NextGen New York 2025: A Year in Review
2025 was a year of continued growth and momentum for NextGen New York. From statewide advocacy to local networking events, virtual workshops, and community service projects, our members came together to strengthen connections, build skills, and make a real impact across New York. Each month brought new opportunities to engage, learn, and celebrate the energy of young agents leading the way in our industry!
Here’s a look back at our exciting year:
January
- Kicked off the year with a statewide Coffee & Connect virtual call, bringing insurance professionals together to learn about Big I NY/NextGen.
- Gathered in Albany for G100 Lobbying Day, where members met with legislators to advocate on key industry issues.
February
- Showcased the variety and passion of our careers through the #DayInTheLife challenge, highlighting what we love about working in insurance.
March
- Shot Clock Social (Syracuse)
- Bowling with NextGen (Buffalo)
- NextGen St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour (Westchester)
April
- Jacquie Kelly Kaden represented NextGen at Buffalo I‑Day with the NextGen Selfie Challenge.
- 100+ members joined us online for the the Speak Up, Stand Out virtual workshop with Jenna Rogers (Career Civility), focused on building relationships and communication skills.
- Members from across the state represented New York at the National Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., lobbying on behalf of agents and clients.
May
- Go Big in Long Island – NextGen Chair Ashley Engl hosted a dynamic meet‑up during the statewide conference, giving members a great chance to connect, network, and explore ways to get more involved with NextGen.
- Celebrated Tawnia Vermette, awarded the 2025 Big I NY Young Agent of the Year.
June
- Teed off at the Big I CNY Golf Outing, featuring a NextGen 9‑hole tournament (Syracuse).
- Mixed learning and fun at CE Trivia Night (Buffalo).
- Joined young agents nationwide during GIVE Week (June 1–10), supporting the Bobby Salmon Big “I” Relief Fund.
July
- Volunteering with Beds for Buffalo: Throughout the summer, NextGen members in Buffalo dedicated their time to volunteering with Beds for Buffalo.
- Supported Project InVest at the Big I WNY Golf Outing (Buffalo).
August
- Speed Networking Event (Syracuse)
- Strengthened communication skills in a virtual workshop with Brooke Liu (Marshberry) on Communicating with Confidence.
September
- National Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute in Nashville, TN: Ashley Engl and Craig Van Epps represented us at this event, gaining valuable insights from other young agent committee leaders from across the country.
- NextGen NY was awarded the Outstanding Breakthrough YAC Award for 2025!
- Inaugural Women in Insurance Summit, co-hosted by Ashley Engl (Buffalo)
October
- Pack the Pantry: Our members led a statewide pet supply drive supporting a variety of pet adoption and clinics across NY
- Speed Networking Event (Buffalo)
- CE Trivia and Karaoke (Syracuse)
November
- Shopped with purpose at Shop ‘Til You Drop for Charity, supporting Be A Blessing (Buffalo).
December
- Wrapped up our Communication Skills series with Jenna Rogers’ virtual workshop on Intergenerational Communications.
- Closed the year with Shop Till You Drop for Charity, benefiting Birthright, Rescue Mission, and the Golisano Foundation (Syracuse).
As we look ahead to 2026, the excitement continues. We’re thrilled to be welcoming new NextGen chapters across the state, expanding opportunities for involvement and programming in your area. Stay tuned for more ways to connect, grow, and give back with NextGen New York!
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