CONNECTING AS A COMMUNITY – STRATEGIES TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN INSURANCE

This event has been approved for 4 hours by Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario
June 18, 2024 | The Carlu, Toronto
#IBWomenInInsurance

ABOUT


Break barriers, build connections, and be part of the evolution of our industry at Women in Insurance Canada – a live summit dedicated to empowering women and allies, developing the next generation of leaders, and celebrating the achievements of women in insurance.

 Featuring influential speakers from top insurance companies, a packed agenda, and powerful networking opportunities, this one-day event is designed to help you forge new professional relationships, explore hot-topic issues, and stay ahead of the latest industry trends.

Join us in person this June 18, 2024 to be part of the change at The Carlu, Toronto, and help drive progress in our dynamic sector.

Why attend?

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    Grow Your Network

    Expand your professional circle with industry heavyweights and like-minded peers in exclusive networking sessions, including lunch and a drinks reception.

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    Elevate Your Business Skills

    Stand out from the crowd with interactive workshops and panel discussions designed to enhance your knowledge and decision-making prowess.

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    Uncover Insider Knowledge

    Get up-to-the-minute perspective on our ever-evolving sector, with expert insight from a Chief Economist.

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    Learn From the Best

    Discover actionable strategies for advancing your career and making a lasting impact in insurance, direct from trailblazing industry leaders.

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    Better Your Future with Mentorship

    Connect with top industry mentors or help mentees navigate the path to success as we launch our game-changing Women In Insurance Mentoring Program.

What You’ll Learn?

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    Future-Proofing Workshop

    Discover expert tactics to strengthen your business resilience and adaptability in this fast-changing industry

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    Market Insight Briefing

    Gain essential, data-driven market knowledge from a Chief Economist and industry leaders to help guide your business decisions

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    Career Advancement Panel

    Learn effective career-building strategies for women at all stages of their professional journey in a panel dedicated to growth and leadership

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    C-Suite Influence Workshop

    Master the art of influencing top-level executives with strategic proposals and decision-making insights

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    Mentorship Network Insights

    Transform your career with key mentorship strategies and networking opportunities in the Women in Insurance Mentorship Network

SPEAKERS


Heather Masterson 
Heather Masterson 

President & CEO 
Travelers Canada 

Colette Taylor
Colette Taylor

Chief Operating Officer
Sovereign Insurance

Terri O’Brien
Terri O’Brien

President & Chief Executive Officer 
Équité Association 

Celyeste Power
Celyeste Power

President & Chief Executive Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada

Vinita Jajware-Beatty 
Vinita Jajware-Beatty 

President 
Toronto Insurance Women’s Association (TIWA) 

Jeanne Beker
Jeanne Beker

Iconic Fashion and Lifestyle Journalist

Terri Mason-Benjamin
Terri Mason-Benjamin

Vice President, Marketing and Distribution
CNA Canada

Laura Doddington
Laura Doddington

Head of Personal Lines Insurance Consulting and Technology North America
WTW

Lisa Giannone
Lisa Giannone

President and Chief Operating Officer
BFL CANADA

Ellen N. Gowland
Ellen N. Gowland

Director of Corporate & Claims Litigation
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Eileen Greene
Eileen Greene

Vice President and Partner
HUB International

Chris Van Kooten
Chris Van Kooten

CEO
Allianz Global Assistance

Lynn Oldfield
Lynn Oldfield

Non-Executive Director (retired CEO)
AIG Insurance Company of Canada Toronto, Canada

Mackenzie Oldfield
Mackenzie Oldfield

Underwriter, Private & Not-for-Profit Financial Lines
Chubb Insurance

Deborah Paik
Deborah Paik

Vice President, Network Performance, Compensation, Oversight and Resources
Desjardins General Insurance Group

Gayatri Singh
Gayatri Singh

Vice President, Programs Property UW
Swiss Re

Kadey B.J. Schultz
Kadey B.J. Schultz

Founder and Managing Partner
Schultz Law Group LLP

Dariia Voloshchuk
Dariia Voloshchuk

Learning And Development Specialist
Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company

Ingrid Wilson
Ingrid Wilson

Director, Governance & Audit
Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals

Melanie Wilcox
Melanie Wilcox

Executive Vice President, Head of Personal Risk Services, Canada Region
Chubb Insurance

Asima Zahid
Asima Zahid

Head of Business Development, Canada
Sompo International

Mauricio Zelaya, PhD
Mauricio Zelaya, PhD

Partner & National Economics Leader
EY

Agenda


All times in ET
  • Registration and breakfast
  • Women in Insurance Mentorship Network Launch

    Celebrate the launch of our new Women in Insurance mentorship program! Join us to find out more about the Network and introduce yourself to your matched mentor/mentee or peer advisor. This is a valuable opportunity to hear from an expert speaker on the best practices of mentoring, reverse mentoring, and how to leverage the benefits of mentorship to make the most of your new mentor/mentee relationship. If you haven’t signed up yet, this is your chance to get involved.

    Dariia Voloshchuk
    Dariia Voloshchuk

    Learning And Development Specialist
    Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company

  • Opening remarks from chairperson
    Heather Masterson 
    Heather Masterson 

    President & CEO 
    Travelers Canada 

  • Welcome address
    Colette Taylor
    Colette Taylor

    Chief Operating Officer
    Sovereign Insurance

  • Opening Keynote: Forging Her Own Path

    From the outset of her career, Jeanne Beker was determined to “have it all.” She became a media trailblazer, known for keeping her listeners, viewers, and readers alongside the shifting cultural landscape, reporting directly from the trenches.

    In show business for 50 years now, Jeanne reflects on her distinctive multi-faceted, multi-media career as a fashion reporter, television personality, and creator of her own fashion lines. She accomplished all this while building her now internationally recognized brand — long before “personal branding” was a common buzz phrase — and raising her family.

    Crediting her “nose to the grindstone” attitude and strong work ethic for her success, Jeanne Beker recounts the highs (and lows) of her life and career thus far, inspiring her audiences to dream big.

     

    Jeanne Beker
    Jeanne Beker

    Iconic Fashion and Lifestyle Journalist

  • Interactive workshop: How to future-proof your business by leveraging your network

    In today’s rapidly changing insurance landscape, your professional network can be a powerful asset in ensuring the longevity and success of your business. This facilitated workshop explores the strategies and tactics for future-proofing your business by tapping into your network’s potential, insight, and energy. Learn how to:

    • Harness the power of your professional network for business longevity
    • Leverage both online and offline relationships to adapt to industry changes
    • Seize opportunities and stay ahead of trends with a strong network
    • Build a resilient and sustainable business through inspiring connections
    Vinita Jajware-Beatty 
    Vinita Jajware-Beatty 

    President 
    Toronto Insurance Women’s Association (TIWA) 

    Eileen Greene
    Eileen Greene

    Vice President and Partner
    HUB International

    Kadey B.J. Schultz
    Kadey B.J. Schultz

    Founder and Managing Partner
    Schultz Law Group LLP

  • Speed networking

    An opportunity to meet your peers and get to know more people in the room. Expand your network, make connections, and meet fellow delegates in this structured networking session.

    Heather Masterson 
    Heather Masterson 

    President & CEO 
    Travelers Canada 

  • Networking coffee break
  • Leaders’ briefing: Opportunity by numbers – Revealing data-driven industry insights

    An exclusive opportunity to hear the latest industry-focused economic outlook from a senior economist, in conversation with a senior insurance leader. This session showcases data-driven insights on industry challenges and the opportunities they create. Data will empower you as a leader to better understand the market conditions impacting insurance and the tools available to navigate them. Enhance your market understanding for informed business decision-making and gain valuable takeaways on:

    • Industry data revealing pain points and opportunities
    • An enhanced market understanding for informed business decisions
    • Insights and tools for navigating market conditions
    • A data-driven approach to address industry challenges
    Chris Van Kooten
    Chris Van Kooten

    CEO
    Allianz Global Assistance

    Mauricio Zelaya, PhD
    Mauricio Zelaya, PhD

    Partner & National Economics Leader
    EY

  • Panel: Strategies to empower women in insurance – Unlocking leadership success at every career stage

    Today we’re seeing that career success is not limited by age or experience. What can we learn from each other’s unique perspectives and experiences? How can women take steps to advance at each level – what’s proven? This session explores the strategies and opportunities that individuals can harness to thrive in the insurance industry at every stage of their professional journey. With insights on overcoming the most common leadership pain points, explore:

    • Successful strategies for establishing a winning career foundation
    • Your toolkit to overcome leadership challenges and take your career to the next level
    • Leadership opportunities that will drive your career forward
    • How do you develop your own authentic leadership style?
    • Decisions to make now to establish a business legacy
    Moderator
    Asima Zahid
    Asima Zahid

    Head of Business Development, Canada
    Sompo International

    Panelists
    Terri Mason-Benjamin
    Terri Mason-Benjamin

    Vice President, Marketing and Distribution
    CNA Canada

    Laura Doddington
    Laura Doddington

    Head of Personal Lines Insurance Consulting and Technology North America
    WTW

    Melanie Wilcox
    Melanie Wilcox

    Executive Vice President, Head of Personal Risk Services, Canada Region
    Chubb Insurance

    Ingrid Wilson
    Ingrid Wilson

    Director, Governance & Audit
    Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals

  • Networking lunch
  • There’s no finish line: Fighting workplace DEI complacency and fatigue

    In the business world, 2020 will go down in the history books as the year of DEI. Ignited by a social uprising over racial injustice in the U.S., organizations around the globe pledged to build more diverse and equitable workplaces. Fast forward to today and there are signs that DEI’s focus is waning in many sectors, not just insurance. The work of integrating DEI into our workplace cultures and our business strategies requires long-term investment and commitment; we can’t afford to be apathetic to this fatigue. This interactive session will explore shifting DEI perspectives, share data and insights as to why DEI attention may be lacking, and offer solutions as a rallying cry for action. 

    Colette Taylor
    Colette Taylor

    Chief Operating Officer
    Sovereign Insurance

  • Interactive workshop: Impacting up – How to influence decision-making in the C-suite

    Influencing C-suite decision makers involves understanding their priorities, building trust, and presenting compelling arguments. To make an impact, it’s essential to align your proposals with their strategic goals and demonstrate how your ideas can benefit your organization. Collaborate with your peers in small groups to discuss how you can influence up for senior leadership buy-in. In this workshop you will learn how to:

    • Understand the mindset of C-suite executives and their decision-making process
    • Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key C-suite allies
    • Develop critical skills for influencing and negotiation
    • Craft and deliver robust, persuasive proposals tailored to business priorities
    • Leverage data, research, and case-studies to support your recommendations and your cause
    Lynn Oldfield
    Lynn Oldfield

    Non-Executive Director (retired CEO)
    AIG Insurance Company of Canada Toronto, Canada

  • Networking coffee break
  • Fireside chat: Accelerate through authenticity – Using who you are to drive your business and career

    Embracing your unique values, skills and passions can be a catalyst for professional success. How can you transform your weaknesses into superpowers for success? This session explores how being true to yourself, developing your strengths, and leveraging your personal story leads to a fulfilling and profitable career. Leaders share their career journeys and stories of how they leaned into and mastered their perceived weaknesses to succeed. Discover how to:

    • Be authentic while developing your career
    • Align your career goals with your unique qualities, values, and interests
    • Use your personal story to connect with your customers
    • Get comfortable with self-advocacy
    • Achieve personal fulfillment while reaching career and business goals
    Moderator
    Deborah Paik
    Deborah Paik

    Vice President, Network Performance, Compensation, Oversight and Resources
    Desjardins General Insurance Group

    Panelists
    Lisa Giannone
    Lisa Giannone

    President and Chief Operating Officer
    BFL CANADA

    Celyeste Power
    Celyeste Power

    President & Chief Executive Officer
    Insurance Bureau of Canada

  • Panel: Capturing best practices – Preserving industry wisdom for the next generation

    With the younger boomer generation of insurance professionals set to retire en masse in the next decade, the need to retain industry knowledge and expertise is critical as we transition to the next generation of markets. How can we ensure effective knowledge transfer to the next generations of insurance leaders? Through compelling examples, attendees will gain insights into the strategies and best practices employed by leading organizations to successfully safeguard and pass on invaluable industry wisdom. Gain practical takeaways and:

    • Learn how to bridge the generation gap and transfer knowledge effectively
    • Real-world examples of successful approaches to safeguarding industry wisdom
    • Prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the evolving market presents through knowledge-sharing
    • Discover concrete examples of best practices in action to equip your business for the future
    Moderator
    Terri O’Brien
    Terri O’Brien

    President & Chief Executive Officer 
    Équité Association 

    Panelists
    Ellen N. Gowland
    Ellen N. Gowland

    Director of Corporate & Claims Litigation
    Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

    Mackenzie Oldfield
    Mackenzie Oldfield

    Underwriter, Private & Not-for-Profit Financial Lines
    Chubb Insurance

    Gayatri Singh
    Gayatri Singh

    Vice President, Programs Property UW
    Swiss Re

  • Closing remarks from chairperson
    Heather Masterson 
    Heather Masterson 

    President & CEO 
    Travelers Canada 

  • Networking drinks reception

WELCOME TO THE WOMEN IN INSURANCE MENTORSHIP NETWORK

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    What is it?

    Launching at the 2024 Women in Insurance Summit series, the Women in Insurance Mentorship Network is a supportive platform for connecting and empowering women in the insurance industry to lead effectively and maximize their careers. Mentorship and peer-supported learning are key drivers of success, and we’re excited to facilitate this at our Women in Insurance event series.

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    Why should I participate?

    Whether you’re an established industry leader or a rising talent, the Women in Insurance Mentorship Network is designed to deliver valuable learning, meaningful connection, and business-focused insight for all women in the industry. Through both mentorship and peer-to-peer matchmaking, women of all experience levels will be paired with a partner matched to their personal and professional goals.

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    How will we be matched?

    Want to be a mentor? Looking for guidance from a more seasoned professional? Want to share knowledge with a peer? Indicate your interest when you register to attend the event and we will follow up with a form to complete with your goals for participation in the Mentorship Network. Based on your responses, we pair you with a partner and desired role in the network.

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    When will I be introduced to my match?

    Meet your match at Women in Insurance Summit Canada on June 18th. Join the breakfast launch to hear from an expert speaker on mentorship best practices and how to maximize the relationship.

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    How do I get involved?

    To connect with the Women in Insurance community beyond the Summit and participate in the Network as a Mentor, Mentee, or Peer Advisor, indicate your interest when you register for the event, and we will be in touch!

SPONSORS


Event Partner

  • Sovereign Insurance

Gold Sponsors

  • Allianz
  • CNA
  • Ernest & Young

Silver Sponsors

  • AON
  • Desjardins
  • Premier
  • Travelers
  • Trisura

Associate Sponsors

  • Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
  • TD

VENUE


The Carlu

TRAVEL PLANS

Preferred Accommodation

Hotel room rates are subject to all applicable taxes and fees. Rooms are subject to availability in each hotel from June 17 and 18. We recommend that you book as soon as possible.

Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

525 Bay Street, Toronto, On. M5G2L2

Book your group rate via the reservation link or call 1-800-905-0667. Use the group name Women in Insurance summit Canada to secure the discounted rate until May 09, 2024.

Room rate: $399 per standard room/night

Cut-off date: May 09, 2024

Check in: 4pm Check out: 12pm

Reservation Link: Women In Insurance Summit Canada 2024

Phone Number: 1-800-905-0667

Hotel Parking: $45 per day for self-parking or $60 for valet parking

REGISTRATIONS FOR WOMEN IN INSURANCE CANADA 2024 IS NOW CLOSED

Join us and hear from top leaders in the industry. Catalyze your career and immerse yourself in a community dedicated in empowering women in insurance.

CONTACT US


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Example: (61) 409-889-253

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