective actuarial public policy analysis that supports an equitable and inclusive community in the United States. We identify and address actuarial practices and norms that raise barriers and perpetuate inequity. We raise the understanding of how various practices, societal issues, and public policies impact equity from an actuarial perspective.
The following definitions are intended to explain what the terms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean to the Academy to ensure that they are consistently understood and used by the Academy’s Board, volunteers, members, stakeholders, and staff.
Diversity:
Diversity is understanding, embracing, and leveraging the many ways in which people differ. Diversity involves the psychological, physical, and social differences among individuals, such as: race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, religion, economic class, education, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, mental and physical ability, and learning styles.
Equity:
Equity is providing every individual with the necessary access, tools, and opportunities to engage and contribute. Equity involves ensuring that processes and practices are fair and impartial, and identifying and eliminating obstacles that prevent individuals from fully participating at all levels.
Inclusion:
Inclusion is creating and maintaining an environment in which all individuals are and feel respected, supported, heard, valued, and welcomed to fully participate. Inclusion involves encouraging and fostering a sense of belonging.
