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MISSION
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To attract, develop, and
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advance theadvance
careers
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of women in the
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July / August 2013
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Did You Know…
• You can SAVE $200 and pay only $475
before early bird registration ends
September 16th!
• If you book your hotel room at St. Louis
Union Station, you’ll receive the special
WIFS rate of $129!
• Recruiting a Roommate will cut your
overnight expenses in 1/2!
Show-Me How to Engage!
Register now and be prepared to experience an unforgettable conference. Connect
with more than 300 of your industry peers and learn their tools and techniques. You’ll
partake in engaging panel discussions, dynamic interactive workshops, and informative
breakout sessions. Plus, we have assembled an outstanding line-up of speakers who
are ready to inspire you to take your career to new heights. The Show-Me Expo will
be packed with exhibitors ready to share exceptional business products and services.
Conference is coming up quick, so don’t waste another minute! Register today!
Show-Me How to be Awarded
a 2013 Member-at-Large
Conference Scholarship!
National Conference is a great
way for Members-At-Large
from across the country to connect
in person. WIFS is offering 3
Conference Scholarships to
Members-At-Large. We want to help
you network! All you have to do is download the
scholarship application at www.wifsnational.org
Membership page under Members-At-Large. Submit
your information by email to office@wifsnationl.org
by August 1st.
Speaker Spotlight!
Meet two amazing women who can’t wait to share their stories of determination,
struggle and achievement with you. Join us for General Sessions with Lauren
Manning and Wendy Ellin. Want to get to know them before you meet them?
Read more about their fascinating stories on page 4 in our “Meet the Speaker
Corner”.
• Daily flights are available to St. Louis
from over 70 cities!
• You’ll meet more than 300 professionals
who can’t wait to connect with you!
Plus… Take
Advantage of:
• Interactive Workshops to learn best
practices from your peers.
• Visit the Show-Me Expo Hall and
connect with companies with products and
services to support your success.
• Professional Makeover Advice – Don’t
miss Carmen Westbrook’s presentation on
dressing to impress.
• Education Galore – We’ve packed a
variety of pertinent industry topics into
our breakout educational sessions.
• Panel Discussions – Industry
experts will Show-You how they
made it and discuss your path to
advancement.
• National Speakers –Listen to the
experience of those in the know and be
inspired to succeed.
•Update your professional headshot!
Conference photographer, Brent Christopher
will take your professional photo for just $50!
•Opportunities to celebrate your peers
during Friday’s Awards Luncheon, Awards
Dinner and Gala Gone Party!
Visit www.wifsnational.org/conference
for all the details and to register today!
July/August 2013
President’s Message
Dear WIFS Friends:
Summer is hot and so are WIFS professional development
opportunities. If you aren’t leveraging your membership to the fullest,
I encourage you to get engaged today!
Welcome new members! The 2013 Membership Drive was a
huge success. I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to 117 new
members. We’re growing because of our collective dedication to
advancing women in the industry, and commitment to spreading our
mission. I would like to personally thank everyone. Your commitment
to WIFS is awesome!
Meet-Me in St. Louis! An amazing array of educational sessions, interactive workshops,
panel discussions and networking opportunities await everyone that attends. Connect with
each other! Plus meet exhibitors and learn from the impressive line-up of nationally known
speakers. Take advantage of the only industry conference planned by women for women, and
register today.
Congratulations Circle of Excellence qualifiers and award nominees! I can’t wait
to applaud your accomplishments. You’re going to love the new awards luncheon and
redesigned Gala Gone Party during conference. 50 shades of fun is on tap!
Mentorship program made a splash on July 1st! ! The Summer session of the
Mentorship program kicked off July 1st. Mentors and mentees are raving about the
“Finish Strong Session”! WIFS member and mentor, Mary Quist-Newins shared,“My
mentee has found it very helpful to gain fresh insights on marketing best practices across
the industry. We have been focusing on how to generate high-quality leads and business.”
If you missed enrolling in the current session, your next chance is just around the corner!
Applications will be accepted beginning October 1st for the January 2014 session. Visit
the www.wifsnational.org Resource Center to learn more.
Thank you 2013 WIFS National Board! It has been my pleasure to work with these
amazing women. I am in awe of their commitment and dedication to our members and
women in the industry.
Enjoy Summer, get involved and engage your membership to the fullest!
Meet You in St. Louis,
Theresa Schaffer
WIFS National President, 2012-2013
WIFS is on the National Circuit This Summer!
Stop by the WIFS booth at the following events:
• Latina Leaders Summit: “Creating Paths Toward Greater Prosperity”, July
25th – 26th, Grand Hyatt, Washington DC
• African American Financial Professionals Conference, August 13th – 14th,
Atlanta, GA.
• NAIFA, September 28th – October 1st, San Antonio
• MetLife Women’s Forum, September 16th – September 18th, Chicago
2013 National Board of Directors
2•
President
Theresa Schaffer, FIC
Great Western Investments & Insurance
Chapter: Member-At-Large
President-Elect
Angelia Z. SHAY, CLU, CHFC,
LUTCF
New York Life, The Fritter Group
Chapter: Member-At-Large
Secretary
Susan L. Combs
Combs & Company
Chapter: NYC Metro
Treasurer
Veronica Bell
Lifetime Strategies Group – member John Hancock Financial Network
Chapter: Dallas Fort Worth
Immediate Past President
Karen Roberts, CLU, ChFC
Emerald Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Advisors
Chapter: Gold Coast, FL
Directors
Christy Aleckson
Single Point Financial Advisors
Chapter: Portland Metro
Maia Chase
Northwestern Mutual
Chapter: Portland Metro
Louise Frances
Godfrey Financial Associates, Inc.
Chapter: Capital Region/Albany
Monica A. Jones, ACSC
AAA Life Insurance
Chapter: Member-At-Large
Pamela Gilmour, CPA, CFP, CLU,
CHFC, CASL
Financial Fitness
Chapter: Baltimore
Susan Glass
New York Life
Chapter: Atlanta
Judith H. Luddy, CLU, ChFC,
CLTC
Charter Oak Insurance & Financial Services
Chapter: Member-At-Large
ShirleyAnn Robertson, CLTC
Prudential Financial
Chapter: Member-At-Large
Sara M. Samuels, J.D.
Northwestern Mutual
Chapter: Member-At-Large
July/August 2013 • 3
National News:
Look Who’s on
the Cover of Life
Insurance Selling
Magazine!
WIFS 2012 Woman
of the Year and
WIFS National
Board Member,
Monica Jones,
ACSC was featured
on the cover of the
April 2013 issue
of “Life Insurance
Selling”. Read her fascinating story about
her personal career development and
success journey in the article “A Career
Change Gone Right”. Visit www.
wifsnational.org home page to access
the article online!
WIFS is in the
National Spotlight!
A recent study by Allianz Life, “Women,
Money and Power”, discusses women
and their growing status as household
CFO and primary breadwinner. WIFS
Past President, Karen Roberts was
recently interviewed by insurancenewsnet.
com about the role women play in the
insurance and financial services industry.
Visit www.wifsnational.org home page
to read the full story.
117 New Members
Welcomed!
The 2013 Membership Drive was a huge success! In addition to 29 new members-at-large,
19 local chapters welcomed a total of 88 new
members. Top winners of the membership
drive contest were Portland Metro, Dallas/
Fort Worth, NYC Metro and the Atlanta
Chapter. Congratulations to all our local Chapter champions and a warm welcome to our newest WIFS members!
2014 Slate of Board of
Directors Nominations
Karen Roberts, 2013 WIFS Nominations Committee Chair, respectfully submits the
2013-2014 Nominations Slate. The Committee conducted a thorough search process,
carefully screening and interviewing each candidate for the National Board of Directors.
This slate of nominees is submitted in accordance with WIFS National Bylaws.
President
Angelia Z.
Shay, CLU,
ChFC, LUTCF
New York Life,
Path Financial
Strategies
PresidentElect
Susan L.
Combs
Combs &
Company
Secretary
Susan Glass
New York Life
Directors
Serving
Fourth Year
Term:
Directors
Serving
First Year
Term:
Northwestern
Mutual
Thrivent Financial
Maia Chase
Stacia
Dewitt
Pamela
Gilmour,
CPA, CFP, CLU,
ChFC, CASL
Evelyn
Gellar
Directors
Serving
Third Year
Term:
Tashawna
Rodwell
Penn Mutual
Guardian
SB Media
Louise
Frances
Independent, RIA
Treasurer
Veronica
Bell
John Hancock
Financial
Monica A.
Jones, ACSC
Angie
Ribuffo
Judith H.
Luddy, CLU,
ChFC, CLTC
Tara
Showalter
Director
Serving
Second Year
Term:
Julie Yunker
AAA Life
Insurance
Independent
Waddell & Reed
Mass Mutual
Christy
Aleckson,
MBA
Independent
MetLife
4•
July/August 2013
Meet the Speaker Corner:
Wendy Ellin wants to Show-You How to
jumpstart momentum in your business!
During her 2 hour Closing Keynote, Wendy will ShowYou simple strategies for taking conference lessons
home and organizing for efficiency, productivity and
success in business and in life. You’ll learn tips and
techniques for setting up a work environment with a
foundation for less stress, increased job satisfaction
and peace of mind. Plus, join Wendy at her exhibit
table and submit your organizational challenges to her
“challenge” box. Visit http://wendyellin.com to
learn more about Wendy!
Thank You
2013 Conference
Sponsors
General
Session Sponsor
Industry Sponsor
Lauren Manning wants to
Meet-You to share her story
of “unmeasured strength”!
Learn firsthand how Lauren turned tragedy to triumph.
Her story reveals the true meaning of strength and
advancement through the toughest trials. Lauren is a 9/11
Survior and former executive at Cantor Fitzgerald. She
survived the unthinkable when terror struck the World
Trade Center on 9/11. Enduring catastrophic injuries,
her will to live and resolve to rebuild her life continues
to resonate powerfully a decade later. Today, Lauren is
known for her compelling survival story and best-selling
book, “Unmeasured Strength”. Visit http://laurenmanning.com to learn more
about Lauren! Congratulations
Lisa Nesser!
Lisa registered before June 14th and won
the free hotel nights drawing! Lisa will be
saving $400 on her conference stay. Thank
you to all WIFS members who participated
in the early registration contest. We look
forward to meeting you all in St. Louis!
Break Sponsor
Room Key Sponsor
Connect with WIFS on
Facebook, LinkedIn, and
Twitter!
Corporate Partners. By supporting
2012
Corporate Partners
WIFS, these organizations have made a
commitment
tofor
thethe
success
of women
WIFS
is grateful
support
of
in
the
insurance
and
financial
services
Corporate Partners. By supporting
field. these
Contracted
career agents
of these
WIFS,
organizations
have made
a
companies
receive
a
50%
discount
on
commitment
to
the
success
of
women
WIFS is grateful for the support of
dues. and financial services
innational
the insurance
Corporate
Partners.
By supporting
field. Contracted
career have
agents
of athese
WIFS,
these organizations
made
companies receive
a 50%of
discount
commitment
to the success
women on
DiamonD
LeveL
in
the insurance
national
dues. and financial services
2012 Corporate Partners
July/August 2013 • 5
Thank You 2013
field. Contracted career agents of these
companies receive a 50% discount on
national dues.
DiamonD LeveL
DiamonD
LeveL
Leadership
Circle ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
PLatinum LeveL
PLatinum LeveL
executive circle •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
PLatinum LeveL
GoLD LeveL
Ambassador circle •••••••••••••••••••••••••••
GoLD LeveL
GoLD LeveL
Chapter Leader
Webinar
Mark Your Calendar!
September 26th – 2pm EST
Outside the Box
Meeting Ideas
Pamela Gilmour
Educate, motivate, and inspire
your Chapter members and
guests with outside the box
ideas for meetings and events.
Tune in to listen to ideas for hosting meetings
that are unique, distinctive, and memorable.
If you missed the June 26th Chapter Leader
Webinar, “Creative Ways to Get Your Members
to Conference”, visit www.wifsnational.org
Education and Events section under Chapter Leader
Webinars to listen to the recording.
Sheila Stith Receives
Industry Recognition!
Congratulations to Sheila Stith,
of WIFS Philadelphia/TriCounty Chapter, for qualifying
for MDRT as well as receiving
an award from the Eastern
Montgomery County Chamber
of Commerce (EMCC).
Mentorship News!
The “Finish Strong” Session began July 1st with 10 mentors and 10
mentees enrolled in the program. Mentees are ecstatic about the career
advancement techniques they are learning and implementing. Plus, mentors
are thrilled to have stepped into this leadership development role to give
back and share their experience. Women helping women to advance is what
WIFS mentorship is all about!
Want to become a mentor or mentee? The 2014 Power Start Session
runs from January 15th to May 30th. Applications for this session will be
accepted beginning October 1st. Visit www.wifsnational.org Resource
Center section under Mentorship Program for more information!
New President of the
Baltimore Chapter of
Society of FSP!
Kelly Stahl, CLU, FMLI, WIFS
Central Maryland/Baltimore
Chapter member was installed
on June 12th as the new President
of the Baltimore Chapter of
the Society of Financial Service
Professionals, (Society of FSP).
She has been very involved with this organization
and now it’s her turn to take the helm! Kelly is
the Regional Sales Director, MD and DC for Ohio
National Financial Services. Congratulations on this
outstanding accomplishment Kelly!
6•
July/August 2013
Chapter Corner:
WIFS Indy Chapter:
Making a Difference
for Women in the
Community!
Last fall, WIFS Indy Chapter hosted a “Bowling for Bucks”
fundraiser which raised over 10,000 dollars in 30 days! Part
of the proceeds were donated to the Chapter’s charitable
partner, Coburn Place, which serves as a safe haven for
women and children typically displaced from abusive
situations. The apartment donation program gives tenants
time to work through tough situations and offers a platform
for them to build from to become successful. WIFS Indy
was the third organization to sponsor an apartment. In addition, the
Indy Chapter recently held their monthly luncheon at Coburn Place.
Everyone who attended was able to tour the facilities extensively,
learn about the programming in more depth and were able to see the
sponsored apartment. WIFS is prominently displayed with a placard
outside the apartment and is forever recognized on a donor plaque that
shows our commitment to them. Congratulations Indy Chapter on
making a difference in the lives of women in your community!
WIFS Portland Chapter:
Annual Dinner
With our Portland Metro Board Commitment, great leadership of
Programs Committee and the help of Portland Event Planner, Carmen
Shah, the Portland Annual Dinner surpassed WIFS Board & member
expectations in many ways:
• Over 130 members & guests – the most attended event
ever!
• Nine vendors, including a chiropractic clinic, winery and financial companies
• Top notch table decorations
• Speakers, Jen Mueller engaged attendees with “Elevate your game”
• 2012 WIFS Woman of the Year, Monica Jones, inspired all with her story
Congratulations Portland Chapter on the success
of your Annual Dinner!
July/August 2013 • 7
Welcome, New Members!
The following members joined WIFS between
April 15th and June 30th., 2013.
Janna Alsobrook
Martha Forlines
Carol McCook Dixon
Kayla Russell
Sarah Asinger
Joanna Fortson
Jennifer Middendorf
Kelly Sahner
Michelle Ballert
Terri Frazer
Ginevieve Milar
Laura Salerno Owens
Debra Basile
Barbara Frederickson
William Miller
Amy Salo
Brenda Becker
Margaret Furlong
Jennifer Mitchen
Jennifer Salome
Katrina Bell
Jennifer Furr
Mickey Moore
Jennifer Sampson
Crystal Bernier
Tracey Gess
Stephanie Mouawad
Cary L. Sanders, Jr. Shannon Beutel
Maureen Geyer
Donna Nadler
Tina Shao
Amanda Bruce
Carolyn S. Gilb
Rita Nash
Cheryl Sheasby
Alicia Burst
Milana Gilo
Nedine Navarrete
Adrienne Simpson
Michelle Campbell
Crystal Hahn
Deanie Neece
Sheila Smith
Rochelle Carnegie
Debra Hedgcoth
Jeredith Nolan
Rebecca Smith
Susan Chase
Carole Holschuh
John Oestreich
Lisa Sowers
Deborah Chiumento
Sonia Illescas
Lacey Olsen
Andrea Stables
Kelly Christensen
Rene Inman
Jane Olson
Kelly Stahl
Scott Christensen
Dollarhide Jeff
Tina Paulus-Krause
Linda Stein
Jessica Ciccarelli
Antoinette Jones
Sherrie L Pelusi
Brittany Stouffer
Gloria Constantino
Joseph Jordan
Sharon Pensabene
Elaine Taule
Renee Cordes
Karen Kane
Mark Pfaff
Melissa Teixeira
William Counts
Kimberly Katopodis
Laura Porter
Cherie Tolbert
Jennifer Crisologo
Brynn Kindlesparker
Ivonne Puente
Eileen Updyke
Laurel Darling
Joshua S. Kosnick
Anne Purcell
Julie Ward
Lisa DeSimone
Deborah Krier
Alina Quintero
Sharon Wasserman
Harriet Doherty
Linda Lane
Joseph Radovich
Mackenzie West
Alexis Edney
Michele Leahy
Kamerick Rampersad
Debbie Wilson
Steven Egna
Karin Lopez
Lisa Rapfogel Ostroff
Kati Ann Wright
Wendy Ellin
Eric Lowder
Lorna Rasmussen
Diane Yee
Linda Ferrell
Melanie Madore
Ashley Rowell
Ann Zlamal
Mary Fischaber
Joanna MaKinster
Nicole Russell
Houston, TX Cambridge, NY Denton, TX
Baltimore, MD
Vancouver, WA
Portland, OR
Jacksonville, FL
Portland, OR
Addison, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Iselin, NJ
Jacksonville, FL
New Rochelle, NY
Greenville, DE
Madison, WI
Manchester, NH
Canton, OH
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Lake Oswego, OR
Virginia Beach, VA
Roseville, CA
New York, NY
Radnor, PA
Hunt Valley, MD
Atlanta, GA
Albany, NY
Atlanta, GA
Clackamas, OR
Enid, OK
Ellijay, GA
Suwanee, GA
Medina, OH
Orlando, FL
Frankfort, IL
Irving, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Madison, WI
Jacksonville, FL
Plano, TX
Lubbock, TX
Irving, TX
Chicago, IL
Brentwood, TN
Scottsdale, AZ
Jonesboro, AR
New York, NY
Portland, OR
Matthews, NC
Roswell, GA
Middleton, WI
Mableton, GA
Bala Cynwyd, PA
Trevose, PA
Albany, NY
Wauwatosa, WI
Dallas, TX
Atlanta, GA
Sunrise, FL
Dublin, OH
New York, NY
Mission, KS
Indianapolis, IN
W Des Moines, IA
Coral Gables, FL
New York, NY San Diego, CA
West Palm Beach, FL
Dallas, TX
East Amherst, NY
Lincoln, NE
Pendleton, IN
Portland, OR
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Lompoc, CA
New York, NY
Cambridge, NY
New York, NY
Dallas, TX
Coral Gables, FL
Addison, TX
Hauppauge, NY
Dallas, TX
Atlanta, GA
Metairie, LA
Owings Mills, MD
Dallas, TX
Brooklyn, NY Portland, OR
New York, NY
Scottsdale, AZ
Asdarea, NY
Pennsecola, FL
New York, NY
Warren, NJ
Tucker, GA
Lake Oswego, OR
Irving, TX
Dallas, TX
Colonial Heights, VA
Reisterstown, MD
Uniondale, NY
Towson, MD
Palm Springs, FL
New York, NY
Atlanta, GA
Albany, NY
Anderson, IN
Lutherville, MD
Dallas, TX
Denville, NJ
Atlanta, GA
Pittsburgh, PA Scottsdale, AZ
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PERMIT #203
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(866) 264-9437 • wifsnational.org
8•
July/August 2013
Gain Confidence to Succeed!
Courage is a prerequisite to taking chances professionally. To build
your courage, stretch your skills and take risks, follow this advice:
1. Decide what you want! Spend some time
thinking about your career goals. Clear knowledge of what
you want to achieve will help you choose assignments and
keep you motivated to stay on course. Consider taking
advantage of WIFS coaching services. A professional
coach will help you set career goals based on your career
ambitions, show you what techniques to implement to
succeed and keep you motivated!
2.Communicate your goals. Let the people
around you know what you want to achieve. Ask managers,
colleagues and peers for advice and assistance. With more
people in your corner, you’ll be inspired to live up to their
expectations. Take advantage of WIFS Facebook, Twitter
and LinkedIn pages and member online directory to
connect and share your goals with fellow members.
3.Make connections. Get to know as many people
as possible in your organization, industry and community.
A wide network gives you more resources and support to
draw on, and knowing you’re not alone boosts confidence.
WIFS facilitates many opportunities to network. Attend
National Conference. You’ll have the opportunity to spend
3 days with over 300 industry leading women.
4. Take calculated risks. Look for assignments
and projects that will stretch your talents and build new
skills. You don’t have to jump into anything too far out of
your comfort zone, but taking a chance and succeeding (and
even sometimes failing) will train you to see challenges as
opportunities. Enroll in the Mentorship Program and
challenge professional development.
Engage your membership and begin your
journey to success with WIFS!