Her Story
About Alexis
Alexis Simmons is a commercial underwriter based in Chicago, IL. With over 10 years in the insurance industry, she specializes in Inland Marine Commercial Insurance, including construction property and builder's risk, a focus she has maintained for the past five years. Simmons earned her bachelor's degree in communications from NIU in 2013 after attending Plainfield North High School. She has completed an underwriting training program, the McKinsey Black Leadership Program, and was nominated for the Korn Ferry Leadership U program. Simmons serves on the board of NIA Chicago, participates in the planning committee for Black Women in Insurance through ACO Consulting, and has co-led the Dive In festival while moderating a panel with 700 attendees. A mother of three and former Girl Scout, she is actively involved in volunteering with organizations such as Mental Health America of Illinois and NAMI, as well as literacy camps and back-to-school drives. Simmons attributes her success to perseverance, leading with empathy, mentorship, and fostering psychological safety and inclusion.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexis
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, leading with empathy, mentorship, and creating spaces of psychological safety and inclusion. As a young Black woman in a male-dominated industry, pushing through imposter syndrome and finding supportive people who uplift me has been key. Company culture that values diversity and inclusion allows people to excel.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to own who you are and be your authentic self no matter what. Push through rooms and spaces by not taking no for an answer. A friend says 'be who you needed,' which is extremely important, especially when mentoring other women.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to be your authentic self. It is okay to be just who you are. Trust your gut feeling. If someone isn't listening or you feel you can do more, do it anyway. Have faith in yourself and give yourself grace. The right place, environment, and people will get you where you need to be.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The market is soft right now with everyone wanting things cheap and fast. Construction property is saturated with many carriers competing, and businesses prefer working with who they know. Inland Marine is constantly moving and growing, which is a beautiful opportunity but tough because many young people are entering and facing challenges.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect and kindness are really important - treat people how you want to be treated. Everyone should feel respected, seen, and heard. Philanthropy and giving back is important to me, as are spaces that uplift one another.
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