
We see you.
No matter how many years you have dedicated to this industry – if you’ve shattered glass ceilings or are just beginning to climb the ladder – you are a TrailblazHER and you deserve the spotlight.
Join women from all over New Jersey, in all positions of insurance, for an event that will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of your career.
– Kathry Martinez, Fiorentino Anillo Insurance
2027 Event Program
2027 Agenda will be posted in the coming months.
7:00 PM – Meet & Greet Reception
We HIGHLY encourage you to come to Princeton the night before and join our private cocktail reception. This will give you the opportunity to connect with some of our industry’s most prominent and powerful women, spend some time with our keynote speaker, and feel rested and relaxed at the start of our event. We have secured an exclusive room rate for guests who take advantage of this option.
MARCH 11, 2027
8:30 AM – Registration
9:00 AM – Breakfast & Networking Bingo
10:00 AM – Welcome
10:15 AM – Keynote Address –
The Guiding Leader
Emma Corcoran, Owner & Founder, EC Consulting LLC
Today’s workplace is more complex, fast-moving, and people-driven than ever. Getting results takes more than authority or technical expertise – it takes the ability to guide people effectively.
Too often, leaders fall into the trap of playing the hero – stepping in with the answers, solving problems for their teams, and then wondering why nothing moves without them. The result? Disengagement, dependence, and missed opportunities.
In this energizing program, Shannon will share a powerful shift in how you think about leadership, from being the hero of the story to becoming the guide. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, research, personal stories, and real-world examples, she will show how leaders create better results when they ask instead of answer, course correct as they go, and establish a clear destination rather than give step-by-step directions.
Guiding leaders don’t have all the answers. They create space where answers emerge.
11:30 AM – Lunch & Networking Bingo
12:15 PM – DiSC Lite Breakout Session –
Style Matters: Discover Your Leadership Style in 60 Minutes
Great leaders don’t lead the same way, and that’s the advantage. In this fast-paced, interactive DiSC Lite breakout session designed specifically for women in insurance, you’ll uncover how your natural behavioral style shapes the way you lead, communicate, and perform under pressure.
Through engaging activities and real-world insurance examples, you’ll explore the four DiSC styles and quickly begin identifying your own. Whether you’re bold and decisive, steady and supportive, or analytical and detail-driven, understanding your style unlocks greater confidence, clarity, and influence.
If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership presence, collaborate more effectively, and lead with intention, this session delivers powerful insights you can use immediately, no matter where you are on your leadership journey.
1:30 PM – Creative & Collaborative Break – Blind Date With A Book!

What is the most moving, inspiration book you’ve read? The one that you couldn’t put down? Your five star recommendation anytime someone asks for their next TBR? That’s the book we want you to share! Blind Date With A Book lets you give your favorite book with a twist – they won’t know it till they unwrap it!
How to Participate: If you would like to participate in this incredibly fun activity, bring a book that speaks to you completely wrapped so the cover is hidden. On the wrapping, share the book’s genre and a brief description without giving the title away (bonus points if you want to decorate too). All wrapped books will be displayed and participating attendees will select a book based on your description alone to unwrap and keep during the Creative Break. Talk about not judging a book by its cover! Any genre is welcome.
This activity is completely optional, but how can you not join the fun?! Books can be previously loved – no need to purchase a new copy unless if you can’t part with the one on your shelf (thrift books a-ok too!).
2:15 – Panel Discussion
Panelists: Jacquelyn Zampella, VP of New Business/Risk Architect at EAB Insurance Group; Cindy Heismeyer, VP, Strategy, Partnerships, Insights, and Customer Experience at Selective Insurance; Kathleen Bradley, Vice President/Head of Placement at Acrisure East Division
3:15 – Closing Remarks/What’s Next
Kristin Ryan, Big I NJ Chairman
“It’s always empowering to have a group of women working together while sharing thoughts and ideas to not only better themselves in their careers but to encourage and inspire others. What an enlightening day it was filled with great information, helpful resources, fun activities, tasty food, and very productive conversation.”
– Abi Stults Rivenburg, Allen & Stults Co.
Speakers

Kristin Ryan

Emma Corcoran
Panelists

Jacquelyn Zampella
EAB Insurance Group

Cindy Heismeyer

Kathleen Bradley
Acrisure, East Division
“This is truly a standout event. It was incredibly powerful to not only hear from inspiring women across the industry, but also to sit down in small groups and have meaningful, candid conversations. That level of connection and vulnerability is rare, and it made the experience feel deeply personal and impactful”
– Norma Alvarez-Martin, Plymouth Rock Assurances
Questions?
Contact Jennifer Kacmarsky at 609-587-4333.
Please note that this event does not qualify for continuing education credits in New Jersey.
Cancellations received by February 27, 2026 will incur 50% administrative fee. Cancellations after that date result in a forfeiture of all fees.
March 11 2027
Nassau Inn, Princeton

Come the night before and enjoy an informal reception.
Exclusive Room Rate: $189
Rate Deadline: Feb. 9
Online Reservations
Why attend
Every year, nearly 100 women from all facets of the insurance industry get together to…talk.
Talk about insurance, about leadership, about mentoring the next generation, and the power of being a woman.
This event is big and powerful.
What To Expect:
Expect to network with women who have trailblazed through the industry and are willing to share with newcomers what it takes to thrive.
Expect to learn from younger generations how new models of business can have profound impacts on your success rate.
Expect to collaborate with the most incredible group of women our industry has to offer, make new connections, uncover new ideas, and discover ways to bring out the very best in your professional journey.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 event will be posted later this year.
Nassau iNN
Come early.
Join us the night before for an informal gathering and spend the night.
- Exclusive Room Rate: $189
- Expiration: February 9, 2027
Visit the Big I NJ Online Community to see who is coming in the night before!
Sponsorships
Opportunities Coming soon
Can’t wait? Contact Jennifer Kacmarsky to get involved now.