Magazine

Some of the most valuable lessons in insurance careers come from conversations with experienced professionals.

Marrissa Winkelman entered the world of insurance in 2012 when she started as the receptionist at Webb Insurance. Understanding quickly that the position wasn’t the right fit for her, she moved to the back office, where she focused on insurance and working her way up.

In this Q&A series, Independent Agent magazine and the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology spotlights women in InsurTech.

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.

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

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.

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.

Having a workforce that’s as diverse as its customers creates a better understanding of those unique needs, leading to customized solutions and stronger relationships with policyholders.

After graduating high school and college, Maldonado took a job in car sales. The role opened her eyes to insurance, and after working in an agency for several years, Maldonado co-founded an agency in 2019.