Rachel Aarons is a founder and strategic thinker, resilient in her efforts to forge sustainable socio-economic change. She began her career at the Markham African Caribbean Canadian  Association, tutoring and mentoring vulnerable youth who were newcomers to Canada and in contact with the child welfare system. These experiences and her passion for teaching sparked her to found Overcomers Tutoring – a platform specialized in providing math and literacy instruction and mentorship to students with special education needs and neurodiverse conditions. As a former legal associate at Bygrave Law, she continued serving marginalized youth while representing clients using legal aid on behalf of the counsel of record. 

Earning a Bachelor in Business Administration (Finance & Marketing) from the Schulich School of Business invigorated Rachel’s passion to further address the root causes of social and economic disparities seen within her community. In her previous capacity as a Finance and Marketing Research Associate at Schulich, she aimed to address these discrepancies in a data-informed, practical, and sustainable way. Such efforts are seen in her publication of the “How to Support Racialized Employees in Times of Tragedy” toolkit during her time working at the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), and in her appointment as a Member of the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity in Ontario, where she influences policy affecting the province’s youth.

Today, she leverages her legal and non-profit work experiences to affect change in her community as President of the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP). There, she spearheads 12 teams and over 50 volunteers to nurture a community that drives the empowerment, representation, and advancement of underserved professionals in Corporate Canada. Prior to her role as President of CAUFP, she served as the VP of Community Partnerships and as a Scholarship Committee Lead. In her full-time occupation, she works as a Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Development at the MH3 Collective working with client organizations including OLG, RBC, Scotiabank, Microsoft, NFL, NBA, The Globe and Mail, and Meridian Credit Union

Vinita Jajware-Beatty is President of the Toronto Insurance Women’s Association (TIWA), a not-for-profit trade organization. As President, Vinita acts as a resource for the entire insurance community including brokers; underwriters; claims; actuarial; and risk management professionals. In addition to her role with TIWA, Vinita serves as Chair of Dive In Canada, a DEI initiative from Lloyds of London. As an insurance professional with a risk management and property claims background, Vinita brings over 23 years of career experience to many diversity and inclusion initiatives within the insurance industry, including chairing a Women in Insuretech and Global Insuretech conference series through the India-based organization Altaworld. 

Along with her work with TIWA, Vinita is the Chief Operating Officer of Enkompass Power & Energy Corporation. A national engineering and field services firm, Enkompass has operations rooted in industries including construction; telecommunications; healthcare; manufacturing; food and beverage; pharmaceutical; mining; and insurance. Vinita is responsible for operational oversight of engineering and field services including Enterprise Risk Management and Human Resources, while maintaining a loss control engineering and commissioning professional practice.  

A graduate of the University of Guelph with a Bachelors of Commerce, Vinita has since earned her certificate in Risk Management from the University of Toronto and is a designated Canadian Risk Manager through the Global Risk Management Institute and is designated as a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist through the International Risk Management Institute. Vinita also holds a Certificate in Construction Law from Osgoode Hall Law School and is designated as a Certified Marketing Specialist with the Canadian Marketing Association. 

Dionne is a dynamic leader with twenty-five years of progressive experience in the insurance industry. She operates her own Consulting business, which focuses on training and development solutions for insurance professionals and is also a contracted facilitator with some of Ontario’s higher learning institutions.

Dionne is one of the Co-Founders and Chair of the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals; a non-profit organization primarily focused on Advocacy, Mentorship, Education and Networking for individuals in the insurance industry or who are looking to pursue a career in insurance. She has a strong passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. Dionne graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in Criminology and Sociology. She also has a diploma in Public & Private Investigations from Sheridan College and currently holds her Fellowship Chartered Insurance Professional designation – the highest professional designation in Canada’s Property & Casualty industry as well as her Canadian Risk Management designation.

She is a published author, has been acknowledged as Instructor of the Year through the Insurance Institute of Canada (Ontario Chapter) for 2023 and has been recently acknowledged as Insurance Business’ top 100 Best Insurance Professionals, globally. In her spare time, Dionne enjoys mentoring people, giving back to the community, reading, traveling abroad, boxing, basketball and creating new experiences with family and friends.

Leslie has been in the insurance industry since 2001, starting in an entry level position in Commercial Insurance and has worked her way to be a commercial branch manager for BrokerLink Insurance.  Throughout her career Leslie has been actively involved in the insurance industry.  She joined the Canadian Association of Insurance Women (CAIW) in 2003 as a member of the local Nova Scotia Insurance Women’s Association (NSIWA).  She chaired various committees and held all executive positions between 2003 and 2019 when she became the CAIW Director.  In 2024 she was elected as the President of the Canadian Association of Insurance Women.  Leslie was also involved with the Nova Scotia Young Broker Network, joining in 2005 and working her way to YBN chair in 2015.  Leslie has been recognized throughout her career for her hard work and commitment to her clients and professional development.  From the Nova Scotia Insurance Brokers Association she was awarded the Young Broker of the year Award in 2008, nominated for the Emerging Professional Aspire Award in 2016 and the Above & Beyond Aspire Award in 2018 and 2019.  From CAIW she was also awarded the Rising Star Award Sponsored by Steamatic Canada in 2018.  In her spare time she loves spending time with her husband and children, camping, hiking and road trips exploring our beautiful country. 

With an impressive 28-year career spanning multiple facets of the insurance industry, Michael Craig has solidified his reputation as a dynamic and influential leader. His extensive experience across the direct writer, carrier, government, and broker channels has provided him with a well-rounded perspective, allowing him to navigate the evolving landscape of insurance with unparalleled expertise. 

Michael’s ability to cultivate strong relationships and drive growth has earned him widespread recognition among his peers. In recent years, he has been acknowledged as one of the industry’s foremost business development leaders, receiving back-to-back nominations for Insurance Business Canada’s BDM of the Year in 2020 and 2021. The overwhelming support from colleagues and industry professionals during this time is a testament to his impact and leadership. 

Beyond his professional success, Michael is deeply committed to shaping the future of the insurance industry through mentorship and education. He dedicates his time as a part-time professor at Humber College’s Insurance Management program, regularly mentors students through Fanshawe College’s program, and actively engages in career fairs across the province. His passion for industry growth is further reflected in his recent appointment as an IBAO Board member for the Mississauga chapter, where he continues to advocate for the advancement of brokers and the broader insurance community. 

Having risen to executive-level positions, Michael now leads Connex Insurance, a thriving brokerage committed to innovation, client service, and industry excellence. His strategic vision and dedication continue to shape the future of insurance, cementing his legacy as a true trailblazer in the field. 

Nicole Hackney is the Team Leader of Business Operations at Farm Mutual Re, bringing over 14 years of experience in the mutual insurance industry. With a career that began in underwriting, Nicole spent 11 years developing a deep understanding of commercial and personal lines before moving into training and research, and eventually, leadership.

She is passionate about building member-centric solutions, optimizing operations, and fostering strong, people-focused teams. Nicole has shared her expertise as an instructor at both the Insurance Institute of Canada and Fanshawe College and continues to be a strong advocate for professional development within the industry.

A Chartered Insurance Professional, Nicole also holds certificates in Risk Management, Commercial Insurance, and Virtual Teaching and Training. She is currently advancing her leadership skills through the Organizational Leadership and Executive Excellence program at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

Nicole is an active contributor to the industry, serving on the Southwestern Chapter Council for the Insurance Institute of Canada, and was a guest speaker at the 2023 Women in Insurance Summit Canada.

Jody started in insurance November 2005 with Prairie Villa Insurance as a receptionist, where she quickly learned that being on the brokering side is where she wanted to be and embarked on getting her licence and starting as a broker. Through various roles that included being both a Personal Lines and Commercial Lines broker, Jody was promoted into a management role where she thrived. Seeking a location change, Jody decided to make the move to Calgary and took successive roles as a commercial broker at both Rogers and Blue Circle Insurance. Jody’s happy place is in Operations, and when an opportunity arose to move into a Leadership role in Operations at Lundgren & Young Insurance (now Excel & Y Insurance) she took it! Today, Jody is the VP of Operations and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the brokerage.  

Jody has a long history with the IBAA. Starting in 2009 with the Peace River Local Council, she took a position with the local PYIB before returning as the Local Council as Chair in 2012. In 2014, Jody joined the Executive of the PYIB, becoming PYIB President for both 2015 & 2016. After her term finished, Jody took the Calgary Local Chair position, before joining the Executive in 2019. Continuing her trend of serving as President for multiple years (and thanks to a pandemic) Jody was President of the IBAA for 2020 & 2021 and is now the current Chair of the IBAA Board; she is also the current director representing Alberta on the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) board.  

Jody loves insurance and is always promoting Brokering as a career, encouraging people to think of insurance as an option and join this great industry. Jody is a strong advocate for the consumer, working with industry leaders, peers and advocating to government at both the Provincial and Federal level, for solutions that are in the best interests of the consumer. She believes strongly that consumers receive the best advice, choice and advocacy when purchasing insurance from a Broker. Jody has also become a strong advocate for embracing technology, she believes that digital solutions work to the benefit of both the broker and the consumer, making the insurance purchasing experience better for both.  

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Jody’s career keeps her very busy! Outside the office she spends her time with her friends and family, spending time chasing her retired (but busier than ever) parents around North America and traveling whenever and wherever she can!  

Brett McGregor is a seasoned insurance executive with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian insurance industry. Born and raised in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Brett’s strong connection to community and service continues to shape his leadership style.

As President & CEO of Guild Insurance Group, he leads a growing team of 95 employees across eleven locations, delivering customized insurance solutions to individuals and businesses. His leadership has helped shape Guild into a progressive, community-focused firm grounded in service and local expertise.

Brett is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba and has earned the CAIB, CIP, and FCIP designations, along with an MBA completed in 2014.

An active member of the insurance community, Brett contributes to the broader industry dialogue through his involvement with the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada of which he is currently President-Elect. Brett is also a Past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba.

Dedicated to giving back, Brett has held leadership roles in several local initiatives and continues to be involved in coaching youth sports and community volunteering.

Keith is Executive Director of CAFII, an Association representing Canadian Banks, Credit Unions, and Insurance Companies, with a focus on credit protection insurance, travel insurance, and direct-to-consumer distribution.  Keith was previously Acting President of the Canadian International Council, a Canadian association focused on foreign affairs with over 1000 members and 15 branches across the country.  Before that, Keith held senior implementation and client services roles at Brookfield RPS, whose client base is Canadian banks.  He has contributed in senior roles at Royal and SunAlliance Insurance Canada, and at Bank of Montreal in strategy, planning, eBusiness, and the Chairman’s Office.  Earlier in his career Keith taught at Ryerson University, worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs, and was in a senior position in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Keith has a Master’s degree from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Economics from McGill University.  Keith has completed advanced executive programs at the Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University, at the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University, and at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.  He is married with three daughters.  

Steve has been a government and public affairs professional for more than 20 years. He has worked for a large Canadian bank, a foreign government, several government elected representatives. He worked for 13 years at the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada and started his own government relations firm SkyBridge Strategies, which represents segments of the insurance industry with governments. He was appointed Managing Director of CAMGA in October 2020 and has led the associations into the preeminent professional trade association shaping the future of delegated underwriting. 

Julie Skelton, Executive Director & COO of the Insurance Brokers Association of BC, spent nearly four decades in the insurance industry before joining IBABC in August of 2024 taking over the helm of the association. She came to the association from HUB International where she was VP Personal Insurance Operations, and her role over the last 12 years has been as an executive member of the HCW leadership team with a focus on personal lines, learning and development and catastrophic event leadership. She began her career at a local brokerage in Prince Rupert and has worked at regional brokerages as well as in HUB’s large  brokerage. She holds a CAIB designation along with a Chartered Private Risk & Insurance Advisor (CPRIA) designation. One of her passions is to develop and deliver education to attract, grow, and retain talent in the insurance industry.

Colin Simpson is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) and Independent Broker Resources Inc. (IBRI), IBAO’s ‘for profit’ entity.

His prior roles have focused on the North American P&C market and have included being:

• President & Chief Executive Officer of Intrinsync Insurance Solutions Inc., a technology company that he co-founded in 2012.
• President & Chief Executive Officer of Kingsway Financial Services Inc
• President & Chief Executive Officer of York Fire & Casualty Insurance Co.
• Colin has also served as a Director of several insurance corporations and independent Trusts formed to raise capital for the Kingsway Financial Group.

A longtime proponent of the Broker Distribution Network and Canadian Insurance business, Colin specializes in corporate transformation and change management. He has worked in the Canadian Insurance industry for over twenty-five years and is a seasoned corporate executive and director.

Colin holds an Honours Degree in Business Law and Economics, a Master’s Degree in Accounting & Finance and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (Scotland).

Becci Taylor is the Executive Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick (IBANB), where she leads the organization’s strategic direction and advocates for independent brokers across the province. With more than a decade of experience in education, marketing and professional development, Becci brings a dynamic blend of industry knowledge, innovative leadership, and passion for continuous learning. 

Her career includes an extensive background in recruitment strategy, marketing, and training across both the insurance and post-secondary sectors in Canada and the UK. Since joining IBANB in 2017, she has modernized broker education delivery, introduced digital learning tools, and increased industry engagement through targeted campaigns and advocacy efforts. She also spearheads key initiatives such as continuing education programming, bursaries, and recognition awards for emerging professionals. 

A champion of broker professionalism and inclusion, Becci actively contributes to provincial and national working groups focused on talent development, policy modernization, and future-proofing the broker channel. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with Marketing from the University of London, a Certificate in Management Studies, and the CAIB designation with Honours.  When she’s not leading industry initiatives or building broker programs, Becci recharges through mountain biking and quick-witted humour rooted in her British upbringing. She’s also the proud (and slightly grey-haired) mom of three daughters — one now following in her footsteps in the insurance industry, another making her mark as a welder, and the youngest still navigating high school life. 

Jhnel Weller-Hannaway is the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Brokers Association, bringing over 20 years of experience spanning public accounting, banking, municipal finance, and the insurance sector. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Jhnel began her career with Ernst & Young LLP, where she gained extensive experience in financial analysis, audit, and advisory services across both the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Jhnel’s career progression includes key leadership roles in the financial sector, having served as a Financial Manager at BMO Bank of Montreal. In this capacity, she was responsible for financial strategy, risk assessment, and operational efficiencies within the organization. Her expertise also extends to the public sector, where she held roles as Finance Officer and Senior Financial Analyst with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, contributing to fiscal policy development, budget management, and large-scale municipal financial planning.

With over seven years of leadership within the insurance industry, Jhnel is a steadfast advocate for brokers and the vital role they play in the financial services landscape. As CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association, she is dedicated to advancing the interests of brokers through strategic advocacy, policy development, and industry collaboration. Her leadership focuses on strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing professional development initiatives, and ensuring that brokers are equipped to navigate the evolving complexities of the insurance marketplace.

Beyond her professional commitments, Jhnel is deeply passionate about sports, youth development, and the advancement of women in the insurance industry. She actively supports initiatives that promote leadership opportunities for women in financial services and strives to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Jhnel’s diverse background across private and public sectors provides a comprehensive perspective on financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices. Her commitment to fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and consumer trust continues to shape the association’s vision for a strong and sustainable insurance brokerage profession.

Nina is an accomplished business transformation leader with deep expertise in the insurance industry, recognized for delivering strategic initiatives that foster sustainable growth, operational excellence, and outstanding customer experiences.

In her current role as Senior Director at the Insurance Institute of Canada, she leads Ontario operations with a focus on professional education, industry collaboration, and regulatory engagement. Prior to this, Nina served as Vice President of Insurance Operations at Marsh McLennan, where she led a global team to enhance service delivery and operational performance.

Her career includes impactful leadership roles at Travelers Canada, RSA Group, and Allstate Insurance, where she spearheaded large-scale transformation initiatives, optimized business processes, and built high-performing, engaged teams.

Nina is widely regarded as a thought leader in underwriting, risk management, process optimization, and change leadership—driven by a strong commitment to people-first leadership and innovation.