Financial Services Companies Support Women in Insurance & Financial Services

MassMutual, MetLife and eight other industry leaders support WIFS in 2011

ALBANY, NY (02/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) has announced that ten industry giants are partnering with the organization to support the careers of women in 2011.

WIFS is excited and honored to announce that MetLife joins WIFS for the first time in 2011 as a Diamond level Partner. MetLife has partnered at the highest sponsorship level, demonstrating their dedication to supporting women in financial services careers. WIFS is thrilled to work with MetLife, a longtime industry leader.

Also coming on board as brand new WIFS Corporate Partners in 2011, at the Gold level, are Lincoln Financial Group and John Hancock Financial Network. Transamerica Agency Group has joined with Transamerica Financial Advisors this year as a Gold partner as well. By supporting WIFS, these industry partners have made a statement about their commitment to supporting women in the financial services industry, and their understanding of the importance of diversity in the field.

WIFS also announced that all 2010 Corporate Partners will continue their sponsorship in 2011. The partnerships between WIFS and these organizations are strong, and are important to the future of the financial services industry.

MassMutual, a WIFS supporter since 2004, continues their partnership at the Diamond Level. Their top-level support has enabled the Association to develop robust educational programs, support women industry-wide, build a community of successful women in financial services, and continue the 75-year WIFS tradition of supporting, developing, and advancing the careers of women in the industry.

2011 Platinum level sponsors are Guardian (a WIFS Partner since 2005) and Prudential (a WIFS Partner since 2008). Together with WIFS, Guardian and Prudential have pioneered programs to support the careers of women in their organizations.

In addition to Lincoln Financial and John Hancock Financial Network, 2011 Gold Level sponsors are New York Life (a WIFS Partner since 2005), Northwestern Mutual (a WIFS Partner since 2005), Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (a WIFS Partner since 2008), Transamerica Financial Advisors/Transamerica Agency Group (a WIFS Partner since 2010). WIFS is grateful for the steadfast support of all of these organizations– their dedication and loyalty have helped countless women to achieve success in the financial services industry.

Support from Corporate Partners is important to carrying out WIFS' mission and programs.

"Having corporate leaders participate and support WIFS provides us with the potential and opportunity to be a catalyst for change in the industry," says Karen Roberts, National President of WIFS. "We are developing important programs for our members and sponsors to create an environment in which women financial representatives will be successful. We are grateful for the support of MassMutual, MetLife, Guardian, Prudential, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, Thrivent Financial, Transamerica Financial Advisors/Transamerica Agency Group, Lincoln Financial Group and John Hancock Financial Network."

About WIFS

Women in Insurance & Financial Services, headquartered in Albany, NY, is the only organization in the insurance and financial services industry exclusively devoted to supporting the careers of women and helping them succeed in this business. The WIFS mission is 'to attract, develop, and advance the careers of women in the financial services industry.'

In 2011, WIFS celebrates its 75th anniversary. Over 1000 WIFS members throughout the country receive benefits that include monthly education programs, local chapters in over 30 US markets, annual national events, professional development, member discounts, and corporate partnerships.

For more information about WIFS and upcoming programs, visit www.wifsnational.org or contact Nicole Correia, Executive Director at 866-264-WIFS (9437).