University of Wisconsin—Madison Students Win CICA Essay Contest

University of Wisconsin–Madison students Rachel Claire Gibson and Ella Pernsteiner took first place in the 2024–2025 Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) college student essay contest, earning a $2,500 prize. Their essay proposed a captive insurance structure to help a hotel chain address multiple insurance challenges related to its corporate structure and diverse operations.

The contest, sponsored by Hylant Global Captive Solutions (Hylant GCS), was announced during the opening session of the CICA 2025 International Conference at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.

Second place, with a $1,500 prize, went to Matthew Sharretts and Samuel Brockelman of Connecticut College. Isabella Martinez and Skilee Soto of St. Mary's University took third place, earning $1,000.

"I continue to be impressed with the development of the students' captive knowledge as they progress through the essay contest process," CICA President Dan Towle said. "Their growing interest in captive insurance is exciting to witness as they take a deep dive into their essay contest case studies."

Anne Marie Towle, CEO, Global Risk & Captive Solutions at Hylant GCS, said, "As the sponsor of the CICA Student Essay Contest, we are honored to contribute to the growth and 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."

Beyond cash prizes, the winning students will present their essays during an education session at the CICA Conference, and their work will be published.

(Photo courtesy of CICA; from left to right: Anne Marie Towle, Rachel Claire Gibson, Ella Pernsteiner, and Dan Towle)