Tuesday, September 30th
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Forbes Theater at 500 Pearl
(Aloft Buffalo Downtown)
512 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Kelly Gonyo Big I NY Chair of the Board, Blue Line Insurance Agency Owner
Ashley Engl Big I NY NextGen Chair, Walsh Insurance Director of Technology Learning & Innovation
Tinsley English is a best-selling author, executive coach, keynote speaker, and operations leader helping women activate their brilliance through Grit, Growth & Gumption. As founder of The Three G Consulting Group LLC and creator of the 24-Carat Leader Program, she equips professionals to boost visibility, accelerate advancement, and lead with unshakable confidence. In 2025, she launched the Grit, Growth & Gumption podcast, already reaching 1,000+ listeners. Her keynotes and panels deliver fun, interactive experiences that spark action and expand impact.
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Jenn Urso
Executive Leadership Coach
Founder of the The Leadership Project
Jenn Urso is a certified coach, career strategist and leadership development facilitator. Jenn helps professionals solve real business challenges while building the confidence, clarity, and skill to lead with impact. While her work is industry agnostic, she concentrates in the insurance and tech sectors. Since entering the insurance industry in 2007, she has worked inside a brokerage and at a national trade association representing commercial brokers. Today, she partners with brokers, carriers, and insurtech companies to grow the next generation of leaders that are poised to be impactful and successful. Read More >
Marya Propis
Executive Vice President of Retail Distribution at RT Specialty Marya Propis is a dynamic sales and distribution executive with a proven track record of success across Fortune 500 financial services firms and, currently, at the largest U.S. P&C wholesale broker. Known for her energetic leadership and talent for building strong teams, Marya is a strategic thinker with deep expertise in broker engagement, sales strategy, and organizational growth. She excels at driving results through relationship management, data-driven insights, and client-focused solutions. Her career has centered on innovating go-to-market strategies, developing sales training, and guiding account expansion initiatives— all while championing talent development and leading transformative change.
Jacquie Kelly Kaden
President of RLK General Insurance Agency Jacquie Kelly Kaden is the third-generation owner of Robert L. Kelly General Insurance Agency in Central New York, proudly continuing the legacy started by her grandfather over 50 years ago. Alongside her father, Jacquie serves clients with a strong commitment to personalized, accessible service modernized through digital tools like web-based phone systems and a robust online presence. Her agency specializes in small businesses, nonprofits, and churches. Jacquie also actively supports the future of the insurance industry through her service on the NextGen NY board and as a member of Big I NY’s G100 advocacy group. 
Access and download Big I NY Women in Insurance Summit-exclusive graphics to share on all social platforms leading up to the big day!
Attendees
Sponsors
Western NY Locals
Rochester Locals
Speaker: Tinsley English
Speaker: Jenn Urso
Speaker: Marya Propis
Allison Just Meeting & Event Manager
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Our first-ever Women in Insurance Summit is officially SOLD OUT!This powerful gathering will uplift and empower women across the industry who are ready to invest in themselves and take the next step in their careers.
This summit is more than just a conference– it’s a movement. Expect engaging discussions, personal stories, and actionable insights that help you own your voice, while connecting with a community of ambitious, supportive women.
You’ll leave stronger, more confident, and ready to harness your strengths in your agency, business, and life. While seats are gone, we have a running waitlist. Add your name today to be notified if space opens up. We’d love to welcome you into the room!
9:30 AM | Registration & WelcomeIncluding complimentary coffee, continental breakfast, and a mimosa/juice bar.
10:00 AM | Kickoff & Speed Networking
10:45 AM | Keynote
Grit, Growth & Gumption: Unlocking the G-Force Code
Tinsley English Imagine facing each day with unshakable confidence. What does that version of you look like? In this dynamic session, you will:
- Learn how to respond in the face of setbacks to make smarter, faster decisions leading to more success.
- Effectively communicate with your team to feel more connected and move cohesively towards your vision.
- Increase your visibility to position yourself for promotions and taking on more strategic roles.
- Turn your work into a larger-scale impact that you can be proud of.
Key insights you'll gain: - Three common leadership myths that held Tinsley back and how debunking them changed her leadership approach.
- Tinsley's EXACT system to position yourself as an impactful leader using the G-Force Code.
- Grit, Growth, and Gumption combine to equip you with the tools to tackle tough challenges.
- The power of incorporating your core values into your NorthStar Goal for a career journey that aligns with who you are as a woman.
Transform how you show up and achieve the success you've always envisioned.
12:00 PM | LunchEnjoy incredible networking with peers who relate. Three entree choices!
12:30 PM | No Bad Questions: Q&A with a Panel of Peers
Marya Propis, Ashley Engl, Kelly Gonyo & Jacquie Kelly Kaden!
Submit your questions anonymously and our panel of incredible insurance women, at different stages of their career and life, will share their thoughts on the stage as we draw them from a fish bowl. This format inspires honest insights that you would love to hear from someone who has lived and breathed similar challenges. 1:30 PM | Table Chat
1:45 PM | Break & Sweet Treat
2:00 PM | Level Up a Skill
Nail Your Personal Pitch!
Jenn Urso “So, what do you do?” This is often one of the first questions we ask or are asked in American culture, whether at a networking event, coffee shop or cocktail party. That seemingly simple question is an invitation to define, promote and sell ourselves, essentially helping us to open or close doors. The answer to that question is our verbal business card- sharing who we are, what we do and why it matters. Shaping your verbal business card can be tricky. You have a short amount of time to capture attention, make a positive impression, and create a connection.
In this session, Jenn Urso, executive coach and leadership development strategist, will walk us through an exercise to help you define or refine your verbal business card. You’ll leave with greater clarity and confidence, ready to pitch yourself clearly. 3:00 PM | Moment at the Summit
We appreciate the many businesses who help lift up the fabulous women in our industry. Here are the companies who are making today possible.
Support NY Sponsors
Chair of the Board Sponsor
Keynote & Book Sponsor
Mimosa & Juice Bar Sponsor
 Table Sponsor
 Table Sponsor
 Table Sponsor
 Nail Your Personal Pitch Session Sponsor
 No Bad Questions Session Sponsor
 Afternoon Sweet Treat Boost Sponsor
 Welcome Coffee & Refreshments Sponsor
 Parking Sponsor
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