Skip to main content

About Us

Learn about NAAIA’s mission, values, and history. Dive deeper into our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the insurance industry.

Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower Black professionals in the insurance industry by providing unparalleled educational resources, invaluable mentorship opportunities, robust networking, and recognition of industry achievements. We are committed to fostering professional development and community outreach, creating a supportive environment where our members can thrive and excel.

Our Philosophy

NAAIA is rooted in the belief that diversity strengthens the insurance industry. We are committed to empowering Black professionals by providing a supportive environment where education, mentorship, and networking flourish. Our philosophy centers on fostering growth, celebrating achievements, and driving systemic change to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. We strive to cultivate a community that values representation, professional development, and the advancement of underrepresented talent. At NAAIA, we believe in the transformative power of connection and leadership in shaping a brighter future for all.

Our Mission & Philosophy

A Legacy of Leadership, Empowerment, and Impact

NAAIA Seattle History

NAAIA Seattle is part of a long-standing movement to create space, voice, and opportunity for Black professionals in insurance. While our chapter is newly established, we are grounded in the mission and momentum of the national organization. Our history is one of resilience, ambition, and leadership. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way—trailblazers who challenged industry norms, built thriving careers, and opened doors for future generations.

You’re Not Alone with NAAIA Seattle

Across the country, professionals just like you are part of a growing NAAIA network committed to excellence, inclusion, and transformation. Whether you’re launching your career, pivoting into new roles, or mentoring others, NAAIA is here to walk with you.

Whats Next for Seattle

Our Chapter is just getting started. With launch events, new programs, and community partnerships on the horizon, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you want to attend an event, join the board, become a member, or partner with us, this site is your hub for connection and next steps.

Visit our events page to see what’s coming up, explore open board positions, join as a member through NAAIA.org, or see our latest news to stay informed and engaged.

Our History

NAAIA Seattle
Executive Board

Our chapter is led by a committed executive board focused on growth, strategy, and community impact. Meet the leaders shaping our work, and explore open roles if you’re ready to lead with purpose.

Become a Board Member

Letwon
Canton

President
About Me

Letwon
Canton

President

Board Member

Letwon Canton brings over two decades of experience in the financial services and insurance industries, with a career defined by strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to compliance and risk management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Willamette University and currently serves as an Operations Analyst Specialist at Symetra Life Insurance Company, where he leads teams through complex audits, regulatory initiatives, and strategic business transformations.

Letwon’s professional journey includes progressive roles in operations, compliance auditing, and pension services, consistently driving improvements in efficiency, quality, and team performance. He is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as Chair of the African American/Afro-Caribbean Network Employee Resource Group, where he leads educational and professional development programming across the enterprise.

A proud native of Washington State who calls Seattle home, Letwon is also a dedicated community volunteer, serving as a long-term coach and team manager within the Emerald City Softball Association, where he fosters mentorship and teamwork through sport.

Chisa
Blair

Vice President
About Me

Chisa
Blair

Vice President

Board Member

Chisa has over 15 years of risk management and commercial insurance experience. She has worked across several practice groups including construction, manufacturing, technology, legal services, and real estate. With an MBA specializing in executive leadership from Whitworth University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eckerd College, Chisa is a strategic thinker and adept problem solver.

A proud native of Washington State, Chisa originally hails from Pullman and now calls Kennewick home with her husband and son. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively contributes to the community as the former Board of Directors Vice President of the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA), and current Vice President of the National African American Insurance Association, Seattle Development Chapter (NAAIA).

As an Account Executive for USI Insurance Services, Chisa is committed to ensuring that her clients and colleagues always have positive and informative insurance experiences.

Kyra
Farmer

Secretary
About Me

First
Last Name

Secretary

Board Member

Kyra Farmer is a risk management professional with a decade of experience spanning the public and private sectors. Currently serving as Risk Manager at Snohomish County Public Utility District, she oversees claims management, insurance operations, and regulatory compliance while driving strategic improvements in risk-related processes.

Prior to this, Kyra held key roles at Amazon, Whole Foods Market, Petco, and Liberty Mutual, where she led global insurance placements, streamlined claims operations, and delivered significant cost savings. Kyra holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin and multiple industry certifications, including RIMS-CRMP, ARM, AIC, and CPCU.

First Name
Last Name

Treasurer
About Me

First
Last Name

Treasurer

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Our Officers

Committee Chairs

Our committee chairs turn ideas into action. They lead outreach, plan programs, grow membership, and create spaces where professionals feel seen, supported, and connected.

If you’re passionate about contributing your time and talent, consider applying for a leadership role that aligns with your strengths.

Become a Board Member

Your
Name

Member Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Member Chair

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Your
Name

Programs Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Programs Chair

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Your
Name

Agent Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Agent Chair

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Mary Elizabeth
Himes

Marketing/PR Chair
About Me

Mary Elizabeth
Himes

Marketing/PR Chair

Board Member

Mary Elizabeth Himes is the owner / broker of Mama Bear Insurance Services, LLC dba Safe Harbor Agency an independent insurance agency founded in March 2020 in the State of Washington. She started as a life insurance agent in 1998 and spent 17 years with Auto Club of So CA in various positions; she is an expert in service, operations and underwriting.

Mary Elizabeth is P&C Licensed with a client base in Washinton and California and holds her Associate in Insurance (AINS) from The Institutes, she is an active community member serving on several boards and local city commissions.

In 2023 she worked with the Island Small Business Innovation Fund as the Bilingual Mentor for Island County. This position allowed her to work directly with Spanish speaking business owners and break through stigmas that were holding them back from fully participating in education and funding opportunities.

In 2025 she served as a BIPOC Community Engagement Consultant for English and Spanish speaking communities to support data collection and housing needs concerns for marginalized communities in Island County WA under a Consortium of community organizations. Her data collection and processes assisted in bringing attention to historical inequities in housing.

She is also a poet, public speaker and workshop facilitator, performing and providing services on Whidbey Island, WA and Seattle as A Poet on Whidbey and a member of African American Writers Alliance and Black Women Write Seattle.

Mary Elizabeths’ mission is to remove the negative stigma of insurance in African American communities and demographics that are economically challenged.

Your
Name

Emerging Leaders Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Emerging Leaders Chair

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Your
Name

Nominations & Elections Chair
About Me

First
Last Name

Nominations & Elections Chair

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Your
Name

At-Large Board Member
About Me

First
Last Name

At-Large Board Member

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

Your
Name

At-Large Board Member
About Me

First
Last Name

At-Large Board Member

Board Member

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam dignissim, magna at bibendum gravida, justo purus pulvinar tortor, a efficitur erat justo sed orci.

Vivamus sed enim id odio vestibulum fringilla. Duis lacinia, leo nec congue sagittis, enim sapien rhoncus dolor, vitae pretium leo ante nec nulla. Morbi ac facilisis nisi.

Cras id tincidunt sem, nec accumsan est. Mauris tristique neque et orci tristique, ut laoreet est rhoncus. Nulla sit amet porta nulla, at vehicula leo.

Sed lobortis arcu non risus rutrum, ut pulvinar erat gravida. Curabitur posuere, ipsum nec pulvinar pretium, elit arcu aliquam ante, eget mattis sem nisi nec sapien.

At Large Board Members

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you define the makeup of NAAIA’s membership and partners?

NAAIA boasts over 2,500 members and partners with influential associations that drive our industry’s success on local, regional, national, and global levels. Our collaborations with carriers, brokerages, agencies, and strategic alliances ensure mutual success by achieving shared goals, benefiting individuals, businesses, and communities alike. With a presence in twenty-five states and growing, NAAIA’s footprint extends across every major region of the country.

Who are NAAIA’s constituents?

NAAIA’s membership includes newcomers, emerging leaders, experienced staff and executives. NAAIA membership is diverse, comprising individuals from various positions and roles such as insurance agents, brokers, insurers, underwriters, claim adjusters, recruiters, legal and financial professionals, and more.

Is NAAIA exclusively for Independent Agents?

No, NAAIA is not exclusive to any one industry segment. NAAIA engages, encourages and supports any and all insurance career professionals, be they employed, unemployed or retired, in industry-related fields, or students interested in insurance.

How Can I Become a Member of NAAIA?

Becoming a member of NAAIA is easy! Visit our Membership Page for more detailed information. Join Us and become part of a vibrant community of Black and African American insurance professionals!

How Can I Attend NAAIA’s National Conference?

Participating in NAAIA’s annual National Conference is a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from industry leaders. Visit our Events Page for information.

What Are the Benefits of Membership?

NAAIA offers networking opportunities, access to insurance education resources, career advancement support, and much more. Visit our Membership Page for more information.

How Can I Stay Updated on NAAIA News and Announcements?

Enter your email address in the box below to Stay Connected on the latest updates, news, and event information.
Frequently Asked Questions