Summertime is finally here! Technically I know it's still spring, but it's close enough! During this time of year, I feel like I can actually breathe a little. But before we know it, it will be open enrollment for 2020.

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

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

Christy L. Bonnewell, senior account manager, Raffa Financial Services

“Over the last 12 months, I've changed how I conduct benefit meetings. I switched my focus from large group presentations to a brief presentation followed by one-on-one sessions with employees. I found employees were uncertain of their benefits, afraid to speak-up and ask questions, or simply not engaged. This strategy really makes the employees feel valued, allowing them the opportunity to ask personal questions. The meetings last 15-20 minutes. I'm usually onsite for the day or a webinar is conducted and individual times are scheduled. As new employees come on board during the year, the same method is applied. Feedback from staff and employers has been overwhelmingly positive. I've received multiple referrals from existing clients who shared this approach with other organizations and I've successfully taken over as their broker. I'm excited to see what the next year will bring as I continue this approach.

On a personal note I've become more engaged with an organization, whose mission is to find a cure for autoimmune disease. This is something I've seen my Mother suffer with for the last 30+ years. I've successfully raised thousands of dollars towards research in hopes they are one step closer to uncovering a cure.”

Sheila Stotler, senior vice president, product management, Brinker Capital

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

Through my work with the Women in Insurance and Financial Services (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 services career awareness, demonstrate how this industry is a melting pot of career opportunities, as well as inspire students to value their authenticity, values, and skil lsets.

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

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

Erica Ballard, founder and CEO, The B Method

“So, here's what I've always thought: corporate wellness could be really great. If done right, it really could impact your team. Their health. The company's bottom line. But I've found that most corporate wellness programs are not living up to the hype. And it bothered me, because I know how to do health well. That being said, by no means did I ever think I would open up my own corporate wellness company to solve the problem. Well… I did. This year, I opened the first real food-focused corporate wellness company in January. And not only did I open it, I've launched 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've done and what we will do, but I am proud. And I look forward to what these next 12 months bring.”

As always, if you know of great women in the field who are working hard to make this industry even better, send an email introduction to scombs@combsandco.com. I'd love to connect!

Instant Insights /

What's the good news, ladies? Summertime!

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