Beyond the Numbers: Actuaries Invest in a More Inclusive Future

OTTAWA, ON – January 19, 2026 – In a move that underscores a growing, profession-wide commitment to diversity, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) and the Actuarial Students’ National Association (ASNA) have recognized three outstanding students as the recipients of the 2026 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) scholarships. The announcement, made during the 36th ANÉA-ASNA Convention, highlights a strategic effort to cultivate a more representative and inclusive generation of risk management experts in Canada.

Ruby Eger, Geshna (Shania) Kodai, and Mathieu Paradis were each awarded a $3,000 scholarship for their distinct contributions and achievements. These awards are more than just financial support; they represent a deliberate investment in a future where the actuarial profession mirrors the diverse population it serves, ensuring financial security is approached with the broadest possible perspective.

The Strategic Imperative for Diversity

The actuarial profession, long defined by its rigorous mathematical and statistical standards, is undergoing a significant cultural evolution. Leading bodies like the CIA, which governs Canada's over 6,800 actuaries, are increasingly recognizing that technical excellence alone is insufficient. To effectively manage financial risk and advise on the future for all Canadians, the profession must embed the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into its core.

This shift is not happening in isolation. It aligns with a global movement among actuarial organizations. The US-based Society of Actuaries (SOA) has implemented a comprehensive DEI strategy focused on growing the talent pipeline with an emphasis on underrepresented groups, while the UK's Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) champions global mentoring programs to foster career progression. The CIA's efforts are part of this international consensus that a diversity of thought, background, and experience is essential for innovation and robust problem-solving.

In Canada, this commitment is formalized through the CIA's multi-faceted DEI strategy, steered by its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group (DEIAG). The strategy extends beyond scholarships to encompass education, recruitment, and policy reform. The institute is actively working to integrate DEI principles into its educational programs, break down biases in hiring, promote inclusive language in its communications, and build relationships with diverse community networks. These scholarships are a highly visible and impactful component of this broader, long-term vision.

Recognizing Tomorrow's Leaders

The three scholarships awarded at the convention gala on January 17 were tailored to recognize different, yet equally vital, contributions to the profession's future. Each recipient exemplifies a key pillar of the CIA and ASNA's shared goals.

Ruby Eger was awarded the Indigenous Scholarship, an award specifically designed to support Indigenous students and strengthen their presence within actuarial science. This targeted initiative directly addresses the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in STEM and finance, aiming to dismantle barriers and build a more equitable talent pipeline.

Geshna (Shania) Kodai received the Inclusive Culture Scholarship. This award celebrates students who go beyond their academic work to actively foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for their peers. It recognizes the crucial, on-the-ground work of building a community where individuals from all backgrounds—including people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community—feel they belong.

Mathieu Paradis was the recipient of the Academic Achievement Scholarship, which honors outstanding scholastic performance and a profound dedication to the field. This award reinforces that the push for diversity is coupled with an unwavering commitment to the high standards of excellence that define the actuarial profession.

“Our profession thrives when we embrace different perspectives and create opportunities for new actuaries from all backgrounds and experiences,” said Angelita Graham, FCIA and CIA President, in the official announcement. “These scholarships reflect our ongoing commitment to creating an actuarial community where every member feels they belong and can be fully engaged in supporting the financial security of all Canadians.”

This sentiment was echoed by the student leadership. “Partnering with the CIA on these scholarships continues to be a proud tradition for ASNA,” stated Sanjit Samanta, ASNA Vice-President of Business Relations. “The strides that are being made toward cultivating diversity and tackling social obstacles in this field are critical to forging a stronger Canadian actuarial community.”

A Collaborative Effort at the 'Embers of Change'

The setting for the awards presentation was as significant as the awards themselves. The 36th ANÉA-ASNA Convention, held in Ottawa, brought together hundreds of actuarial students and corporate sponsors under the theme “Embers of Change: Where Ideas Spark Impact.” As the Grand Patron sponsor, the CIA’s prominent role underscored the powerful partnership between the profession's governing body and its next generation.

The convention’s theme speaks to a period of transformation, where new ideas are poised to reshape the industry. By celebrating these DEI champions at the largest gathering of future actuaries in North America, the CIA and ASNA sent a clear message: diversity and inclusion are not peripheral concerns but are central to the profession’s future impact and relevance. The collaboration demonstrates a unified front, ensuring that the push for change is driven by both established leaders and the students who will soon lead the field.

Building a Sustainable and Diverse Talent Pipeline

While the ASNA-CIA DEI scholarships were first established in 2023, they are part of a proven, long-term strategy for talent development seen across professional fields. Such programs are critical tools for building a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals from a wider range of backgrounds. For example, The Actuarial Foundation and SOA's STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program in the U.S. provides substantial, multi-year scholarships to high school seniors from underrepresented groups, creating a direct pathway into the profession.

The impact extends far beyond financial assistance. By publicly celebrating recipients like Eger, Kodai, and Paradis, these programs create visible role models and demonstrate a tangible commitment to change. This can inspire other students from similar backgrounds to pursue an actuarial career, confident that the profession is actively working to become more welcoming.

Ultimately, a more diverse workforce leads to better business and societal outcomes. Actuaries equipped with a wider range of life experiences and cultural perspectives are better able to identify and analyze risks for an increasingly diverse Canadian population. This fosters innovation, challenges outdated assumptions, and strengthens the profession's ability to fulfill its public interest mandate of helping Canadians face the future with confidence.