Blog

On January 21, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Big I NY G100 advocacy event in Albany, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. As part of the Central New York cohort, I joined insurance professionals from across the state to meet with legislators and share how the current insurance market is impacting New Yorkers.

The day was an eye-opening learning experience, offering a firsthand look at the legislative process and an opportunity to advocate for the needs of our customers and communities. Alongside my colleagues—Jacquie Kelly Kaden of RLK General Insurance Agency, Ashley Franczak from USI, and Larissa Hanslmaier from NYCM—we had the privilege of meeting with representatives from State Senator Chris Ryan’s and Senator Pam Helming’s offices.

In these meetings, we shared stories of how consumers are grappling with challenges in the current insurance market. We emphasized the need for New York State to take steps to stabilize the market and preserve access to vital insurance solutions. Our goal was clear: to ensure legislators understood the real-life impact of public policies on the people we serve every day.

What stood out most was the responsiveness of the lawmakers. They listened intently as we described the challenges facing policyholders, as well as our commitment to advocating for our customers and the industry. I felt our presence and dedication resonated deeply with them, laying the groundwork for ongoing dialogue on key issues.

In addition to the advocacy work, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the energy of an Albany session day. From the bustling halls of the Capitol to the sense of purpose shared by everyone present, the experience was inspiring. I also loved connecting with my assemblymember, Brian D. Miller, who represents the 122nd District. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and build stronger relationships with those shaping our state’s policies.

One of the best parts of the day was learning from my colleagues in the industry. Each brought unique insights and perspectives that enriched our conversations with lawmakers. Together, we demonstrated how collaboration across agencies and roles can create a unified voice advocating for positive change.

As I reflect on the day, I’m proud to have been part of such important work. The Big I NY G100 experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of advocacy and the importance of staying engaged in public policy conversations. I look forward to continuing this work and contributing to a stable, accessible insurance market for all New Yorkers.