We’ve come a long way, Baby!
When I first joined our association, it was called the National Association of Insurance Women. My reason for joining our association was simple. I wanted to meet people in the area and my boss was willing to pay for my dinner. As I attended meetings, not only did I meet a few people, I started hearing about insurance classes. Where I worked did not stress education so, without our association, I would not have been aware about the Insurance Institute’s classes. I saw firsthand the value of education in the members around me and I started taking classes on a self-study basis. My reason for being a member changed. What I needed then was something that would show me a path to grow in my career. The National Association of Insurance Women fit the bill.
As I took classes, I gained confidence and I started participating in various local association activities. I realized that I needed more than technical knowledge to succeed in insurance. I also needed leadership skills and connections in the industry. I served on the nominating committee, chaired the safety committee and ended up as an officer. I was learning how to be a leader and I was making connections all over my state, my region and even the country. I tried to take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that are available. I took IAIP classes and earned designations and I said yes when asked to serve as an officer even if it was outside my comfort zone. Once again, my reason for being a member changed but our association still met my needs.
As the years passed, I realized that the next logical step in my progression was to give back to the industry that I dedicated so many years to. Not only does this benefit the younger members of our industry but it is a way for me to continue to grow. I have taught classes and mentored people inside and outside of our association. What I need at this point is a way to give back and our association meets that need.
In my forty plus years of membership, I have grown from a young woman who was painfully shy to someone who will be serving as International President in the up-coming year. I have seen our association evolve from a local association focused organization to one that is nationally focused. I have seen our name – and our mindset – change from the National Association of Insurance Women to the International Association of Insurance Professionals. With the changing times, I have evolved and so has our association. I am excited to see where we go in the next decade and beyond.
Jonel Thames Leake, CPCU, ASLI, AAI, CPIW, DAE, CLP-A , ACR will be installed as International President in Norfolk VA for the 2026-2027 year. She has served Insurance Professionals at all levels. The skills she has gained from her membership have been invaluable. The only thing more important than those skills are the connections she has made over the years.
—
Jonel Thames Leake, CPCU, ASLI, AAI, CPIW, DAE, CLP-A, ACR
2025-2026 International President-Elect
International Association of Insurance Professionals