This year, we are thrilled to recognize Sarah for her outstanding leadership, commitment, and impact on both WIFS and the broader financial services industry. With nearly 25 years of expertise in marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales, Sarah has helped countless insurance agents and financial advisors elevate their branding, lead generation, and digital presence. As Vice President of Marketing Communications at CreativeOne, she leads marketing strategy, client engagement, and educational initiatives that drive business growth and innovation.
A passionate servant leader, Sarah’s influence extends far beyond her professional role. She is the founder of CreativeWomen, an initiative designed to empower and uplift women in the industry. Her dedication to advancing women’s leadership is further reflected in her service on the national WIFS board from 2020–2024, her role as co-founder of the Kansas City WIFS chapter in 2019, and her upcoming work on the Women’s Annuity Network (WAN) committee for the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) in 2025.
Sarah’s vision, authenticity, and generosity of spirit have left an indelible mark on everyone she encounters. She leads by example through mentoring, encouraging, and inspiring others to thrive both personally and professionally.
We are so proud to congratulate Sarah as our 2025 WIFS Woman of the Year and celebrate the light, leadership, and passion she brings to WIFS and the entire industry.
Application Requirements
- Nominees must be current members of WIFS
- Nominate another person or yourself.
- Chapters earn points toward Chapter of the Year for each Chapter member nominated.
- National Board members and previous Woman of the Year recipients are not eligible
- Complete application by July 31. Nominations received after July 31 will not be considered.
May 1: Nomination acceptance period opens.
July 31: Nomination acceptance period closes.
August 1-31: Awards Committee nomination review period.
September 16-18: Finalists' information will be shared at WIFS National Conference.
Applications will be open Spring 2026!
Past Women of the Year
- 2024 Darlene Flagg
- 2023 Alanah Phillips
- 2022 Angela Ribuffo
- 2021 Sue Kuraja
- 2020 Grace Staten
- 2019 Jennifer Warfield
- 2018 Christina Aleckson
- 2017 Susan L. Combs
- 2016 Arthea "Charlie" Reed
- 2015 Juli McNeely
- 2014 Kathleen Godfrey
- 2013 Daralee Barbera
- 2012 Monica Jones
- 2011 Mary Quist-Newins
- 2010 Linda Witham
- 2009 Emily Viner
- 2008 Diane Dixon
- 2007 Susan Sweetser
- 2006 Estella Kierce
- 2005 Diane White
- 2004 Cornelia Philipson
- 2003 Robelynn Abadie
- 2002 Dorothy Austell
- 2001 Rosalie Kuntz
- 2000 Myra Bahme
- 1999 Marilyn Murphy
- 1998 Donna Patton
- 1997 Donna Freeman
- 1996 Ann Travis
- 1995 Ann Carroll
- 1994 Nancy Rash
- 1993 Toni Savadel
- 1992 Liane Gonzalez
- 1991 Yaeko Sano Hara
- 1990 Noni Baldwin