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About WIPN
Celebrating over 15 years of inspiring and empowering women in the retirement industry, WIPN stands at the forefront of professional development and growth. Born from a vision to connect, share, and contribute in a male-dominated field, WIPN now thrives as a beacon for women's advancement in financial services. Here, we champion equity, mentorship, and the power of a united community.
Herstory
It should come as no surprise that the genesis of WIPN began in 2008 with a conversation amongst colleagues and longtime female friends in the retirement industry who found themselves at another business conference in a sea of men. The idea was simple ─ find a way to share connections and contribute to the industry that we all believe in so much ─ and WIPN networking was created.
Formalized in 2009 and now an established 501(c)6 non-profit, We Inspire. Promote. Network. (WIPN), is the leading nonprofit retirement industry organization committed to the professional development, growth, and advancement of women in the retirement and financial services industry. With 5500 subscribers, over 1500 members and 32 nationwide local chapters (including a national virtual chapter for busy, on-the-road professionals), WIPN champions successful and fulfilling careers for women.
WIPN membership includes women at all career levels — from entry level to senior management — who represent all segments of the retirement industry, including recordkeepers, CPAs, TPAs, DCIOs, auditors, insurance, broker-dealers, RIAs, ERISA attorneys, plan sponsors, financial advisors, consultants and the broader retirement industry.
Women's progress in the industry has been impeded
Despite significant strides, women continue to be underpaid and underrepresented in the workforce. Today, women in the U.S. in full time jobs are typically paid 84 cents for every dollar paid to men. The gender wage gap continues to be significant for women of color. Black women are paid 66 cents; Latina women 52 cents, Native American women 55 cents, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women overall just 80 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. (American’s Women and the Wage Gap, National Partnership for Women and Families, September 2023) In fact, on average, women employed full time and part time in the United States lose a combined total of over $1.6 trillion every year due to the wage gap.
When it comes to representation in the Board room, 50/50 Women on Boards reports that the percentage of women joining boards in 2022 was 39%, significantly lower than 2019 and 2021, which were over 40%. And, to reach gender parity by 2030, the percentage of women joining boards on an annual basis needs to surpass 50%.
How do individuals benefit by joining WIPN?
WIPN advances equity and opportunity for women in the retirement industry. Through innovative programming, events, conferences, mentoring, coaching, and networking, WIPN helps women bring their whole selves to work with impact and find their voice in the retirement industry while creating #connectionsthatcount.
WIPN members have access to WIPN’s exclusive networking events, proprietary research, sponsorship and mentoring opportunities, national DEI and WIPN Wellness benefits. They have unique opportunities to connect with, and learn from one another through 30+ nationwide in-person chapters and a new virtual chapter and at national networking forums and conferences.
How do companies benefit from partnering with WIPN?
WIPN is grateful for the support of our valued sponsors and strategic partners. We offer industry-wide visibility, prominent branding on our website and social media as well as discounted membership pricing, and the ability to post jobs to assist with recruiting goals.
Industry wide visibility
Branding on website & social media
Discounted WIPN Memberships for employees
Recruitment opportunities and job postings