Rachel Lewis, CAIP, AMA-CPM

I attribute my success to boldness and a consistent willingness to take initiative. I’ve learned to trust myself, step into opportunities even when they feel challenging, and take on responsibility early in my career, often in leadership roles while still in college and the service industry. Being frequently the youngest person in the room never held me back; instead, it motivated me to prove myself through action, embrace ambition, and confidently pursue opportunities as they arise.

The best career advice I’ve received came less in the form of direct guidance and more through the example set by my parents. They demonstrated the importance of showing up every day, working hard, and consistently giving your best effort, with the belief that dedication ultimately leads to meaningful results. My father, who owned a pawn shop while I was growing up, especially influenced my perspective—he ran his business with integrity, kindness, and fairness, proving that success does not require being cutthroat or taking advantage of others. From them, I learned that you can achieve your goals while still being an honest and principled person.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to take initiative, be brave, and trust your abilities—if you know you can do something, step forward and do it. Stay consistent and committed, even when the path is challenging, because persistence matters. Insurance, including aviation insurance, is a stable and evolving field where women are increasingly gaining visibility and leadership, even in spaces that were traditionally male-dominated. The more we show up and contribute, the more we help shift that dynamic. Start wherever you can, stay engaged, and you can go much further than you expect.

One of the biggest strengths of the insurance industry is its stability, even during challenging economic periods, which is what initially drew me to it. It remains a necessary field with strong long-term career opportunities, particularly for women. In aviation insurance specifically, one of the ongoing challenges has been its traditionally male-dominated environment, often led by older professionals in long-established networks. However, that dynamic is gradually shifting as more women enter the space and take on leadership roles. With continued participation and visibility, the industry is becoming more inclusive, and there are significant opportunities for growth for those who are willing to take initiative, stay engaged, and build their careers consistently.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, and community. Integrity is at the core of everything I do—I believe in being honest and transparent in all situations, even when it may be easier not to be, and that standard aligns closely with the ethical requirements of the insurance industry. I also place a strong emphasis on empathy, treating others not only as I would want to be treated, but in the way they need and deserve to be treated, especially when leading and supporting a team. Finally, community is very important to me, whether through my involvement with the Aviation Insurance Association board or local civic engagement, as I believe you get out of a community what you put into it, and I strive to contribute meaningfully by supporting others and creating opportunities I wish I had earlier in my career.