Global Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Lead Employee at NEXT Insurance

Kaanji Irby

Global Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Lead

Kaanji develops and leads NEXT Insurance’s global initiatives focused on building belonging and developing social programs where the company can give back to the communities where they serve.

“We are a fast-growing company and while our strength is our product, our superpower is our people.”
- Kaanji

Tell us more about your job. What’s a typical day like in your role, and how does your work impact the company?: My role requires that I am a conduit to all of our teammates. I am responsible for making sure that each employee feels valued, seen, and heard. And that each person can thrive within NEXT. I am seeing that in this role, I have the ability to make a direct and positive impact on our people, our customers, and our communities.
What attracted you to work at NEXT Insurance? How did you know it would be a good fit?: I joined NEXT as the first diversity and social impact lead, and what attracted me to work here was the senior leadership’s commitment to supporting inclusion.
Tell us about when you’ve felt most proud of your work or colleagues.: I am constantly amazed by my teammates. Everyone is a learner and everyone is a teacher. When we present community conversations or learning sessions, I am so proud of our teammates who are willing to share their stories and support one another. It’s a joy to witness and to be a part of.
What do you value most about your company’s or team’s culture? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?: What I value is that at NEXT, we embrace understanding and cultural awareness. Our goal is to ensure that each person feels empowered to bring their full selves to work by creating and cultivating a community that supports each and every individual. We want everyone to be set up for success and feel that they can thrive.
What unique point of view do you bring to the company and to your role? How does your personal perspective make your company stronger?: In addition to being a diversity professional, I am a licensed attorney. I think that my legal background provides me with a unique lens through which I view diversity work. Because what underlies diversity work are principles of fairness and justice—and these are themes that have been common threads throughout my life. These principles are what guide me in this work and in my life.
What advice do you have for someone in your field applying to jobs at your company?: I’d encourage anyone who is interested in applying to a position at NEXT to join us! We are a fast-growing company and while our strength is our product, our superpower is our people. Working in the equity ecosystem at NEXT is really a pleasure and a privilege.

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