Viewpoints

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.

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.

Hispanic influence continues to expand in the world of business, entrepreneurship and insurance, playing a key role in shaping the future of these sectors.

Joan Woodward is president of the Travelers Institute and the trailblazing host of the “Wednesdays with Woodward” webinar series.

Sarah Muniz founded Undiscovered Voices, a company designed to help insurance companies tap into the talent right under their nose, and, in 2020, published “Undiscovered Voices: Unlocking the Potential of Women in Insurance.”

In the final part of a three-part series, Kara Harris-Crowell shares how her experience as an independent agent led her to a career of helping agencies evaluate technology.

In part two of a three-part series, Janelle Hazell shares how focusing on her strengths was a turning point, the power of mentorship, and the one thing she would change for women in the industry.

In part one of a three-part series, Mary Boyd shares the challenges for women in business and how her love of math provided a pathway into insurance.

Crista Walker, vice president of agent engagement, Liberty Mutual and Safeco, spoke with Independent Agent about her experience in the U.S. Army, building relationships with agents, and tiny houses.