BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Exware Solutions Inc.//ExSite v3.8//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ExSite-EvtCal-7486-@ibanb.ca DTSTAMP:20260717T163912 DTSTART:20260529T083000 DTEND:20260529T103000 SUMMARY:Breaking Barriers, Brokering Futures – 2026 NB Women in Insuran ce Breakfast! DESCRIPTION:-- --\n\n-- Inspiring Conversations. Meaningful Connections. Real Leadership. --\n\nJoin the Insurance Brokers Association of New Bru nswick (IBANB) for a morning of inspiration, connection, and empowerment at our Women in Insurance Breakfast, taking place on Friday, May 29, 20 26.\n\nHeld the morning following our Annual Convocation & Awards Gala, this annual event brings together accomplished women from across the ins urance sector to share their personal career journeys, leadership insigh ts, and practical advice with peers and emerging professionals.\n\nThis breakfast offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversati ons around leadership, resilience, growth, and balance — while fosteri ng mentorship and celebrating the women who are shaping the future of in surance.\n\n-- Event Highlights --\n\n* Inspiring panel discussion featu ring women leaders in the insurance industry\n\n* Interactive Q&A sessio n with panellists\n\n* Networking with professionals from across New Bru nswick\n\n* Light continental breakfast and refreshments provided\n\n-- Panel Discussion Themes --\n\n* Overcoming challenges and career setback s\n\n* Advocating for yourself and building confidence\n\n* Leading with resilience during uncertain times\n\n* Mentorship and the power of prof essional networks\n\n* Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominat ed industry\n\n* Balancing career growth with personal well-being\n\n* K ey lessons and advice for the next generation\n\n-- Who Should Attend -- \n\n* Young professionals and new brokers\n\n* Industry leaders and ment ors\n\n* Insurance company representatives\n\n* Anyone interested in sup porting, learning from, or advancing women in leadership\n\n-- Our Speak ers: --\n\n-- Sheila Koester --\n\nSheila Koester is a Commercial Insura nce Broker with Higgins Insurance, where she began her career in 2020 be fore transitioning into a commercial role in 2021. Passionate about prof essional development and continuous learning, Sheila earned her CAIB, CR M, and CIP designations by 2025, reflecting her strong commitment to ind ustry excellence.\n\nAn active leader within the insurance community, Sh eila serves as Co-Chair of the Young Brokers Network (YBN) and was featu red in the IBANB recruitment campaign, helping inspire the next generati on of insurance professionals. She is also dedicated to mentorship and e ducation, sharing her knowledge as an instructor for CAIB II and III.\n\ nOriginally from the Kingston Peninsula, Sheila is a proud mother of two daughters, ages 9 and 11. Outside of work, she enjoys music and playing the piano.\n\n-- Lori Thebeau --\n\nLori Thebeau, CAIB, is the Branch M anager of Western Financial Group’s Woodstock, New Brunswick office an d current President of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswic k Board of Directors. With more than 30 years in the insurance industry, Lori is recognized as a dedicated leader who values strong client relat ionships, mentorship, and advocacy for the brokerage community.\n\nLori began her career in insurance in 1993 and transitioned into the brokerag e sector in 1994, building experience in both commercial and personal li nes before moving into leadership roles. In 2005, while balancing her ca reer and raising her two daughters, she earned her CAIB designation. She later advanced into leadership positions, eventually taking on her curr ent role with Western Financial Group.\n\nDeeply committed to the indust ry, Lori joined the IBANB Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serve s as President. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors alongside her h usband of 26 years, Wesley. Together, they operate March & Mill Co Outfi tters near Woodstock and spend their time mountain biking, hiking, campi ng, and exploring the outdoors with their two Drahthaars, Boog and Chest er. \n\n-- Brett Boadway --\n\nBrett Boadway is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Managing General Agents (CAMGA), bringing together extensive experience in both association leadership and the in surance industry. She began her career with The Dominion of Canada Gener al Insurance Company before moving to the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), where she ultimately served as Chief Operating Office r.\n\nBrett holds a business degree with a specialization in finance fro m Western University and has pursued additional studies in law, finance, e-commerce, public relations, and executive leadership, including a Min i MBA from the Schulich School of Business.\n\nPassionate about collabor ation, innovation, and developing future industry leaders, Brett is comm itted to strengthening connections across the insurance sector and inspi ring the next generation of professionals. She lives in Toronto with her husband and twin daughters.\n\n-- Christy Barsalou --\n\nChristy Barsal ou is the Co-Founder and CEO of QuickFacts, an InsurTech platform design ed to help streamline knowledge and support brokers across North America . After spending 17 years working in nearly every role within an insuran ce brokerage — from receptionist to Director of Operations & Innovatio n for Atlantic Canada’s first digital brokerage — Christy recognized the need for better systems to support broker success and help moderniz e the industry.\n\nA passionate advocate for the broker community, Chris ty previously served on the IBANS Board of Directors and spent several y ears teaching CAIB programs to emerging industry professionals. She is a two-time Elite Insurance Woman and a recognized Top 100 industry leader who believes technology should empower people, not replace them.\n\nDes pite the accolades, Christy remains most passionate about solving proble ms for the insurance industry — proudly embracing the title she values most: Insurance Nerd.\n\n-- Karen Kaminska --\n\nKaren Kaminska brings more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, the majority of which has been spent with Economical Insurance. Throughout her caree r, she has held a variety of roles across personal lines, claims, operat ions, and business development, giving her a well-rounded industry persp ective and strong operational expertise.\n\nBased in Nova Scotia for mor e than 20 years, Karen has been actively involved with the IBC Atlantic Committee and is passionate about supporting collaboration and connectio n within the industry. She credits much of her success to the strong pro fessional and personal networks that have supported and guided her throu ghout her career, and she is committed to fostering that same support fo r her colleagues and team members.\n\nOutside of work, Karen enjoys spen ding time with her family, whether at the barn with her horse or out on the water boating.\n\n-- Be part of the conversation. Be part of the cha nge.Celebrate the power, progress, and potential of women in insurance. --\n\nFor more information, please contact:Becci Taylor, BBA, CAIB HonsE xecutive Director | Directrice exécutiveInsurance Brokers Association o f New Brunswick LOCATION:Delta Hotel Fredericton; Delta Hotel Fredericton; Delta Hotel Fr edericton END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR