Women Leaders in Insurance
in Canada | Elite Women

• respondents averaged 21 years of experience, yet leadership positions are still primarily held by men
   

• 83 percent of women believe there aren’t enough female leaders, pointing to a major gap
   

• 60 percent feel their gender has slowed their career progression
   

• 37 percent of women say their companies don’t have clear policies for equal pay

Despite these challenges, women leaders in insurance are not standing still. They’re becoming the example, breaking stereotypes, and creating more inclusive workplaces. They’re mentoring others and pushing for a future where opportunities are based on ability, not gender.

“An Elite Woman is someone who gives their time to help raise the next generation and has risen through the ranks as a respected leader, and they hold no ego in their accomplishments. Elite Women in our industry are often regarded as those who truly care and take the time to mentor and create allies to support the cause,” explains Denise Russell (Yeng), head of distribution at Specialty Program Group Canada.

IBC’s Elite Women 2025 are being celebrated for achievements and initiatives over the past 12 months and were selected by a judging panel of esteemed industry experts.

These women of influence are recognized for their ability to inspire, lead, and drive progress both within and beyond their organizations.

Their shared traits include:

• passion for empowering others and creating meaningful change
   

• strategic thinking, resilience, and adaptability
   

• commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the industry

Elite Women’s strengths were highlighted by their industry nominees. The skills and expertise expected of them include:  

• adaptability in navigating challenges and embracing opportunities
   

• strategic mindset and resilience in achieving long-term goals
   

• ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships

This is illustrated by respondent feedback to IBC about what makes an Elite Women in Canada’s insurance industry in 2025:

• “True influence is not about exerting power; it’s about forging meaningful connections and understanding the unique journeys, challenges, and talents of others, driven by a sincere desire to uplift and support them”
   

• “By inspiring change and leading by example, she demonstrates resilience, courage, and integrity, setting a standard for others to follow”
   

• “Passion, empathy, consideration, energy, and kindness are words that I would use”
   

• “Someone who leads by example and makes a real difference, not just by her title but through her actions and how she connects with others”

It’s important to recognize top women in the industry because celebrating their achievements fosters a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Russell explained how some barriers still exist that make it harder for women to ascend into leadership roles.

She says, “I think most female leaders are working hard to raise others up and, at the same time, tackling everything that is on their desk. We are trying to accomplish big things but self-impose high expectations to ‘do it all’ but not have time to help others or ask for help.”

And she also refers to the issue of imposter syndrome.

“If we can shake that and implement strategies to overcome this fear of not being qualified or knowledgeable enough, then we give ourselves space to focus on creating opportunities for ourselves by taking on that next big challenge or project,” Russell says.

IBC’s respondents also stated why celebrating leaders, such as 2025’s Elite Women, is so important:

• “It enhances the overall performance of the industry and advances gender equality by promoting diversity and inclusion, which leads to a richer, more innovative culture. Broadening perspectives within the industry helps drive better decision-making and fosters systemic change toward a more equitable future”
   

• “The insurance industry can be a tough and lonely road as one builds their business; I did not have women mentors when I started as a young woman and feel it is imperative that we recognize those women who have made great gains that are even harder to achieve in this industry simply due to gender”
   

• “It is important because it highlights the significant contributions women make to an industry that has historically been male dominated. By celebrating their achievements, we not only encourage more women to aspire to leadership roles but also showcase diverse perspectives and skill sets that drive innovation and client success”

Other key reasons noted by the winners include:

• representation that inspires the next generation of female leaders and highlights career possibilities
   

• acknowledgment of top performers that emphasizes the critical role of women in shaping the industry
   

• recognition that promotes diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, driving systemic change

 

Guided by her mantra to “choose courage over comfort,” the CEO and partner of the Ottawa area insurance brokerage leads a 50-person team with purpose and passion across branch offices in Orleans and Kanata.

“It’s all about building trust with my team,” says Forget-Swim, a former teacher and marathon runner who has participated in events worldwide. “I want my team to know they can always look to me for support or to help correct errors. There’s no need to be scared to take risks or try something different.”

Forget-Swim reminds herself daily to face challenges head-on and be consistent in words and actions with everyone around her, whether in the office, the community, or the various boards of directors on which she volunteers.

Her achievements and contributions highlight her passion for education, innovation, and making a positive difference:

• taught RIBO, CAIB, and the Unrestricted Licence courses for the IBAO and the Insurance Institute of Canada
   

• developed niche products such as DentAssure, MedAssure, LumberAssure, FuneralAssure, FarmAssure, and BrewAssure
   

• actively involved in charitable initiatives, including raising $10,000 for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in February 2024, a cumulative $700,000 with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group Foundation (OSEG) to support Girls on the Run and Sports Day the Girls Way
   

• raised $100,000 over several years for the Ottawa Cancer Foundation as the inaugural title sponsor of the Great Lemonade Standemonium event

Forget-Swim’s transparent and inclusive leadership style has built a collaborative culture and created a work environment where all team members feel valued and empowered.

She says, “I lead by example, and if I say I’m going to do something, I follow through, and everybody knows that. I’m not a talker; I’m a doer.”

Recognizing her team’s contributions is paramount as she opens every meeting with shoutouts, motivating employees and strengthening the foundations of the company’s success.

In fact, that is her advice to other women leaders in insurance: recognize the people who surround you by giving regular feedback and acknowledgment of their efforts, big or small.
 

A hands-on, bottom-up approach enables Forget-Swim to balance giving back with her professional responsibilities. She passionately believes in the power of well-being to inspire confidence and resilience, which she holds dear in all facets of her life.

“Running keeps me grounded,” she says. “It’s the one space where I can clear my head and come up with new ideas. It’s my way of staying balanced and inspired.”

As she has grown in the industry, she realized how important it is for business owners and homeowners to access professional, trustworthy advice and exceptional customer and claims service.

Forget-Swim says, “For me, education is power. I want my team to have the best insurance knowledge and be able to transmit that knowledge to our clients. It’s also fun to work on something you’re passionate about.”

For example, she supported one of her brokers’ return to university to specialize in environmental liability, a subject of great personal interest.

Forget-Swim points out that developing those niches drives engagement and enthusiasm, enabling brokers to become subject matter experts who can educate and guide clients and prospects about the critical aspects of what insurance can do.

As one of IBC’s Elite Women, Forget-Swim hopes to inspire women to pursue their goals and dream big, creating a legacy of opportunity, positivity, and progress over perfection.

“Take one step forward every day to be a better person,” she says. “As women, we always feel we have to be perfect. But we need to stick together and make progress every day.”

When the owner and broker purchased her rural insurance business 12 years ago, she naively believed she could “build it once and be done.” She quickly learned that success meant constant reinvention and a seemingly unending commitment to adapt and innovate.

“Business is about constant rebuilding, and it reminds me of the Fraggles and the Doozers from that old TV show, Fraggle Rock,” Freeman says. “The Doozers would build stuff, the Fraggles would eat it, and the Doozers would have to rebuild it again.”

That mindset of embracing technological, regulatory, or product-related change has been the cornerstone of her journey. It enabled her to double her book of business in her first four years of launching the Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, brokerage in what was considered a dead market.

Now a team of five, the two-time IBC Elite Woman and three-time Cansure Broker of the Year excellence awardee has focused much effort on innovation and fostering equitable opportunities that lift others, including:   

• developing an internal procedure manual and social media training course
   

• actively engaging in industry involvement on several IBAS committees, such as executive leadership, rural broker, and auto advisory, as well as being a member at the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan
   

• serving as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish Canada’s Women for Wish Campaign, raising over $21,000 in 2023–24

Freeman’s philosophy that resilience is key to navigating an ever-changing industry is central to her leadership. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion at her brokerage and industry-wide can be seen in her hiring practices and advocacy for women in leadership, which has helped advance gender parity and cultural diversity.

She says, “I think it’s important that the more inclusive we are, the more problems we can identify and find solutions for.”
 

She credits the province’s strong Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan for bringing a diverse mix of rural and urban stakeholders and partners to the table and facilitating in-person and online conversations about the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Freeman greatly appreciated the association’s efforts, as she lives and operates her business in a community of about 160 people far outside the nearest city centre. That geographical reality also meant a forward-thinking approach to staffing requirements in a severely restricted labour market.

“We’ve made technology upgrades to be more efficient and have looked at remote workers and solutions that address those needs,” she says.

Reflecting upon how her innovative business practices have impacted her team and clients, Freeman asserts that innovation is not necessarily synonymous with technology.

She says, “Technology isn’t free or accessible to everyone. Where I live, if I drive 15 minutes in any direction, I lose cell service. Some of my clients don’t have cell phones or internet access, so pushing everything online isn’t progress; it’s actually creating more unmet needs.”

She emphasizes the importance of balancing technological advancements with solutions that consider real-world challenges. Many of her rural clients rely on in-person interactions for banking, insurance, and other services for convenience and social connection.

“Farmers spend a lot of time alone,” she says. “And coming into town might be their only chance to talk to someone. Innovation has to work for everyone, not just those with access to the latest tools.”

As one of IBC’s Elite Women, Freeman aims to encourage other women to put their names forward. She notes that meaningful contributions are not just in the purview of those in high-rise offices or big cities.

“Success isn’t about the accolades or everything that goes right; it’s about what you overcome when things go wrong,” Freeman says. “It’s hard, and it can feel like you’re failing every single day, but that’s part of the process.”

CIBC Insurance’s associate vice president of creditor insurance embodies the perseverance and adaptability she strives to impart to her team. Allain has helped reshape the industry through resilience, empathy, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Having managed personal challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in her 50s while balancing family life and advancing in a male-dominated industry, she has learned how to recover from setbacks.

“Resiliency is really about learning to manage change, and each time you overcome challenges, you build skills that will help you adapt in the future,” she says.

“As a leader, I’m very transparent with my team, personally and professionally, about the challenges I face and how I deal with them. I hope that they feel empowered to follow a similar approach and then pass that on to other team members.”

Her reputation for hard work, loyalty, and creativity has fueled her numerous achievements, including:    

• breaking barriers as the first-ever associate vice president of CIBC’s creditor insurance division in 2023
   

• securing enterprise funding to enhance product offerings, creating solutions tailored for diverse clients, including newcomers
   

• co-founding the CIBC Insurance Women’s Network in 2024 to champion workplace inclusivity, fostering genuine connections and discussions on work-life balance and career growth
   

• becoming the first CIBC woman appointed to the Canadian Association of Financial Institutions in Insurance board of directors in 2024, elevating research and initiatives to highlight the value of creditor protection insurance

Her inspiration for co-founding the women’s network stemmed from a desire to help women be authentic in the workplace. By leading the initiative, Allain demonstrated that women can be true to themselves and succeed.

She says, “This provides an opportunity for others who may deselect themselves from opportunities and allows them to think about raising their hand for opportunities and see themselves in those leadership roles.”
 

With over three decades of industry experience, Allain notes that her empathy, which feels natural to her as a woman, has enabled her to help clients during their time of need.

“My passion for this work comes from that sense of care and understanding,” she says. “It’s what drives me to succeed.”

To ensure she and her team serve diverse clients in communities, she focuses on two key strategies that drive innovation and value: 

• surrounding herself with a diverse team by gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and income level that bring a variety of perspectives to the table
   

• approaching client research with intention, ensuring engagement with a wide range of stakeholders to avoid narrowing the focus to just one type of client, creating meaningful solutions

As one of IBC’s Elite Women, Allain strives to foster diverse talent within the industry at all job levels. She hopes to inspire other women to be authentic as they seek to advance their careers at the highest level.

“What’s really meaningful is that it will only improve their mental health,” she says.

The unit leader’s journey from Senegal in West Africa to becoming a transformative force in Quebec’s insurance industry is one of resilience, cultural pride, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of professionals.

“When I meet young people, I encourage them to explore insurance,” says Ndiaye. “I tell them it doesn’t matter what you studied; insurance has a place for you. Whether you like numbers, solving problems, or building relationships, you have a role. This is something I’ve always been passionate about: spreading the word and helping people see the opportunities in this industry.”

Her colleagues have long regarded her as a standout talent, but in recent years, she has come into her own as TSW has grown exponentially since expanding its operations in the province in 2019. She excels at securing major deals, underwriting sound risks for TSW and its broker partners, and delivering exceptional service to her clients.

Ndiaye’s influence highlights her strong leadership capabilities and numerous achievements, including:   

• integrating new team members with little to no experience and coaching them to become top underwriters by managing workflows, analyzing risks, and building strong broker relationships
   

• playing an instrumental role in elevating TSW’s market share in the past four years by bringing in quality clients and delivering high-value premiums for brokers and insurers
   

• supporting mental health initiatives by volunteering with the Fondation Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation, advocating for breaking down stigmas to help those who feel isolated

“I take pride in mentoring junior underwriters, helping them trust their abilities, and guiding them to analyze complex risks effectively,” Ndiaye says. “Watching them succeed and bind high-value premiums has been a great source of joy.”

Her dedication to volunteering and mental health advocacy is close to her heart, as she recalls feeling isolated after coming to Canada as an international student and being separated from family.
 

In Ndiaye’s professional life, she has witnessed how stress affects people, from burnout to other health challenges. She recalls how difficult it was to go through a hard market for the first time, and she did her best to support brokers feeling stressed over the situation. 

“This has made me more empathetic as a leader,” she says. “I ensure my team knows it’s OK to ask for help.”

As one of IBC’s Elite Women, Ndiaye hopes her achievements inspire the next generation of women to seek out a career in the field.

While she has been blazing trails over the last 15 years, she also completed a Master of Science in Management and earned the Courtier d ’Assurance agréé (C.d’A.A.) designation in Quebec and Ontario’s R.I.B.

Ndiaye, says, “Women’s contributions are often undervalued, but we have so much to give. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their goals and see this industry’s opportunities. It’s a field open to everyone, and I want to show young women that they belong here too.”

 

Meet the judges

 

 

• 
  Denise Russell (Yeng)
  Specialty Program Group Canada
   
• 
  Ingrid Wilson
  Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals
• 
  Jaimie Staub
  Canadian Association of Insurance Women
• 
  Lorie Phair
  Canadian Broker Network
   

 

Women Leaders in Insurance
in Canada | Elite Women

• 
  Sylvie Forget-Swim
  Chief Executive Officer and Partner
  Palladium Insurance Brokers
   
  
• 
  Konstance Allain
  Associate Vice President, Creditor Insurance
  CIBC
   
  
• 
  Christy Barsalou
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  QuickFacts
   
  
• 
  Fatou Bintou Ndiaye
  Senior Underwriter and Unit Leader – Eastern Canada
  TSW Management Services Inc.
   
  
• 
  Jackie Clark
  Assistant Vice President, Construction and Commercial Underwriting
  Excess Underwriting
   
  
• 
  Jenna Terry
  Director, Business Integrations
  Peace Hills Insurance
   
  
• 
  Kennedy Lightle
  Manager Partner
  Sharp Insurance
   
  
• 
  Olimpia Sklad
  Chief Executive Officer
  Mowen Insurance Brokers o/a A Division of Oracle RMS
   
  
• 
  Rose Freeman
  CEO
  Willow Insurance Corp.
   
  

• Alice Keung
  Board Chair
  HSB Canada
• Alison Sanelli
  Underwriter
  Burns & Wilcox Canada
• Alyssa Anderson
  Financial Security Advisor and Mutual Fund Representative
  Desjardins Financial Security Investments
• Alyssa Keyes
  Operations Manager
  Keyes Real Estate & Insurance Brokers
• Anastasia Botchkarev
  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
  Three Holdings
• Aneeza Ahmad
  Head of Commercial Risk Placement and New Business
  KASE Insurance
• Anna Rickard Mena
  Director, Signature Insurance
  Acera Insurance
• Ashley Anstey
  Senior Underwriter
  Aviva
• Barbara Bellissimo
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  HSB Canada
• Bobbee Wood
  Vice President, Personal Lines and Commercial and Owner
  Atlas York Insurance
• Brenda Gibson
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  Red River Mutual
• Carole Bissett
  Managing Director and Branch Leader
  Wilson M. Beck Insurance Victoria
• Carrie Bernardo
  Managing Director
  We Talk Insurance
• Chantal Gagné
  Senior Vice President, Life and Health Insurance Division
  Desjardins
• Christy Knowles
  Director, People and Culture
  Specialty Program Group Canada
• Cindy Manek
  Senior Vice President – Technology Professional Liability
  Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions
• Crystal Kaustinen
  Director of Operations
  Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services
• Danielle Wilkinson
  Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer, and Corporate Secretary
  Équité Association
• Diana Ho
  Vice President, Client Solutions
  RAISE Underwriting
• Diane Jones
  Vice President, Client Success
  Trufla
• Erin Gattoni
  Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Operations
  CNA Canada
• Heather Legg
  Managing Director
  Guy Carpenter
• Heather Masterson
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  Travelers
• Jennifer Ewankiw
  Vice President, Strategy and Marketing
  Red River Mutual
• Jennifer Hamu
  Claims Manager
  Travelers Canada
• Jennifer Pugsley
  Vice President, Customer Success
  Goose Digital
• Jennifer Smith
  Vice President, Distribution
  Billyard Insurance Group (BIG)
• Jodi Scarlett
  Chief Executive Officer
  EcoClaim
• Julia Baumann
  Managing Director, Western Canada
  AIG
• Katherine Rumford
  Senior Claims Advisor
  BFL Canada
• Kathryn Britnell
  Vice President, Canada West
  Markel Canada
• Kelly Melchor
  Chief Executive Officer
  Winnipeg Insurance Brokers
• Kelsey Hazelton
  Investigator
  Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO)
• Lacey Clark
  Commercial Insurance Broker
  BrokerLink
• Lisa Giannone
  President and Chief Operating Officer
  BFL CANADA
• Lynn Lafortune
  Associate Vice President and Regional Distribution Leader, Eastern Region
  CNA Canada
• Marie-Pierre Fortin
  Managing Director and Partner
  BC ASSUR
• Marilyn Horrick
  Senior Vice President, Market Growth, Brand Expansion, Partner Relations
  Desjardins
• Megan Peters
  Underwriting Specialist, Commercial Lines
  Sovereign Insurance
• Nadine Dionne
  Manager, National Adjuster Development
  ClaimsPro
• Nicole Rose
  Senior Commercial Account Manager
  Cal LeGrow Insurance & Financial Group
• Nikki Keith
  Principal
  Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services
• Rhona Konnelly
  Founder and Chief Executive Officer
  Konnelly Consulting
• Sarah Johnston
  Chief Executive Officer and Owner
  Atlas York Insurance
• Shantel Kalika
  Chief Executive Officer
  Cornerstone Insurance Services
• Shari Dodsworth
  Senior Vice President, Commercial Lines
  Northbridge Insurance
• Syzan Talo
  Managing Director
  Guy Carpenter
• Tanya Coburn
  Vice President, Marketing and Communications
  Trufla
• Tara Lessard-Webb
  Director, Corporate Governance
  Intact
• Theresa Clark
  Partner and Commercial Account Executive
  Wilson Insurance
• Virginia Tutino
  Vice President, Global Insurance, Alternative Risks and Claims
  AtkinsRéalis
• Zvikomborero Barikano
  Head of Operations
  KASE Insurance