BIP Winter 2025

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surprised and deeply moved the board. “It was incredible to be recognized by our peers,” says Sue Wakamoto-Lee, founding board member. “My daughter was sitting next to me when they announced it. To see her pride in that moment was something I’ll never forget.” The organization’s impact also extends beyond events. Through sponsorships and donations, Ellevate funds professional development grants that help women advance their careers and attend industry conferences. To date, the foundation has awarded three $1,500 grants, with a goal of providing at least two each year, and more as funding grows. The connections we made through this association changed our careers and our lives. That’s the power of plugging in. Now, we’re paying that forward for the next generation of leaders. — Cerrina Jensen, Ellevate Foundation ”

From a NABIP idea to a national platform Ellevate’s signature event, the Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS), was first introduced in 2019 through NABIP’s California chapter. After a Covid-related pause, the group officially formed the Ellevate Foundation in 2022 and partnered with CAHIP to transfer ownership of the event. That collaboration gave the foundation the structure to grow and the momentum to expand beyond insurance, now welcoming women from across professional disciplines. The summit has since become known for its intimate format and lasting impact. “It’s not about HMOs and PPOs,” Berger says. “It’s about leadership and connection. People walk away changed. They make friendships and career connections that last.” Attendees come from more than a dozen states, with companies like Amwins Connect even using the event as their annual team-building experience. “It’s the only time their national sales team of women gets together in one place,” notes Cerrina Jensen, co founder, secretary and treasurer. “That’s the kind of energy this event creates — collaboration and community.” Recognition and results At this year’s NABIP Annual Convention, Ellevate received NABIP’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, a recognition that

Inclusion, allyship and the Mars Squad From the start, the founders were clear that inclusion must extend to men as well. Drawing inspiration from John Gray’s bestseller Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus , they launched the Mars Squad, an annual membership program for men who support women’s leadership in the industry. Members proudly display their Mars pins at events, and several have already committed to lifetime memberships. “These men aren’t just supporters, they’re advocates,” Jensen says. “They talk about doing it for their daughters, their wives, their colleagues. In a male-dominated field, that kind of allyship matters.” A growing network with big goals ahead Behind the scenes, Ellevate’s board meets weekly and stays connected year-round, balancing logistics with what they call “365 days of cheerleading.” The group continues to expand its partnerships, inviting sponsors to fund new grants and scholarships and exploring virtual programs to make its resources accessible nationwide. “Everything about this started with NABIP,” says Jensen. “The connections we made through this association changed our careers and our lives. That’s the power of plugging in. Now, we’re paying that forward.”

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