 IIABW will be hosting our inaugural Women in Insurance Conference on March 19th, 2026 at the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. Join us for a groundbreaking event dedicated to empowering women to thrive in every facet of the insurance industry. Through inspiring presentations, bold conversations, and transformative ideas, this day event will provide the tools, insights, and connections you need to elevate your career and leadership journey.
Be part of a powerful community of trailblazing women who are shaping the future of insurance. Gain fresh perspectives, build meaningful relationships, and leave energized to achieve new heights of success.
Thank You Sponsors
Inspire Sponsors Elevate Sponsors - AmWins
- Cochrane & Company
- Berkley North Pacific
- Berkshire Hathaway
Empower Sponsors If you are interested in being a sponsor of this historic event, click here. Location The conference will be held at the Heathman Hotel, 220 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, 425-284-5800. If you need to stay overnight before or after the event, we have negotiated a special rate of $229 per night at the Heathman Hotel (25% discount). Click here to reserve a room.
Register
Continuing Education
The purpose of this conference is to focus on your furthering your career and the work of your team. These important subjects do not qualify for CE in Washington State.
Agenda 8:45 am Registration, Coffee & Free Professional Photo 9:30 am Welcome -Carrie Cheshier, CPCU, CIC, AIM, ARM
9:45 am Patty Kuderer, Insurance Commissioner
10:15 am Brooke Liu, “Building Your Personal Brand: Standing Out in a Competitive Industry”
Learn the key elements of building an authentic and influential personal brand, how to define your unique value proposition, and how to leverage digital platforms to expand your reach. 11:45 pm Lunch & Networking 12:45 pm Carrie Cheshier, CPCU, CIC, AIM, ARM, - Build Your Mentor Circle: Honest Feedback, Real Growth
Learn the importance of mentoring, how to establish meaningful mentor relationships, and how to create a "mentor circle" to help you grow in specific areas where you aim to improve. 1:15 pm "Four Generations of Women in the Industry" Learn from panelists from different phases of their careers how they effectively partner with other generations, what they have learned and how they have been mentored by others.
Panelists: Megan Coe of Northtown Insurance; Christina Davenport of VanClark Insurance; Brooke Liu of MarshBerry and Claudia McClain of McClain Insurance 2:45 pm Wrap-up 3:00 pm Networking Reception
Speakers
Carrie Cheshier, CPCU, CIC, AIM, ARM, joined the W. R. Berkley Corporation in December 2020 as President of Berkley North Pacific. She has over 30 years of experience in the national and international insurance industry with expertise in claims, underwriting, and operations. Carrie is committed to the communities where she lives and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Idaho Surveying and Rating Bureau.
 Patty Kuderer was elected in 2024 as Washington’s ninth insurance commissioner. Prior to taking office as commissioner, she served for a decade in the Washington State Legislature, as a former prosecutor, city attorney and in private practice. She has handled public records, employment discrimination and serious injury cases, as well as argued before Minnesota Appellate and State Supreme Courts.
 Brooke Liu has work at MarshBerry for the past decade and her current position is Senior Vice President. Before joining MarshBerry, Brooke served as a Corporate Project Manager and HR Specialist at Acrisure, overseeing agency partner acquisition, integration, and talent development. She is known for her ability to blend data-driven strategy with personal connection. |