Kristen Gutierrez – 2026 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection

Going to Fort Lauderdale for the PRIMA Annual Conference was the perfect way to wrap up my college experience. I recently graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a major in Applied Economics and a minor in Finance. For the last few years, I have been buried in quantitative analysis, financial modeling, and academic theory. Attending this conference finally showed me how to take my skills and use them for public service to make a real impact.

Going into the event, I was most interested in learning more about the topic of claims management. In an academic setting, data is usually just numbers on a screen. But at PRIMA, I saw how data is fundamental in protecting a city or school district’s financial stability, physical assets, and data integrity. Hearing experienced professionals talk about how they use risk analytics to minimize losses for public entities was eye-opening. It reinforced my belief that protecting public resources means taxpayer funds can go toward community welfare instead of paying for preventable losses.

Beyond the educational sessions, the most impactful part of the week was the mentorship. Transitioning from a student to a full-time professional is intimidating, but our onsite support team made all the difference. Mentors like Melissa Steger and Mark Pew did more than hand out business cards. They dedicated their time to helping our scholar group navigate an overwhelming environment.

Melissa's genuine passion for training and mentoring showed me the importance of compassionate leadership in risk management. At the same time, spending time with Mark proved how much virtue there is in this field. His advocacy for holistic approaches in claims management showed me that this industry is about treating people with dignity and keeping the injured worker top of mind. Having the chance to ask them candid questions gave me a lot of perspective on how to use risk analytics to make sound decisions, highlight the biggest expenses, and ensure intentional management.

I have always been drawn to fields where analytical finance directly impacts people's well-being. My goals align with a focus on financial stewardship, which allows me to serve by helping individuals and organizations protect their resources and make sound decisions. I find risk management to be a highly rewarding field with endless opportunities to grow, especially when it comes to analyzing data to highlight the biggest expenses and ensure intentional management. Whether managing public resources or private capital, the core mission is identical: advocating for stability and financial health so that people can thrive.

As I prepare to officially start my new role in the finance industry next week, I am carrying these lessons from Fort Lauderdale with me. The conference showed me that a strong foundation in economics is not just about maximizing returns. It is about managing risk to build resilient communities. I am incredibly grateful to PRIMA and the scholarship sponsors for investing in students. To any undergraduates looking for a career where analytical skills meet public impact, this community is exactly where you want to be.