Kishma Baronville, at 36, has strived to be the best at her job and her knack for perfection and drive to develop herself academically are the key ingredients that has made her a highly regarded career woman in society.

A mother of one, Ms. Baronville disclosed before working at Colonial Insurance in December 2007, she spent 17 years at Caribbean Insurers Ltd. climbing up the ladder from a clerk to the Manager of Personal Lines.

“I know it has been a long time, but entering into the Insurance field just happened. The then BVI High School usually organised work summer programmes where students would enter the work force to gain experience,” she recalled.  “In June 1990, I job trained with Caribbean Insurers Ltd, and one week after graduation I was called back for a permanent position.”

While there, Ms. Baronville was able to learn the “ins and outs” of the company, and during the 17 years she spent there, she mastered the knowledge and skills to assist clients in marine, health, life, auto and commercial insurances.

Looking back when she was in job training, Ms. Baronville said it was the perception, and still is to some extent by Virgin Islanders, that entering the insurance field was not a lucrative one.

It is evident from Ms. Baronville’s success that the perception is all a myth. And it was one of the reasons she remained in the field. “I found that there weren’t many VIslanders who are well trained or knowledgeable in insurance, and who actually pursue it as a career. I find the industry to be a niche that many locals can tap into for professional development.”

The career oriented young lady was hired by Colonial as the Account Manager for Medical but was quickly promoted to GM in July 2010 and oversees a staff of six.

“We are a small company that is forging ahead in providing the best quality and top notch service to our clients,” she told VINO.

Her overall responsibilities include running the medical book of business, overseeing the general running of the company, providing services for properties, causalities and life. In addition to that, with the passing of the new Labour code in October 2010, Ms. Baronville and her team are venturing into the provision of pension plans.

“We are trying to utilise the pension product at our Head Office in Bermuda and jurisdiction offices in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, to improve our product lines here in the Territory,” the young professional disclosed. “So I have my hands full.  The goal is achievable and I have a fantastic team to assist in doing just that.”

Academically, the General Manager has made sure she has the qualifications to back up her job performance. The product of St. Georges Primary School and the then BVI High School is a Lloyds of London Entrant accepted by Lloyds of London; and has earned a Certificate in Captive Insurance Management from the University of Glasgow Caledonian; an Associate Degree in Finance from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Bachelors of Science in Business with a concentration in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix.

So what’s next for this young professional?

Ms. Baronville is at a stage in life professionally and personally where she can still build.

“l think there is more that I can accomplish and as the BVI develops …I am willing and prepared to shift where needs be,” she revealed with confidence. “It would be hard to say whether I will remain in the insurance industry. I am still at an age where I can venture out into new fields. And I have the education background to do that.”

In explaining her greatest accomplishment in her career, Ms. Baronville revealed is the “culmination of my experiences in various lines of businesses (insurance) and being able to combine that with my educational background. It gives me the opportunity to guide my clients with good and honest service, and represent myself and the company at the highest level”.

Despite her hectic schedule, Ms. Baronville maintains a close relationship with her 10-year-old daughter. She divulged sometimes it can be difficult especially since she cannot switch off her professional mode.

“To be honest it does not matter where you are, people will always ask you questions about insurance,” she said with a laugh.

However, Ms. Baronville confessed she is a reserved individual who has a deep concern for the community and strives to be an example for her daughter.

“I believe in setting goals, and I want my daughter to know that through hard work and the will to succeed - the sky is the limit,” she stated.

When asked if she was a bit nervous about the change from Caribbean Insurance to Colonial Insurance, the young professional replied that change is good.

“I believe in changes. It may bring some hesitancy because you question yourself, but you must accept change if it will further your true potential. The change of employment was at the right time, I have new experiences and richer ones,” she added.

The “insurance lady” Ms. Baronville is of the view that every individual should have a life insurance.

“It is a risk that you are taking when you go without insurance because you are your most valuable asset. People insure their cars and homes to protect against financial loss, but we seldom think to insure ourselves. Setting up a life insurance gives your family an income if you are not around to provide that income…Persons don’t want to think about their mortality but it is something they should consider especially when they have a family and children,” the General Manager advised.