The Kerestesi Center for Insurance and Risk Management debuted the inaugural Kerestesi $10,000 Insurance Challenge on May 1, a signature experiential learning event that brings together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals for an evening of innovation, insight, and celebration.
Generously supported by the PHLY Foundation Fund for Experiential Learning, the event featured eight interdisciplinary student teams, each tasked with designing and presenting a go-to-market strategy for a fictional Las Vegas-based startup, Kerestesi NextGen Insurance.
After thoughtful deliberation, judges selected the top three teams based on clarity, innovation, market potential, and presentation quality:
- 1st Place – Jacinto Alfaro-Martinez, Micaela Benavidez-Sosa, Ethan Phui
- 2nd Place – Caylee Chavez, Marcus Young, Marco Lau, Georgia Barrett
- 3rd Place – Georgina Zacari, Enrique Gomez, Garrett Foster, Noah Westbrook, Jayden Hulett
In addition, five students were recognized as Most Valuable Presenters (MVPs) for their standout performance, professionalism, and leadership during the competition: Enrique Gomez, Noor Vermilya, Micaela Benavidez-Sosa, Loris Yebe, and Caylee Chavez.
The presentations were evaluated by a panel of respected judges, each representing a cornerstone of the Center’s mission and community:
- Thomas F. Kerestesi, whose vision and legacy inspired the founding of the Kerestesi Center
- Patrick Hanley, former President and CEO of Socius Insurance Services and incoming Director of the Kerestesi Center, effective July 1
- Ana Carolina Buccini, Employee Benefits Account Executive at Cragin & Pike, a firm with deep historical ties to Nevada’s insurance landscape
- Kim Forbes, Vice President of Strategy and HR at Smith Therapy Partners and Treasurer of Nevada RIMS
- David Ferderer, Assistant Vice President at Philadelphia Insurance Companies, representing the event’s generous sponsor
The competition was designed as a capstone-style experience in anticipation of the official launch of the new Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Insurance and Risk Management, which will begin enrolling students this fall through the Lee Business School. The event highlighted the program’s core values: industry engagement, hands-on learning, and the development of future-ready professionals prepared to lead in risk-driven industries.
