Career Advancement | Global | Health | Inclusive Ideas

Unity in Action

Lillian Reyes Camacho on culture, community and actuarial impact

BY JOSE MARROQUIN September 2026

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. What began as a week-long recognition in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson was later expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

The expanded celebration provides more time to recognize and honor the significant contributions Hispanic and Latino Americans have made throughout the United States. Unlike many commemorative months, Hispanic Heritage Month does not begin on the first day of the month. Instead, it starts in mid-September and continues through mid-October.

This timeframe is meaningful because several Central American countries celebrate their independence days during this period. The celebration begins on September 15, which marks Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

To better understand the experiences of Latino actuaries, I interviewed Lillian Reyes Camacho, a senior actuarial analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield who is based in the Chicago area.

How did you learn about the actuarial profession, and what led you to pursue such a career?

Lillian: I consider myself a lifelong learner, and this is what attracted me to this profession. I like the idea of being in a career that provides the opportunity to continuously learn. While earning my bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Emory University, I learned of the actuarial profession. Despite my interest, I did not immediately pursue this career. After graduating from college, I spent time exploring different career paths, but I always found myself drawn back to the actuarial field.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned more about the role healthcare actuaries play within the industry. I was fascinated by the opportunity to use data and analytics to support decisions that help provide access to healthcare. I enjoy analyzing data to better understand the needs of our community and to help develop solutions that meet those needs.

What are some of the current trends in the work that you do, and what do you think might be some emerging topics in the future?

Lillian: Increased use of AI and advanced predictive analytics. These tools help identify trends and improve forecasting models. This allows us to make business decisions in a timely manner.

Healthcare affordability. Rising healthcare costs have been a challenge for insurers. As a result, there is a higher demand for data-driven insights to better understand cost drivers, ultimately helping make healthcare more affordable. Today, more than ever, it is important to understand these drivers.

Are there any cultural traditions or practices that you incorporate into your daily life or work?

Lillian: I grew up with the saying “La unión hace la fuerza” (“Unity is strength”), and that is a value I carry with me every day. It reminds me that we can accomplish more when we work together and support one another. This mindset motivates me to learn from others and contribute wherever I can.

In addition to my role as a senior actuarial analyst, I serve as the Community Committee Chair for the Latinos for Advancement Business Resource Group at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. This employee resource group focuses on supporting the Latino community. Through this role, I have organized volunteer events and helped raise awareness of organizations that serve the Latino community. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is seeing colleagues come together to make a positive impact.

Outside of work, I continue to stay connected to my community through my involvement with the Auxiliary Board of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. The museum plays an important role in preserving Mexican culture, and I am proud to support its mission.

What are the benefits of having a diverse actuarial workforce?

Lillian: I believe that diversity allows us to find creative solutions and encourages innovation. Every person brings a unique background that influences how they approach challenges. As a result, diverse teams can tackle problems from multiple perspectives and consider solutions that may not otherwise be identified.

More Interviews on Hispanic Heritage

Read The Actuary article, “A career conversation with Roberto Gomez, ASA.”

Read The Actuary article, “Supporting a nontraditional pathway to the actuarial profession.”

In my experience, I’ve learned the most when colleagues bring different perspectives to the table. Their perspectives help me see problems in new ways and challenge my assumptions. These interactions not only lead to stronger solutions but also help me grow professionally.

The actuarial profession is constantly evolving, and by bringing together individuals with different viewpoints, we can make better-informed decisions and better serve the diverse population we support.

Lillian Reyes Camacho is a senior actuarial analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. She has experience developing actuarial forecasting models and currently focuses on risk adjustment in the Affordable Care Act market. She is based in the Chicago area.

José Marroquin is a manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Society of Actuaries. He is based in Chicago.

Statements of fact and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and
are not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries or the respective authors’ employers.

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