Summertime is finallyhere!  Technically I know it's still spring, but it'sclose enough!  During this time of year, I feel like I canactually breathe a little. But before we know it, it will be openenrollment for 2020.

This month, I feel like I'm hitting you with some fresh newideas, as ripe as those summer fruits we all love.  I'mgoing to introduce you to Christy, who has taken a fresh newapproach to her benefit meetings, Sheila who is making it herlife's mission to close the diversity gap and Erica, who haslaunched her new corporate wellness company!

And this month, my company will celebrate its 14^thyear in business. I love that I get to be inspired by theseincredible women each month!  So without further ado,let's get this party started with this inspiring trio!

Christy L. Bonnewell, senior account manager, RaffaFinancial Services

“Over the last 12 months, I'vechanged how I conduct benefit meetings. I switched my focus fromlarge group presentations to a brief presentation followed byone-on-one sessions with employees. I found employees were uncertain of their benefits, afraid to speak-upand ask questions, or simply not engaged. This strategy reallymakes the employees feel valued, allowing them the opportunity toask personal questions. The meetings last 15-20 minutes. I'musually onsite for the day or a webinar is conducted and individualtimes are scheduled. As new employees come on board during theyear, the same method is applied. Feedback from staff and employershas been overwhelmingly positive. I've received multiple referralsfrom existing clients who shared this approach with otherorganizations and I've successfully taken over as their broker. I'mexcited to see what the next year will bring as I continue thisapproach.

On a personal note I've become more engaged with anorganization, whose mission is to find a cure for autoimmunedisease. This is something I've seen my Mother suffer with for thelast 30+ years. I've successfully raised thousands of dollarstowards research in hopes they are one step closer to uncovering acure.”

Sheila Stotler,  senior vice president, productmanagement, Brinker Capital

“I am a true believer of 'Dream it, believe it, achieveit.'  In recent years, I've been given the opportunity tocreate career awareness and inspire future generations of financialservices industry professionals so that we can continue to closethe diversity gap and work in an inclusive industry.

Through my work with the Women in Insurance and FinancialServices (WIFS) Philadelphia Tri-County Chapter, Brinker Capital,and the Money Management Institute's Gateway to Leadership program,I've worked with various colleges to create financial servicescareer awareness, demonstrate how this industry is a melting pot ofcareer opportunities, as well as inspire students to value theirauthenticity, values, and skil lsets.

Several months ago, I was able to achieve another personal dreamthanks to the financial sponsorship of several Philadelphia-areafinancial services firms and support from the WIFS National Board.WIFS Philadelphia Tri-County Chapter was the first WIFS chapter togrant three education awards to college students who are interestedin pursuing a career in financial services.

I will continue to create industry awareness among the youngergenerations so that one day, the financial services industry willmirror the country's demographics.”

Erica Ballard, founder and CEO, The B Method

“So, here's what I've alwaysthought: corporate wellness could be really great. If done right,it really could impact your team. Their health. The company'sbottom line. But I've found that most corporate wellness programs are not living upto the hype. And it bothered me, because I know how to do healthwell. That being said, by no means did I ever think I would open upmy own corporate wellness company to solve the problem. Well… Idid. This year, I opened the first real food-focused corporatewellness company in January. And not only did I open it, I'velaunched it, with two clients so far and a few more in the wings.It's still a little hard to say that I'm so proud of what we'vedone and what we will do, but I am proud. And I look forward towhat these next 12 months bring.”

As always, if you know of great women in the field who areworking hard to make this industry even better, send an emailintroduction to [email protected]. I'd love to connect!