Women in Insurance & Financial Services Announces 2012 Award Winners

ALBANY, NY (10/29/2012)(readMedia)-- The Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) recognized three women during their Annual WIFS Awards Gala, held Friday, October 26 in Atlanta, GA. The following awards were presented:

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

This is the highest level of recognition a WIFS member can receive from her peers. It honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to support WIFS and our industry. The 2012 recipient is Monica A. Jones, a Life Insurance/Annuities Specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California. Prior to embarking on a change to this career in 2004, Monica was a high school teacher for 18 years. Since that time, she has received several awards including several Modern Woodman of America Awards, Auto Club of Southern California – AAA Life Insurance Co. awards, MDRT, Leaders Recognition Society and Nationwide Agent of the year. Monica is a seasoned professional, leader and mentor and also the first woman to be named AAA nationwide top producer of the company.

Monica volunteers in her community and assists her local Temple with serving over 1500 individuals breakfast each month. She is a highly engaged WIFS member-at-large as well as an active WIFS National Membership Committee member.

ANGEL AWARD

The ANGEL award is given to both members and non-members of WIFS who have demonstrated attributes that have been instrumental to the success of peers. These attributes include: A – Assistance; N – Nurture; G – Guidance; E – Ethics; L – Leadership. This year's ANGEL Award recipient is Angela Ribuffo, a Financial Advisor for First Command in Anchorage, AK.

Angela is a long standing WIFS member and described as someone who truly enjoys helping others and as an expert your field. She willingly shares her extensive knowledge and experience with peers and mentees. Angela is recognized as an active and engaged professional leader, an integral member of the WIFS Conference Committee as well as someone who gives of her time. Her volunteer work with the Rainbow Connection speaks to her giving spirit.

ROOKIE AWARD

The WIFS 'Rookie of the Year' award recognizes WIFS members who are new representatives who have achieved the highest income level of those applications received. This year's recipient is Michelle Ritch Albright, of MetLife in St. Simons Island, GA.

WIFS, headquartered in Albany, NY, is the preeminent professional organization for women in the financial services industry. WIFS is dedicated to attracting capable women to the financial services sector, helping them develop their talents and advancing them toward their fullest potential.

Over 1200 WIFS members receive benefits that include monthly webinars, online resources, local chapters in over 30 US markets, annual national events, professional education, member discounts, and corporate partnerships.

For more information about WIFS and upcoming programs, visit www.wifsnational.org or contact Deb Duffy, Executive Director at 866.264.9437.