Earlier this month, a group of insurance specialists from our organization represented Foundation Risk Partners (FRP) at the 2024 9th Annual Women’s Conference of Florida (WCOFFL) in Tampa, which focused on a range of topics related to empowering women and addressing key issues they face. Themes at this year’s event included leadership, economic empowerment, healthcare and social justice.

In attendance were Jessica Guerard, Amy Santangelo, Michelle Doyel, Tracey Dilport, Courtney Lewis, Lourdes Martinez, Alexa Turner, Cristina Waddle and Lauren Self. And we were especially honored to have the event kicked off by FRP’s own Board Member and Director of the WCOFFL, Kathleen Shanahan.

“The WCOFFL was a day of inspiration, learning and networking of more than 800 women from across Florida,” said Kathleen. “This day was designed to advance each individual attendee toward her life goals and professional goals – this ninth year was the best year ever.”

The day focused on professional development and personal growth with discussions on overcoming barriers in the workplace, improving women’s health and well-being, and promoting equality and inclusion.

“It was deeply uplifting to be surrounded by hundreds of women, empowering one another,” said Amy Santangelo, Director of Finance at FRP. “We were motivated by successful experienced thought leaders, like Kathleen Shanahan and many others, all in support of our common shared journey,”

Guest speakers, panel discussions and workshops aimed at equipping the large network of women with tools to lead and make impactful change in their communities, at work and at home.

FRP’s Director of Human Resources, Cristina Waddle, highlighted the significance of the event and its speakers, noting the pointed words of keynote speaker, Jamie Kern Lima, self-made billionaire and New York Times Bestselling Author of Worthy and Believe IT. “When Jamie Kern Lima said, ‘It was no mistake that you are all in this room… What would happen if you stopped hiding?’ I felt as though she was speaking directly to me,” said Cristina. “Being invited to this event was truly a life-changing gift.”