Alumna Teena Hostovich ’86 forged her own path to success in corporate America — and as a philanthropist, mentor, and bestselling author, she is helping the next generation of leaders discover theirs.

A creatively gifted undergraduate, Hostovich initially wanted to be a filmmaker and a musician, even recording an album with a band. Having experienced financial hardship firsthand, she decided that business was a more viable option. USC Marshall provided her the space to innovate and the tools to harness her creativity and launch her career.

After working as a broker’s office receptionist, Hostovich rose through the insurance industry ranks. She specialized in property and casualty securities and became Vice Chair of Legacy Pacific for the Lockton Companies. A civically minded leader, she has advised three United States presidents, and in California, she campaigned successfully for guaranteed arts and music funding in all public schools.

Hostovich’s enthusiasm about paying it forward has touched the Marshall community in numerous ways. She serves on the USC Marshall Board of Leaders and the PETER ARKLEY INSTITUTE FOR RISK MANAGEMENT’S Advisory Council, and in 2023, Hostovich received a USC Alumni Association Alumni Service Award.

Most recently, she is working to establish a Chair in Teaching Excellence. This visionary endowment will strengthen Dean Garrett’s FLAGSHIP TEACHING CHAIR PROGRAM, ensuring the school attracts and retains the most innovative, inspiring educators for Marshall and Leventhal students.

“The teachers are the gateway for the students to learn about the subject, themselves, historical context, and planning for the future. The teacher touches more lives in a year than most of us in many years. It is a gift to teach and an even greater gift to learn,” Hostovich said.

Her leadership exemplifies Marshall alumnae’s power to positively impact the school, its community, and the broader business world. Hostovich proudly supports the Torch Initiative — Marshall’s new women’s philanthropy campaign — as a Torch Initiative Steering Committee member.

“I do think that women are at last having a moment, despite real struggles that still exist. We should all use our collective force for good and to mentor more women and also mentor a new generation of young men because when we do that, two plus two equals five. The saying that we are stronger together is absolutely true,” Hostovich said.