Knowledge Corner

Charo Rosemond entered the insurance industry with intention.

After working for the City of New York for several years, she realized she wanted a career path that would allow for long-term development and opportunity. That decision led her into the insurance industry, beginning as a Data Quality Analyst at Tokio Marine Management, Inc.

“My career in insurance was ignited from a desire for growth,” she explains. “I knew I needed to make a change if I wanted to establish a career that would allow for growth.”

What followed was not a single leap, but a series of intentional steps.

Building a Technical Foundation
In her first role, Charo was responsible for data quality and regulatory reporting. That early exposure gave her an understanding of how insurance operations drive financial results. Ultimately laying the foundation for the analytical strength she brings to her work today.

“To be effective in this role, I had to understand loss reserving and claims settlement, collaborating closely with the claims and finance teams,” she says.

As her career evolved, she saw an opportunity at TSIB to expand her expertise as a Wrap Administrator. In that role, she learned about Wrap-Up programs, construction risk, and risk transfer mechanisms, gaining insight into how insurance programs are structured and administered.

In May 2017, she transitioned into surety. With mentorship and experience, she grew into her current role as a Surety Analyst.

“The switch to Surety was a learning curve,” she recalls, “but I was fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry, which allowed me to feel supported while deepening my understanding of Surety and the world of bonding.”

The Precision of Surety
Today, what keeps Charo engaged is the relationship-driven nature of the work.

“I appreciate the relationship-driven aspect of surety,” she says. “It allows you to build meaningful partnerships with the contractors you support by developing a thorough understanding of the projects they are pursuing during the underwriting process.”

That understanding enables her to advise contractors on bonding structure and capacity — decisions that directly impact their ability to pursue and complete projects. In a field where small oversights can carry significant consequences, attention to detail is essential.

“I believe the most important skills for success in this industry are attention to detail, ethics, integrity, and adaptability with a willingness to learn,” she explains. “Construction is a precision-driven field where small oversights can significantly impact cost, schedule, and quality.”

Equally important, she notes, is maintaining transparency and accountability — values that build trust with her clients and partners.

Growth Through Challenge
One of Charo’s proudest professional moments wasn’t a single transaction or milestone, it was recognizing her own growth.

“Recognizing how much my underwriting skills have developed over time has been one of my proudest moments,” she shares. “Being able to approach more complex requests with greater confidence, clarity, and ease has been incredibly rewarding.”

That growth did not happen automatically. Early in her career, she faced the challenge of balancing thorough analysis with timely decision-making. Wanting to examine every detail, she had to learn when to prioritize key risk indicators and synthesize information efficiently.

Surety demands both precision and decisiveness and mastering that balance became part of her professional evolution. When faced with difficult decisions, Charo leans into collaboration. For her, collaboration is not a weakness, it is a strategic strength.

Elevating Women’s Influence
Organizations like the National Association of Surety Producers (NASBP) have played a critical role in amplifying women’s voices and expanding professional development opportunities. While progress has been made, Charo acknowledges that women are not as visible in senior leadership roles within the industry as she would like.  

“Ultimately, the goal is not just inclusion, but influence — ensuring women have a voice at the table and a clear pathway to growth and leadership.”

More structured mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, designed not just to provide advice, but to actively open doors, can make a significant difference.

“There is no single blueprint for success,” she adds. “Analytical strength, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and strategic thinking are all assets.”

Guidance for the Next Generation
To young women considering the industry, Charo offers direct encouragement.

“Go for it,” she says. “Surety gives you exposure to business strategy, risk evaluation, and relationship management all at once.”

Her advice is practical: be curious, ask questions, understand how contractors truly operate, and build confidence through preparation.

“Don’t be intimidated if you’re one of the only women in the room,” she adds. “The more you understand financials, work-in-progress reports, and contract risk, the more naturally your confidence will grow.”

She credits much of her own development to mentorship. Her current supervisor, who leads more like a coach than a manager, has challenged her to expand her knowledge while building trust and confidence. 

Looking Ahead
When asked to describe herself in one word, Charo chooses “Driven.” It’s a mindset that continues to shape the direction of her career.

Looking ahead, she is focused on deepening her technical expertise and expanding her underwriting responsibilities. She hopes to gain broader exposure to complex accounts and strategic decision-making, while continuing to be a trusted resource to the contractors she serves.

“My goal is to build a career defined by integrity, strong judgment, and meaningful contributions,” she says.

At TSIB, she has found a culture that supports that growth.

“What I value most about TSIB is the people,” she shares. “There’s a genuine willingness to collaborate and help one another succeed.”

From data analysis to underwriting strategy, Charo’s journey reflects intentional growth, disciplined thinking, and quiet confidence built through preparation. Her story is a testament to persistence, mentorship, and the belief that influence is earned through expertise.

This article is part of our Women’s History Month spotlight lineup. Don’t miss any of the other inspiring stories highlighted in this series!