Alexandria Allen, MBA, CPCU, AINS, AU, AU-M
Alexandria Allen, MBA, CPCU, AINS, AU, AU-M, is a highly skilled Underwriting Specialist at Auto-Owners Insurance. My career in insurance began just four years ago after spending time as a stay-at-home mom, and I have been in my current position as a technical risk decision maker for about a year. Every day, I partner with independent agencies to evaluate whether commercial risks meet our company’s guidelines and appetite, handling everything from mom-and-pop clothing boutiques to complex commercial properties. I assess their history, experience, and prior claims to determine if we should write property and general liability coverage, leveraging my full underwriting authority to price aggressively for strong risks or find creative solutions in challenging scenarios.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to professional development, earning multiple certifications, including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), and Associate in Commercial Underwriting – Management (AU-M). My academic background includes a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Columbia College. In my role, I have also cultivated leadership skills I never anticipated. Being recognized by my management team and assigned as a team lead has been one of my most humbling and rewarding experiences, as colleagues now seek my guidance, reflecting the trust and credibility I have built in a relatively short time in the industry.
Beyond my professional achievements, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I have volunteered for over a decade with St. Raymond’s Society, supporting mothers and young children, and serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for older youth in foster care through CAPITAL CITY CASA. Working in a male-dominated industry at a company led entirely by women has provided me incredible role models and inspiration. I continue to focus on expanding my leadership responsibilities, building my professional brand, and mentoring others, while leveraging my expertise to positively impact both my clients and the broader community.
• CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter)
• AUM (Associate in Commercial Underwriting Management)
• AU (Associate in Commercial Underwriting)
• AINS (Associate in Insurance)
• Columbia College - BS, Accounting and Finance
• Columbia College - MBA
• Graduated cum laude with Bachelor's degree
• Graduated with distinction with 4.0 GPA for Master's degree
• Gave commencement speech for graduating class
• Sigma Beta Delta
• Alpha Sigma Lambda
• Columbia College
• St. Raymond's Society
• CAPITAL CITY CASA
What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her success to her entire journey that it took to get to where she is today, as she started out in a rough patch being in a family that was addicts, which led her into becoming a high school dropout and also in addiction. She found help and did raise her children, went back to school got her GED Bachelors in Accounting and Finance and then her Masters MBA both from Columbia College and now has 4 certifications through her job. She believes in telling her story and letting others know its never too late and she is in fact a very strong leader and graduated with honors a 4.0.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a successful career doing something you truly love, and it is never too late to pursue it. That perspective has reminded me to stay open to new opportunities, trust my instincts, and not feel limited by timing or past decisions. It has encouraged me to focus on what genuinely fulfills me and to approach my career with both passion and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering the industry, I would say that regardless of your past, your future can be incredibly bright. Stay focused on your goals, believe in your potential, and never let setbacks define you. Be open to learning, seek out mentors, and surround yourself with people who inspire and support your growth. Confidence and resilience will take you far, and every experience good or challenging can help shape you into a stronger, more capable professional.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a professional with four years of experience in the workforce, I recognize that one of the biggest challenges I face is continuing to establish credibility while still being early in my career. However, I see this as a significant opportunity to intentionally build and define my personal brand. I am confident in my abilities, eager to grow, and committed to continuously learning, which allows me to position myself as both capable and forward-thinking. By leveraging my experiences, embracing new challenges, and staying adaptable in an evolving professional landscape, I am actively shaping a strong foundation for long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being able to work hard as a leader at work and outside of work as she volunteers with CASA advocating for teens in the foster care system as she also was in foster care and her child at one point, in addition to St. Raymond Society which also helped her and helps moms with children that struggle with hardships. She also enjoys playing the violin as she has been playing for 24 years and crafting and helps with a class