Brown & Brown Announces 2026 Spencer Educational Foundation Grant Recipient

Brown & Brown is pleased to announce Mariana Duong-Vázquez as the recipient of the 2026 Spencer Educational Foundation Grant. A rising senior at the University of Connecticut studying actuarial science and mathematics, Mariana has been awarded a $7,500 scholarship in recognition of her commitment to the field and her potential to help shape a more diverse and equitable future for the risk management and insurance industry.

Brown & Brown’s dedication to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging reflects our belief that a workforce strengthened by varied backgrounds and perspectives drives stronger outcomes for our teammates and customers. This grant demonstrates our ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive industry — supporting the emerging talent and drive that will define its next generation of leaders.

Mariana’s leadership roles, including Director of Fundraising for the UConn Actuarial Society, Treasurer of the UConn Vietnamese Student Association, and officer of the Organization of Latino Actuaries, highlight her commitment to building connections between underrepresented students and industry professionals. These qualities reflect the values we champion as we work to support the next generation of leaders in the industry.

The Spencer Educational Foundation, established in 1979, is recognized as the leading organization dedicated to funding the education of future leaders in risk management and insurance. Since its inception, Spencer has awarded more than $11 million in scholarships and grants, impacting more than 135,000 students across the United States and Canada.

The Spencer Educational Foundation provides financial support and expands access to mentorship and networking opportunities within the risk management community, reinforcing our shared commitment to developing future leaders of the industry.