Women make up 47% of the workforce and that number is growing. As more and more women chose careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, like insurance and financial services, there is a clear need for cultivating support networks.
This is where Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) comes in. For almost 80 years the organization has been dedicated to attracting capable women to the insurance and financial services sector, developing their talents and advancing them toward their fullest potential.
Diverse membership
WIFS delivers resources tailored to a diverse membership that includes financial advisors, agents, representatives, managers, CPAs and attorneys. Members benefit from monthly educational webinars on a variety of business and professional development topics. The user-friendly websites provide important organization news and information, a robust member search function and extensive webinar archive with 24/7 access. The Mentoring Program, now in its fourth year, connects veteran members with those seeking to launch, re-engage or ignite their careers. This program in particular has seen impressive growth as it speaks to the core value of supporting career success through relationship building.
WIFS National Board member, Nancy Wolfe-Smith of State Farm, has taken advantage of the program since its inception. "As a mentor, I've been able to help other women in my industry grow their businesses. Not only does it give me personal satisfaction to do this, it has also helped my business because it has allowed me to see things from a different perspective."
Each year, WIFS hosts a national conference featuring personal and professional development workshops along with celebrated industry speakers. It is an annual opportunity to recognize outstanding member contributions, personal success. Conference fosters connection and sharing of best practices among members. "I attended the session How to Sell to Women during one of the annual Conferences. What I learn in only that session, increased my production the following year by 20% .What an impact and improvement for my professional career." This testimonial from WIFS member and top producer Monica Jones FIC, MBA, demonstrates the impressive ROI members experience from this valuable event.
How to thrive and advance
Recently, WIFS conducted a research study aimed at answering how some women have been able to achieve success in this field. The results serve as the basis for the recently released book, Financial Services: Women at the Top. The publication offers valuable insights into why women enter the field, why they thrive and how an organization like WIFS contributes to their advancement.
WIFS offers an understanding of what women need to thrive in the industry; from tailored education to work environments that promote teamwork, balance and constructive collaboration. Members join, not only for career development resources, but for the collective voice WIFS gives women in the industry.
The author, Deborah Duffy, is the executive director of the Women in Insurance & Financial Services organization.
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