Orquidia Carrion

I attribute my success to persistence—especially after facing serious illness early in my adult life. I wanted to prove to myself that no matter what challenges arise, the key is to keep moving forward. If I had stopped, given in, or surrendered to my illnesses, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I’ve always kept a goal in front of me, and I believe that’s something my children have learned from watching me. They are now very successful in their careers—much earlier than I was—which fills me with immense pride. I also believe strongly in being a team player and recognizing that there is always room for growth and improvement.

I took the time to prove myself and never rushed the process. I consistently looked to leaders above me as role models, asked how they achieved their success, and sought ways I could support them while learning how to grow myself. I gave myself the space to learn, develop expertise across different areas, and embrace new challenges without fear.

I also made it a point to be transparent with my managers about my goals so my career path was clear. If you are a strong team player and take pride in your work, you should feel empowered to have open conversations about the next steps in your career.

Finally, I truly believe in balance. Too many people become consumed by their careers and forget about the family who looks up to them. As women, we are often the center of our families, and I make it a priority to give my family as much time as possible while still pursuing and achieving my professional goals.

I want women to know that they should never hesitate to aspire to more or to pursue greater opportunities. With dedication, clear goals, and a willingness to invest the time, women are just as qualified as anyone else. The insurance industry was once largely viewed as male-dominated, particularly in leadership roles, but that landscape is changing in meaningful ways.

The key is having clarity about what you want and being confident enough to ask, “How do I get there?” Managers value those conversations because they not only support individual growth but also help develop the organization’s future leadership. Don’t be afraid to share your career goals—whether they are two, five, or ten years out—and ask what steps are required to achieve them. I was always transparent about my aspirations, and that openness played a significant role in my development.

It’s important to build a strong foundation by giving yourself the time to learn, grow, and evolve. Career progression does not need to be rushed. You don’t have to reach a six-figure salary immediately, especially when you’re still gaining experience. Take the time to explore the many specialties within the insurance industry and identify where your interests and strengths align. There are numerous paths available, and each offers valuable opportunities to learn something new.

If you remain focused, continue developing your skills, and commit to continuous improvement, there are very few limits to what you can achieve in this industry. However, success requires patience and proof of capability over time—you must earn your advancement. Be honest and transparent with your managers about your ambitions. With the right mentor and supportive leadership, you’ll find that sharing your goals opens doors rather than closes them.

One of the most significant challenges in the industry today is maintaining consistent operations across multiple states and offices while adapting to evolving management systems and minimizing E&O exposure. At the same time, there are substantial opportunities for women in leadership and for professionals who continuously invest in their growth and development.

The values most important to me are balance, family, teamwork, and collaboration. I strongly believe in maintaining balance, as too many people become consumed by their careers and lose sight of the family members who look up to them. As women, we are often the center of our families, which makes it especially important to create space for both personal fulfillment and professional success.

Outside of work, my primary focus is my family. I cherish spending time with my two children and five grandchildren, creating meaningful memories that I believe are truly invaluable.

In my professional life, I view collaboration as essential. There is no place for jealousy or a “me-first” mindset. I am not threatened by others’ strengths—if someone excels in an area, it elevates the entire team. When we support one another, we all succeed. Surrounding yourself with the right people and leveraging each person’s strengths through teamwork and thoughtful delegation is how true success is achieved.

I also place great value on perseverance and continuous improvement. No matter where you are in your career, there is always room to grow, learn, and become better.