May 20, 2026Saint Clements Castle & Marina
1931 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT 06480
Danielle Brown Big I CT Chair of the Board, Double Eagle Insurance Broker Melissa Gatto Big I CT Immediate Past Chair, Lawley Regional Marketing Manager
 Attorney, Entrepreneur, Author of She Who Wins
Renée Bauer is an award-winning attorney, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to empowering women through life’s transitions. As the founder of Happy Even After Family Law, she’s a fierce advocate for navigating divorce, reinvention, and entrepreneurship with confidence and clarity. Read More >
Senior Vice President of MarshBerry
Brooke Liu is a strategic leader and industry expert dedicated to driving growth and innovation in the insurance sector. As Senior Vice President at MarshBerry, she leverages her operational expertise and talent development skills to help clients achieve their business goals. Read More >
Lisa Lounsbury, CAE, AAI, AIS President of Big I Connecticut
Lisa Lounsbury, CAE, AAI, AIS, is President & CEO of Big I New York and President of Big I Connecticut, supporting independent insurance agents across both states, and co-founder of Catalyit, which helps agents navigate technology. A seasoned insurance professional and active board member, she brings industry leadership experience from Great American Insurance and holds a finance degree from Miami University of Ohio.
Shayna O'Brien, CLCS Commerical Lines Key Account Manager at Hilb Group/Gerardi Insurance
Shayna, a lifelong resident of Connecticut's quiet corner, is the Commercial Lines Key Account Manager at Hilb Group/Gerardi Insurance and holds a CLCS designation. Since entering the insurance industry in 2016, she has focused on delivering knowledgeable, friendly, and professional service; outside of work, she enjoys family adventures, games, and vacations with her boyfriend, four children, and their dog, Jax. Read More >
 Allison Just Meeting & Event Manager
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Our first-ever Connecticut Women in Insurance Summit was a SOLD-OUT success!
Hosted by Danielle Brown and Melissa Gatto, this powerful gathering brought together women from across the industry for a day filled with inspiration, connection, and growth. From energizing discussions to genuine moments of encouragement, attendees left ready to elevate their careers and continue building a stronger, more inclusive community within the insurance industry.
Thank you to every incredible woman who joined us for this milestone event. Your energy made it unforgettable.
Save the Date!
We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year! Join us on May 20, 2026, at Saint Clements Castle & Marina, for another unforgettable day of empowerment, insight, and connection.
Catch a glimpse of this year’s experience in our photo gallery below and get ready for what’s next!
9:30 AM | Registration & Welcome Including complimentary coffee, continental breakfast, and mimosa/juice bar.
10:00 AM | Kickoff & Speed Networking
10:45 AM | Keynote
How She Wins: Overcome Uncertainty and Win at Your Life
Renée Bauer Get ready to redefine success, reclaim your power, and create a life that resonates with your deepest desires at “How She Wins: Overcome Uncertainty and Win at Your Life.” Through insightful guidance and practical strategies, you will learn how to navigate the crossroads of life, tap into your intuition, and gain clarity about what truly matters to you. Empowered with this newfound wisdom, you can confidently make choices that propel you towards a future filled with purpose, joy, and unparalleled success. 12:00 PM | Lunch
12:45 PM | No Bad Questions: Q&A with a Panel of Peers
Panel featuring Lisa Lounsbury, Danielle Brown, Melissa Gatto, Shayna O'Brien, and moderated by Julie Furst. Submit your questions anonymously and our panel of incredible insurance women, at different stages of their career and life, will share their thoughts.
1:30 PM | Table Chat
1:45 PM | Break & Sweet Treat
2:00 PM | Level Up a Skill
Building Your Personal Brand: Standing Out in a Competitive Industry
Brooke Liu
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive marketplace, a strong personal brand is no longer optional— it’s essential. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or industry professional, your personal brand shapes how others perceive your expertise, leadership, and value. During this session, Brooke Liu, MarshBerry Senior Vice President, explores the key elements of building an authentic and influential personal brand, showcases how to define your unique value proposition, and how to leverage digital platforms to expand your reach. 3:00 PM | Moment at the Summit
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