2026 CICA student essay winners unveiled

Temple University students Sajjad Alloo and Gabriel Albertson received first-place honours and a $2,500 prize in the 2025-2026 Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) College Student Essay Contest Captive Insurance Solutions for Today’s Risk Management Challenges. 

The contest is sponsored by Hylant Global Captive Solutions (Hylant GCS). The winner was announced during the opening session of the CICA 2026 International Conference at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, California.

Second place went to Elizabeth Jouini and Isabella Martinez from St. Mary’s University with a $1,500 prize, and third place went to Noah Oachs and Zoey Bendewald from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a $1,000 prize.

“I continue to be impressed by the captive knowledge these students demonstrate through the essay contest process,” said CICA President Dan Towle. “The insight they are gaining provides a strong foundation for success across the insurance industry, and we hope this experience inspires many of them to consider a career in captive insurance.

Anne Marie Towle, chief executive officer of Hylant Consulting, commented: “As the sponsor of the CICA Student Essay Contest, we are honoured to contribute to the development of these students. This initiative aligns with Hylant’s commitment to fostering education and encouraging innovation in captive insurance, and we are proud to invest in our industry’s future leaders.”

In addition to cash prizes, the students will present their essays during an education session at the CICA International Conference.

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