Abstract: Get to know one of our gracious hosts of the Big I New York Women in Insurance Summit – Ashley Engl
Body:
With the New York Women in Insurance Summit just around the corner, we’re taking a moment to spotlight one of the dynamic women helping make it all happen: Ashley Engl, our Summit co-host and current Chair of Big I NY’s NextGen Committee.
Ashley is a powerhouse in every sense, recognized as a 2024 IBA Hot 100 & Rising Star, she currently serves as Director of Technology Learning & Innovation at Walsh Duffield Companies.
Whether she’s streamlining systems, empowering young professionals, or cheering on the Buffalo Bills, Ashley brings heart, grit, and a whole lot of gumption to everything she does.
We asked Ashley 10 quick questions to learn more about what drives her, where she finds inspiration, and what she’s looking forward to most at this year’s summit. Read on, you’ll be glad you did.
Q: What did you first think a career in insurance would be like, and has that changed at all since?
A: When I first explored a career in insurance, I wasn’t sure what to expect – but thankfully, during my first agency interview, the team did an incredible job showing me the variety of roles and growth opportunities available. I was especially drawn to the organization’s strong commitment to community support and charitable work, which aligned with my own values. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate just how dynamic and purpose-driven this industry can be.
Q: What’s a career moment you’re most proud of and why?
A: While I’ve had many meaningful client interactions that remind me why I love this industry, one of my proudest career moments has been my work with Big I WNY and NextGen. Coming out of COVID, we had to reimagine how we connect, rebuild our programs, and refocus on engaging members of our industry. As I transitioned off the local board, it was incredibly rewarding to see the next wave of leaders step up, evolve the vision, and make it their own. That legacy of growth and momentum means a lot to me!
Q: What routines or rituals keep you centered?
A: One of the routines that keeps me centered is carving out time every Monday and Friday to intentionally review my calendar. I use that time to build in focused blocks for key priorities – whether it’s engaging on LinkedIn, fulfilling volunteer responsibilities, or advancing projects at work.
Q: Was there one moment early in your life or career that made you think, “This is the kind of work I want to be doing?”
A: One moment that really affirmed my career path was during one of my first training sessions at an agency. I vividly remember the energy in the room- the engagement and excitement from the team as I introduced a new tool. It was incredibly rewarding to see how much they appreciated the time I took to share something that made their work easier and more efficient!
Q: Who showed up for you in ways that mattered most, and what did they do that helped?
A: Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have a wide range of mentors and colleagues who’ve supported my career. The ones who made the biggest impact were those who offered honest feedback and believed in my potential – often encouraging me to take on new challenges I hadn’t tackled before.
Q: How do the people closest to you shape the person you bring to work?
A: The people closest to me – especially my husband – play a huge role in shaping the energy I bring to work. Their support for my involvement in industry groups and events fuels my passion and keeps me grounded. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and the best listener, always helping me stay confident even on tough days. That encouragement helps me show up with positivity and purpose.
Q: What is one small hope you have for the next five years of your life that has nothing to do with job title?
A: One small hope I have for the next five years is that our industry continues to shine a light on how rewarding a career in insurance can be. I’m committed to supporting new professionals so they can see the potential and feel excited to build their future here. Collectively, I hope we keep elevating the image of insurance and all the incredible career paths it offers.
Q: Tell me about a time you used your visibility to open a door for another woman. What happened next?
A: Just this past year, I connected with a content creator and communications consultant I’d followed on Instagram for years. I was able to introduce her to the Big I and the insurance industry, and she’s since spoken virtually for NextGen NY and at our National Big I Education and Young Agent Leadership Conference. She’s been incredibly appreciative of the exposure to a new industry that truly values relationship building and communication – a perfect fit for her expertise. It’s been rewarding to help open that door and see her thrive in a space she hadn’t previously considered.
Q: If you had one free hour this weekend, how would you spend it (no work allowed)?
A: If it was early in the day, I would head to a barre class – it’s one of my favorite places to be! I put my phone down for an hour, listen to some great music, sweat a bit, and always feel better afterwards! In this stage of my life, I don’t get there as much as I’d like to – but it really makes me appreciate it when I can go.
Q: Finish this sentence: “What keeps me showing up even on hard days is…”
A: …my deep commitment to the people and purpose behind the work – whether it’s my job, my family, or the organizations I’m proud to support.
Category: CultureCorner; NextGen
Published: 9/29/2025 4:34 PM
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