Ladies Who Lunch: IBANY Packs the House at Inaugural Women Executives’ Event

Nearly 100 people braved the latest winter storm on Thursday, March 22nd, to attend “Breaking Through & Moving Up: A Panel Discussion Featuring Women Executives” presented by the Insurance Brokers’ Association of the State of New York (IBANY) at The Down Town Association in New York City.

Panelists at IBANY’s debut women’s luncheon – a sold-out event that was open to men as well – addressed the unique challenges women face in the insurance industry, the barriers they encountered and how they broke through the glass ceiling to get where they are today. The panel featured Theresa Lally, EVP Property Broker at AmWINS; Aileen Marchese, Senior Vice President – Northeast at Ironshore; and Christine Sadofsky, Managing Partner of Integro’s Entertainment Division. David J. Bresnahan, Executive Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, moderated the discussion.

Among other topics, the panelists addressed recent headlines about sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace and stressed the importance of speaking up if one experiences or witnesses inappropriate behavior.

“You need to raise your hand,” Lally said. “Advocate for yourself. Orchestrate the resources to advocate for yourself. Don’t stay quiet.”

Asked what advice they would give young women entering the industry, the three panelists offered a variety of responses.

“Knowledge is key,” Sadofsky said. “If you know your business better than anyone else on your team, no one can knock your intelligence. Knowledge is power and will take you further than anything in your career.”

“Be on time for work,” said Marchese. “If you want increased responsibility, show that you are responsible.”

“We were thrilled with the turnout and the response to this program,” said IBANY President Paul Rovelli, Vice President, AmWINS Brokerage of NY. “The weather had us fearing the worst, but only a few attendees had to cancel, which speaks to our members’ commitment to educating themselves and supporting their colleagues in the industry.”

Rovelli also expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors: Ironshore, PL Risk Advisors, AmWINS Brokerage of NY and Markel Assurance Northeast Region.

IBANY: More than a century old, the Insurance Brokers’ Association of the State of New York (IBANY) has represented the interests of the New York Metro insurance marketplace. Overseen by a volunteer board of highly influential brokers, IBANY provides a platform for education, professional development and networking, serving all generations of the insurance industry, including top level executives, experienced professionals and emerging leaders.