Diversity & Inclusion

Jamie Behymer, director of diversity, inclusion and young agents at the Big “I,” leads initiatives that empower emerging leaders and help independent insurance agencies become more inclusive.

In April, the Big “I” Diversity Council hosted the Inclusive Agency Roundtable, which brought together independent agents, company partners and industry leaders to discuss actionable strategies for creating more inclusive agencies.

Angela Ripley, president of VW Brown Insurance in Columbia, Maryland, brings two decades of agency leadership, eight acquisitions and a passion for mentorship and inclusion to the role of Big “I” chair.

On this Agency Nation Radio episode, Courtney Jacobs, owner of Insurance Done Right (IDR) in Biloxi, Mississippi, discusses the complexities of business on the Gulf Coast while also serving in the Air National Guard.

Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Courtney Jacobs began her career as a financial adviser.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Jorge Wetenkamp, agency owner of Desert Crest Insurance in Saint George, Utah.

Wetenkamp’s career in insurance was unexpected. After working at In-N-Out Burger and at the DMV, he took a job with AAA Insurance when they started offering DMV services. This opened his eyes to the opportunities for career growth and serving the Hispanic community.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, hear how two Big “I” state associations are highlighting opportunities for women in insurance.

Gonyo worked every role in an independent agency—from the front desk to producing—before starting her own agency at 32 years old with “minimal money in a tiny little office,” she says. Today, Blue Line Insurance has four branches and 15 employees, 14 of whom are women.

Gonyo has worked every role in an independent agency—from working the front desk to producing—before starting her own agency at 32 years old with “minimal money in a tiny little office,” she says. Today, Blue Line Insurance has four branches and 15 employees, 14 of whom are women.