Celebrating Women “Leading the Change” This Women’s History Month

This March, join us and the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) in celebrating this year’s theme: “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”  Women’s History Month is a time to honor the achievements of women, raise awareness about their role in history, inspire others to lead boldly, connect, and envision a vibrant future. We are proud to highlight the women leading our organization and the insurance industry.

Hear directly from Sarah Aguirre, Kimberlee Connell, Carole Hirahara-Acosta, Melissa Jaffa-Albeyta, Stacie Leslie, and Rachel Renaud on how they began their careers and what keeps them inspired.

Sarah is the Northeast Client Advisory leader and senior vice president. A dynamic, results-oriented leader, she has extensive experience managing and growing family-office and high-value client portfolios, as well as leading mid- to large-sized advisory teams. Sarah’s known for setting high standards, fostering a positive culture, and delivering impactful results.

How do you foster inclusion within your team and the broader organization?
It is vital to foster trust, celebrate differences, demonstrate respect, consider diverse viewpoints, and create a safe environment where people feel valued. Being part of Marsh offers numerous opportunities to engage with colleagues across the organization and provide a perspective that might be different from your own.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in insurance?
Surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals who will uplift you, prioritize mentorship, be willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone, and remember everyone has the power to influence. Do not be afraid of failure; it can be a great gift on your path to success.

How do you balance the demands of leadership with personal and professional growth?
Setting boundaries and managing your time effectively are crucial. Manage your calendar, or someone else will manage it for you.

How do you approach leading through change and uncertainty in today’s fast-paced insurance environment?
I lead change and uncertainty by being transparent around the “why” behind decisions, communicating early and frequently, inviting feedback and suggestions, allowing space for emotions, and modeling adaptability as a leader. Your response as a leader profoundly influences how others react during challenging and uncertain times; the creation of stability and trust is essential.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an attorney, and planned to gain corporate experience before attending law school. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my early experiences in the High Net Worth and private client insurance sector and decided to continue building my career in this niche area of the industry.

Kim has held diverse leadership roles in her impressive 40+ year career in the insurance industry, from service to operations to West Zone leader. She recently moved into another high-visibility, high-impact role as Family Office and M&A Business Development leader.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as a leader?
At one point in my career, I applied for a demotion so that I could move into a new division because I felt that the new area would allow me the opportunity to one day move into leadership. People on the team could not believe I would take a step down to one day take a step up, and it proved to be a good move for my career.

In what ways has the insurance industry evolved to better support women leaders, and where is there still room for improvement?
I love listening to podcasts and TED Talks, and Simon Sinek shared about a year ago the top three leadership traits, which are (1) Courage, (2) Integrity, and (3) Student of Communication. A huge part of leadership is listening in a way that allows people to feel heard. I passionately believe we have come a long way in these three areas over the past several decades. Creating a safe place for people to have both psychological safety and ownership in their careers and futures is paramount to support everyone, men and women included.

When you look back at your career, what is a moment or experience in which you are most proud?
Over the years, I have received handwritten notes or emails from colleagues who have shared their personal thanks for something I supported them on or advocated on their behalf. I have always cherished each one of those notes and hold them in high regard to look back on and reflect on days or times when I made a difference for someone else.

One of those notes was from a colleague who did not report to me but needed some coaching on why he was not being promoted in the firm. I said to the colleague, “Let us schedule some time together, and if you allow me to speak truth into your life, I think I can help you.” This colleague took the coaching to heart and made the changes necessary to become a better person, team member, and leader. Years ago, he wrote to me and said, “I was promoted to my dream job, and if you hadn’t had that honest conversation with me about how I’m perceived in the workplace, I would have never gotten this role…thank you.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A TV news anchor.

Carole is our vice president of Risk Advisory with over 25 years of experience. She is known for translating complex wildfire and property risk into clear, actionable guidance for agents and clients. Carole leads with clarity, integrity, and a steady presence, supporting teams through high-stakes decisions with both technical rigor and emotional intelligence.

How do you foster inclusion within your team and the broader organization?
Inclusion starts with psychological safety. I make space for different communication styles, backgrounds, and temperaments. I ask questions instead of assuming, and I give credit generously and transparently. I also create structure—because structure levels the playing field. When people know what’s expected, how decisions are made, and that their voice matters, they show up more fully. That’s inclusion in action.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in insurance?
Don’t dilute your strengths to make others comfortable. This industry needs your clarity, your intuition, your standards, and your voice. Learn the technical side deeply—it’s your armor. Build relationships intentionally—they’re your leverage. And remember, leadership isn’t a title. It’s how you show up when things are unclear, difficult, or high-stakes. Start practicing that now.

How do you balance the demands of leadership with personal and professional growth?
I’ve learned to treat growth as a discipline, not a luxury. I carve out time for reflection, learning, and recalibration—even when the calendar is full. I also give myself permission to evolve. Leadership isn’t static; it’s a living practice. The more I invest in my own steadiness and clarity, the more grounded and effective I am for our clients, colleagues, and team.

When you look back at your career, what is a moment or experience that you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of the moments when I protected clients, colleagues, or the agency by standing firm in my expertise—especially when it wasn’t easy. Whether it was guiding families through wildfire mitigation, navigating complex underwriting decisions, or advocating for fairness in difficult situations—those moments reaffirmed why I do this work. They’re the quiet victories that define a career.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be someone who helped people make sense of complicated things. I didn’t have the language for a specific field, but the instinct is what has driven me where I am today. I’ve always been drawn to clarity, structure, and guiding people through uncertainty—so in many ways, I became exactly what the younger me imagined.

Melissa is an experienced, strategic operational manager with over 25 years of tactical implementation experience in insurance, professional services, and customer service. Her background spans team building across multiple lines of business to leading mission-critical business transformations. Most recently, she led a large-scale system conversion enabling our business to harness data and work more effectively.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in insurance?
Throughout my professional career, I have had the privilege of working with and being mentored by many inspiring women leaders, each sharing valuable wisdom in their own unique way. The advice I would offer to aspiring young women is to consistently raise your profile by excelling in your work, delivering more value than expected, embracing courage by taking risks, and cultivating genuine likability.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as a leader?
A pivotal moment that defined my path as a leader was when I was entrusted with the opportunity to lead several fragmented groups that carried significant challenges from previous leadership. Through building credibility, demonstrating courageous leadership, and applying determination, I was able to transform these groups into a cohesive and thriving unit. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but it created opportunities for team members to grow and excel—both within the unit and across other areas of the organization.

How do you approach leading through change and uncertainty in today’s fast-paced insurance environment?
Change is constant and often brings discomfort. The digital evolution has accelerated the pace at which the insurance industry must operate—clients increasingly expect on-demand and self-service options; additionally, data has become essential for gaining valuable insights. As we adapt to moving faster and meeting diverse client needs, I embrace strategic thinking with enthusiasm. I focus on how we can improve and elevate our support, adopt new technologies, and empower and support the team to effectively lead through change.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
It’s interesting to reflect on this question now, later in life. I could have dreamed of being anything, but honestly, I always wanted to be a businesswoman. Growing up, I used to play “business” or “school” with my siblings, and I’m not a teacher, so in a way, my childhood dream did come true. What I didn’t realize back then was just how impactful this path would be and how much it would shape my life.

Stacie is a seasoned private client broker with over 20 years of insurance experience. She has a passion for delivering strategic solutions and proactive advice tailored to each client’s unique needs. Known for her strategic mindset and innovative problem-solving, Stacie guides clients through their insurance experience with clarity and confidence. Her commitment to excellence has made her a trusted advisor in private client brokerage.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as a leader?
Sheryl Sandberg Barnard’s commencement speech was a pivotal moment in my career because it taught me the importance of not letting internal fears overshadow my ambitions. Her message—that barriers will always exist but should remain external challenges rather than internal limitations—helped shape my mindset and defined my path as a leader. Embracing this perspective gave me the resilience and confidence to face obstacles head-on and lead with determination and clarity.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in insurance?
Confidence and self-advocacy are key for women pursuing leadership. Clearly communicate your goals, build expertise, and learn to negotiate while maintaining your professional image. Don’t wait to feel fully ready—embrace bravery and curiosity to face challenges and make your voice heard. Start networking early and find mentors who genuinely support your growth. By developing skills, building connections, and staying resilient, you can overcome barriers and thrive as a leader.

How do you approach leading through change and uncertainty in today’s fast-paced insurance environment?
Leading with a solution-oriented mindset enables me to respond effectively to change and uncertainty. By approaching situations with empathy, clear communication, and a focus on resiliency, I ensure everyone feels heard and supported as we navigate the fast-paced changes in our industry.

When you look back at your career, what is a moment or experience that you are most proud of?
Reflecting on my career journey, one of the moments I hold most dear is when my daughter chose to feature me as her example in her college application thesis. To know that my daughter has quietly observed and admired my dedication is profoundly meaningful and a reminder that professional achievements resonate far beyond the workplace. This experience underscores the importance of perseverance, leadership, and balance—not only in advancing one’s career but also in inspiring the next generation of women.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up in a family of educators, I originally wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. As time went on, I aspired to be a strong female leader who could make a meaningful difference, combining professional success with the opportunity to give back by helping others understand complex challenges and make informed decisions. This blend of leadership, growth, and education has always been at the heart of my career ambitions.

Rachel is the Field Claim Executive for the West and a key member of our Claims Advocacy Team. With extensive experience and technical expertise, she works closely with clients, claim analysts, and client advisory colleagues to resolve complex claims and high-value losses.

How has your journey as a woman in the insurance industry shaped your leadership style?
I entered the insurance industry as a claims adjuster, working daily with contractors—typically a very male-dominated field. I learned quickly that I needed strong technical knowledge and expertise to approach difficult discussions and negotiations with skill and confidence. I’ve maintained that mindset throughout my career. I feel very strongly that women need to have a seat at the table, but you need to put in the work of continually learning and honing your craft. Being able to deliver and bring innovation into a changing landscape is what makes a valuable leader.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in insurance?
I would advise women to seek out opportunities where their skills can bring value, even when they may not seem readily available. When a situation arises where your ideas and expertise can help bring the matter to a resolution, don’t be afraid to raise your hand. Being an unexpected asset contributes to both your personal and professional growth.

How do you balance the demands of leadership with personal and professional growth? 
I have a young toddler, so in the last few years, this has been a major adjustment for my mindset toward my career. I’ve learned to be much more intentional with my time, prioritize effectively, and always be aware of my key objectives. To put it succinctly: embrace the chaos. Personal changes and growth can add to your professional and leadership development, as long as you approach them with the right mindset.

When you look back at your career, what is a moment or experience that you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of my recent leadership in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton fires. We found ourselves in an unprecedented situation, but much of my career has been spent working in catastrophic scenarios. I had been part of the response team for multiple large wildfire events and knew what to anticipate in terms of client and colleague needs. During this recent event, I was given opportunities to step outside of my normal day-to-day responsibilities and lend my expertise across the organization.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A ballerina. Clearly, the universe had different plans for me!

We hope the perspectives of our women leaders inspire you to take on challenges, lead with empathy and courage, and never shy away from pursuing your goals. No matter what your hopes and dreams are for the future—whether you once wanted to be a TV anchor like Kim or a ballerina like Rachel and now find yourself in an exciting career—we hope you take away valuable insights from our team of women leaders to apply to your own work and life this Women’s History Month. Embrace bravery, growth, and discipline!