About

The Business Insurance Women to Watch Awards & Leadership Conference is the only recognition program that celebrates leading women from every facet of the commercial insurance industry. ​

Winners come from commercial insurance, risk management, and related fields such as consulting and law. What started as a recognition program in 2006, has grown into an educational program aimed at the advancement of women in commercial insurance. 

In 2017, Business Insurance launched the EMEA Women to Watch Awards program which recognizes winners from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

This year's program will take place November 18-19, 2024 in New York City and include a professional development conference, followed by an awards program. 

An Advisory Board of past honorees, diversity experts, and insurance industry leaders guide the development of the conference content.

 

2024 Women to Watch Honorees

Stephanie Bolstridge, Travelers Cos. Inc.

Sally Borland, AssuredPartners Inc.

Margaret Bussiere, Risk Strategies Co.

Alicia Carter, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

Amber Carver, Burns & Wilcox

Ann Chai, Zurich North America

Jennifer Cogbill, Gallagher Bassett Services Inc.

Alison Erbig, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.

Michelle Faylo, Lockton Cos. LLC

Eileen Fongemie, The MEMIC Group

Kathy Guerville, Ryan Specialty Holdings Inc.

Maggie Hyland, Sompo

Judie Meszaros Kirkpatrick, TIAA

Dionne Lacey-Artis, Optum Inc.

Yelena La Forgia, Aspen U.S. and Aspen Insurance, units of Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.

Mary MacDonnell, Bridge Specialty Group, a division of Brown & Brown Inc.

Sarah Nichols, Crum & Forster

Alejandra Nolibos, WTW PLC

Lucy Pilko, Axa XL, a unit of Axa SA

Jennifer Pille, Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc.

Laura Quackenbush, American International Group Inc.

Laurel Rudnick, FM Affiliated

Julie Saunders, Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

Deepika Srivastava, The Doctor’s Co.

Sarah Stephens, Marsh LLC

Caroline Thompson, Cowbell Cyber Inc.

Lauren Tredinnick, Munich Re Specialty, a unit of Munich Reinsurance Co.

Maria Treglia, Arc Excess & Surplus LLC

Christine Williams, Aon PLC

Jessica Xie, Hylant Group Inc.

Conference Agenda

Monday, November 18, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join us for the Women to Watch cocktail welcome reception. 

 
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
 
 
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
 
 
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Ageism and generational differences present significant challenges within the insurance industry. Older employees, often with decades of experience, may face ageist attitudes that undervalue their contributions. Conversely, younger employees, adept with digital tools and innovative approaches, might be perceived as lacking the necessary industry experience and long-term perspective. These generational divides can create tensions and hinder collaboration, ultimately affecting productivity and innovation. Bridging these gaps requires fostering an inclusive culture that values the strengths of all age groups. Embracing diverse generational perspectives can lead to a more resilient industry overall.

Margaret Resce Milkint Amy Cooper Leanne Berry Jodie Kaufman Davis
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
 
 
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Despite the progress in advancing DEI initiatives, corporate America is facing significant headwinds. Economic uncertainties and budget constraints are leading some companies to scale back their DEI efforts, treating them as expendable rather than essential. Political and social polarization is also impacting DEI initiatives, with some stakeholders viewing these programs as divisive or unnecessary, leading to pushback against DEI policies and practices. The challenge of overcoming deeply ingrained biases and systemic inequities remains formidable, requiring sustained commitment and comprehensive strategies. Furthermore, remote work and hybrid models have introduced new complexities in fostering inclusive cultures, as ensuring equitable access and opportunities in a dispersed workforce demands innovative approaches. These headwinds underscore the need for resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to DEI principles in the face of adversity.

Lori Seidenberg Michael Chang Brenda Austenfeld
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
 
 
11:00 AM - 11:45 PM

The power of insurance industry associations working together to further the careers of women executives lies in their ability to combine resources, expertise, and networks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. By collaborating, these associations can offer comprehensive mentorship programs, leadership development workshops, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to women in the industry. Such partnerships can also drive systemic change by advocating for policies that promote gender equity and by raising awareness about the unique challenges women face in advancing their careers. Furthermore, these collaborative efforts can amplify the voices of women executives, ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued. Through joint initiatives, industry associations can help dismantle barriers to advancement, foster a culture of inclusion, and pave the way for a more diverse and dynamic leadership landscape in the insurance sector.

Lee H Vuu Allison Chan Natina Berry Dawnmarie Black Mahveen Mohiuddin
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
 
Lori Dickerson Fouché
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
 
 
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
 
 
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
 
 
Time Zone: (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) [Change Time Zone]

Countdown to the 2024 Women to Watch US Conference