In the early 1990s, Black actuaries across North America recognized the need for stronger connections, mentorship, and advocacy within the actuarial profession. At the time, the number of Black actuaries in the field was small, and many professionals found themselves isolated within their organizations.

What began as a conversation quickly became a movement.

On October 25, 1992, sixty-five men and women from the United States, the Caribbean, and Canada gathered in Washington, DC for the inaugural meeting of the National Association of Black Actuaries (NABA). Under the leadership of Garth Bernard, FSA, an organizing committee began developing the framework for an organization dedicated to increasing the number of Black actuaries and supporting their success within the profession.

In 1993, the organization was formally established and later became known as the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA), reflecting the growing reach of its community and mission.

Throughout the 1990s, IABA began building the programs and partnerships that would define its impact. The organization created opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development while raising awareness about the importance of diversity within the actuarial profession.

These early efforts connected Black actuarial students and professionals across companies, universities, and practice areas—forming a growing community committed to supporting one another and strengthening the profession.

As the organization grew, IABA expanded its programs to support both students and professionals pursuing actuarial careers.

Scholarship initiatives were introduced to help reduce financial barriers for students. Mentoring and professional development programs continued to grow, providing guidance to students navigating exams, internships, and early career decisions.

During this period, IABA also strengthened partnerships with employers and professional organizations across the industry—helping create stronger pathways into the actuarial profession.

One major milestone during this time was the creation of the Corporate Advisory Council (CAC).

On December 3, 2004, the Corporate Advisory Council was formally established with twelve founding organizations—Hewitt, Hartford, Aetna, Howard University, Towers Perrin, the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), Mercer, DW Simpson, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Aon, CNA, and Allstate. The council meets quarterly, including one meeting held immediately before the IABA Annual Meeting.

In the 2010s, IABA significantly expanded its reach and influence across the profession.

Programs such as Boot Camp, mentoring initiatives, scholarships, and professional development opportunities continued to grow, supporting students and professionals at every stage of their careers.

In 2015, the organization reached an important structural milestone.

On March 17, 2015, IABA was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The IABA Foundation was subsequently merged into IABA, allowing the organization to operate as a single charitable entity.

Later that year, in August 2015, total scholarship funds awarded since 1996 exceeded $500,000, reflecting the organization’s growing commitment to supporting future actuaries.

Today, IABA is a vibrant and growing community of students, credentialed actuaries, and industry leaders across the United States and beyond.

Through scholarships, mentoring, leadership development programs, and professional education opportunities—including the Annual Meeting and Coffee Conversations—IABA continues to support actuaries throughout their professional journeys.

What began with sixty-five actuaries gathering in Washington, DC in 1992 has grown into a dynamic organization dedicated to strengthening the actuarial profession by expanding opportunity and cultivating leadership.