BIP Summer 2025

NABIP Engagement

A natural fit: Ella Pokrifka finds her place in NABIP

Lynn Pokrifka, an independent broker for most of her career, has been a NABIP member for more than 20 years. Her daughter, Ella, grew up witnessing the impact Lynn had on her clients and the respect she earned within the industry — inspiration that led Ella to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “Every time I run into one of her clients, they’re gushing about how much they love her,” Ella says. “They’ll say things like, ‘She helped me understand something I thought was impossible.’ That really made me want to be a part of it.” Ella began working for Lynn in the fall of 2024, completed her licensing in the new year and joined NABIP in the spring. Becoming a NABIP member, she says, was initially at her mom’s recommendation. “She told me about broker-to-broker networking, which is huge,” Ella says. “But once I started exploring what NABIP offered, I realized it was so much more than that.” Immediate benefits From CE opportunities and local chapter events to national “What really sets NABIP apart is the quality of the education. A lot of carrier trainings are promotional. NABIP trainings are different. People are genuinely passionate about the topics, and you can tell,” she says. “It’s not a sales pitch. It’s advocacy efforts, Ella has embraced NABIP’s value.

about better understanding the industry to make a difference.” Ella and Lynn are both members of NABIP’s Philadelphia chapter and attended the annual conference together. “It was my first in person event, and it was such a great introduction,” Ella says. “From getting CE credits to hearing from local experts about political developments affecting our work — it was exactly what I was hoping for.” Lynn, who once actively participated in NABIP’s advocacy work, said watching Ella get excited about lobbying and public policy has reignited her own energy. “I didn’t

even think advocacy would be something she’d be into,” Lynn said. “But it’s been great seeing it all through her eyes. She brings this fresh perspective.” Ella is also keeping an eye on NABIP’s Emerging Leaders initiatives and other opportunities to connect with younger professionals. “It’s exciting to know there’s a place for people like me to grow in this space,” she says. For now, she’s focused on learning and enjoying the chance to build a career alongside her mom. “It’s been fun,” Ella says. “Challenging, definitely. But fun. And I feel like I landed somewhere that fits.”

TIP: Inspired to

invite the next generation to explore the profession? They can find more info at nabip.org/ membership/ join-now

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