Celebrating Leadership This Women’s History Month

This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to celebrate some of the incredible women leaders on our team who inspire, uplift, support, and drive progress in the insurance industry. Let’s take a moment to get to know and learn from Kimberlee Connell, Arceli I. Harvey, Debbie Jackson, Katie Shaughnessy Johnson, and Anne Rappa!

With a remarkable 40-year career in the insurance industry, Kim has held a variety of diverse leadership roles, mastering nearly every insurance discipline along the way, from service to sales, underwriting, and operations. As the West Zone leader and Private Client Services and family office strategist, she uses her vast expertise to empower her team and elevate the client experience. Kim holds a CPRIA designation, earned her aviation pilot’s license, and is an active member of the board of the Private Risk Management Association (PRMA), further showcasing her commitment to the industry.

How did you get involved in the insurance industry?

I started in the insurance business early, straight out of high school, and followed in the footsteps of a family member. I’ve worked in multiple disciplines in our business: as a property claims adjuster, aviation specialist (where I obtained my pilot’s license), operations, underwriting, sales, and service.

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing our colleagues deliver excellence to our prospects, clients, and Center of Influence (COI)  partners every day. Marsh McLennan Agency has a tremendous culture and environment, a true entrepreneurial spirit to invest in our business in multiple ways, which allows colleagues to collaborate, learn and grow. The work our teams do every day really matters, and when you are part of a winning team and culture, it allows colleagues to thrive.

What is your advice about entering the industry?

Wherever you decide to start your career in the industry, stick to it, become masterful at your craft, and then look to grow by going deeper into different disciplines: sales, service, personal, commercial, broker side, or carrier side. Become a power networker, talk to experts in their fields, and glean insight into the multitude of areas to expand your network, skills, and expertise. The insurance industry is not boring, and you can have an amazing career!  

Is there a woman who inspires you or whom you look up to? Why?

My first boss, Mary Wisian, taught me a lot about the insurance business and advocated for me. Also, Joanna Thompson, one of my mentors, shared some sound advice in my early career. She said, “Sometimes in your career, it requires you to take risks…take it. Other times, it requires tremendous focus…stay diligent. Some of the greatest impacts in history were done by a woman. Your job is to impact your family, your work, and your community.” She was a fearless leader who cared deeply for her family and her colleagues. She taught me many things through those early years—mostly that women have an innate capacity for influence that can change the workplace and the world for good. 

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be? What would you eat?

I’d choose both of my grandmothers (one raised 12 children and the other raised 10). They immigrated here from the UK, and I would love to have dinner with them again. We would talk about their adventures and the risks they took to work hard and provide for their families. We would have fish and chips!

Arceli is the West Zone client advisory leader who oversees a team of client advisors providing custom personal insurance consultation, advice, and service to clients. With more than 37 years of personal insurance experience, Arceli is committed to creating trusted client relationships through personal consultation to gain a deep understanding of each client’s lifestyle and looks at their needs holistically. 

How did you get involved in the insurance industry?

Quite serendipitously. A very good friend of mine asked me for a favor to apply for a position, which I did. This seemingly small decision turned out to be life-changing for me. Not only did I get the job, but I also discovered a passion for the insurance field that I never anticipated. I’ve benefited greatly from that initial ask, and it has shaped my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

What is your advice about entering the industry?

Never limit yourself and embrace bravery. It’s essential to recognize your worth and capabilities and to pursue opportunities that may seem daunting. Don’t be afraid to take risks, speak up, and advocate for yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and remember that your unique perspective is valuable. By being bold and believing in yourself, you can break barriers and achieve great things in your career.

Is there a woman who inspires you or whom you look up to? Why?

The woman who inspires me the most is my late mother. Even in her absence, the wisdom she instilled in me continues to resonate deeply. She embodied grace and strength, always living her life with purpose. Her bravery in the face of adversity and her unwavering determination taught me the importance of resilience. I strive to carry forward her legacy by embracing challenges with the same courage she demonstrated, and I hope to inspire others as she inspired me.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I absolutely love being Gigi to my three grandbabies, Cooper, Dax, and Violette. Spending time with them, my husband, family, and friends brings me so much joy and fulfillment. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places, as well as dining out and trying different cuisines.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would travel to Asia, specifically to Singapore, Japan, and my country of birth, the Philippines. Each of these destinations offers a rich tapestry of beautiful cultures, fantastic food, and some of the most stunning and pristine beaches. It would be an incredible journey that combines my personal heritage with the diverse experiences Asia has to offer.

Debbie is a seasoned professional with over 23 years of dedicated service in the insurance industry, where her unwavering passion for excellence shines through in every interaction. As the leader of the Group Personal Excess Liability (GPEL) Center of Excellence (COE), she guides a talented team of client advisors, ensuring that they provide top-notch insurance services to a diverse clientele. Debbie and her team work with high-net-worth executives, partners, and key employees from prestigious companies, financial institutions, law firms, family offices, and wealth advisory firms.

How did you get involved in the insurance industry?

I connected with several companies at a college job fair, interviewed with AMICA, and they hired me. The rest is history!

What do you love most about your job?

I am a glutton for punishment and enjoy the challenges and tremendous learning opportunities that come with my job. Most importantly, I am passionate about people and their development, so I love that I get to support my team and others in that regard.

What is your advice about entering the industry?

Be curious, be hungry, find your voice or get help finding it, and use it. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. I recently learned the phrase, “You are not a tree!” If you are dissatisfied or unhappy, uproot yourself and seek what you want elsewhere.

Is there a woman who inspires you or whom you look up to? Why?

My mother has had the most impact on the woman I am today. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her family; she is selfless, speaks her mind, and is fiercely loyal. Plus, she loves flowers, which are a constant in my self-care routine. Like Miley Cyrus sings, “I can buy myself flowers.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Anywhere on the African continent is high on my bucket list. Being of African descent, it is my absolute dream to touch the soil of my ancestors. I know it will happen soon; I can feel it.

Katie is responsible for managing a team of senior yacht specialists in the Ft. Lauderdale office, with the growth of new business and assisting with client relationships. She has been a valuable member of our team for 22 years as an experienced senior yacht risk management advisor. Katie has managed some of the largest and most complex yacht risks all over the world, with hull values in excess of $400 million. 

What do you love most about your job?

My job as a yacht insurance broker combines my love for yachts, my respect for the people who own them, and the excitement of navigating the challenges of this ever-evolving industry. It's not just about insurance—it’s about protecting dreams, building lasting relationships, and being part of a world that is as dynamic and thrilling as the yachts themselves.

What is your advice about entering the industry?

Knowledge and expertise will give you the confidence to succeed. View the insurance business as a space where skills—whether in problem-solving, communication, or relationship building—are highly valued. With determination, continuous learning, and support from others, women can thrive in this dynamic field.

Is there a woman who inspires you or who you look up to? Why?

Laurene Powell Jobs—she displays how women can be powerful leaders, change-makers, and advocates for the causes that matter most to them. She embodies strength, empathy, and the ability to make a difference on both a personal and societal level.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy chilling with my pups, Lucy and Latte, or sitting on the beach listening to live music with my husband.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I’d go to Ireland. I want to explore my ancestral roots, connect with the local people and culture while enjoying a smooth, delicious pint of Guinness. I want to experience the stunning views of the rolling green hills and breathtaking landscapes, immerse myself in the rich history and architecture, learn a little Gaelic, and discover the many Irish traditions. "Sláinte!"

Anne has an impressive 30 years of experience in the fine art specialty insurance industry and is a multiyear Risk & Insurance magazine PowerBroker award winner. In her role with us, her primary focus is to provide insurance consultation and advice to help clients reduce their financial risk exposure. She takes a consultative approach to client intake, identifying and discussing issues related to fine arts risk management. 

How did you get involved in the insurance industry?

My background is in art history and English literature. After graduating from NYU, I had the opportunity to begin my career using that knowledge in the insurance industry. Insurance became an interest of mine, and the ability to serve the art community as well was the icing on the cake!

What do you love most about your job?

I love to help people, and I appreciate all the participants in the cultural community. It is meaningful to spend my days working in service to artists, art dealers, and cultural institutions to protect them and their valued artwork and collections.

What is your advice about entering the industry?

Work hard and know your craft. Be the best and know your worth.

Is there a woman who inspires you or whom you look up to? Why?

The women I am most inspired by have done things in their own voice and are true to their intellect and instincts. They have paved their own way and are willing to take risks to get where they need to go.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am learning how to salsa dance!

Whether obtaining a pilot's license, learning to salsa dance, or stepping into challenging new leadership roles, it’s clear that these leaders are not afraid to dream big and go after their goals. As we close out Women’s History Month, we hope Anne, Arceli, Debbie, Katie, and Kimberlee have inspired you to find your passion, be brave in the moments that matter, and celebrate your wins!