Dionne Bowers | Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP)

Dionne Bowers, Co-Founder, Former Chair, Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP)

Continuing to question established norms is how women will succeed in insurance, says Dionne Bowers, co-founder and former chair of the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP).

“Women and those identifying as women should not hesitate to challenge the status quo, while doing so with professionalism and diplomacy,” she says.

EY’s Women in Insurance Study 2025 shows women hold roughly 66% of general roles across Canada’s insurance sector, Bowers observes. Yet, representation declines significantly at senior levels, with women occupying just over 25% of vice-president roles and about 18% of senior vice-president positions.

“If the industry is truly committed to advancing leadership equity, especially among underrepresented communities, my advice is this: surround yourself with accomplished individuals who recognize and cultivate your potential, while never losing confidence in your own abilities. Affirm your value, remain curious, commit to continuous learning, and remind yourself that you’re capable of achieving more. Dimming your light, in this industry, is not an option.”

Owning your path

That mindset has guided Bowers’ own insurance career for more than two decades.

After completing her studies in criminology and sociology at the University of Ottawa and a diploma in public and private investigations at Sheridan College, she initially expected to pursue a different field.

But practical realities, including student debt, led her to explore insurance after a friend encouraged her to consider the opportunity. A conversation with her family broker later introduced her to the complexity of claims work, and she was hooked.

Today, Bowers is national business development account executive at Markel Canada and operates a consulting practice focused on training and development for insurance professionals.

“Even in 2026, I continue to encounter roadblocks,” she says.

“However, as a leader, I remain committed to confronting challenges head-on and doing what is right, without compromising my morals or values. I believe it’s especially important for women, and individuals who identify as women, to feel empowered to pursue change when their environment no longer values their contributions or continues to sustain barriers that hinder their advancement. There is no secret that I have chosen to leave roles for that very reason. In hindsight, I have no regrets.

“I was raised to take ownership of my path, and that mindset has enabled me to carve out my own journey, through every success and setback.  Remaining confident in myself, despite the inequities I have experienced over the years, has strengthened my resilience and tenacity, ultimately shaping the leader I am today.”

Representation matters

Mentorship has played an integral role in her career, Bowers says. Many of her earliest mentors were Black women in her family and professional network who helped guide her through the industry.

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Today, she’s committed to driving progress through various initiatives and the CABIP, which focuses on advocacy, mentorship, education and networking for individuals pursuing careers in insurance.

“If the industry is unwilling to acknowledge the realities and take deliberate action to ensure that women, particularly women of colour, are represented at the executive level, then the dialogue lacks meaningful impact,” she says.

She also encourages entry-level and mid-career level professionals to evaluate whether prospective employers genuinely support inclusion by looking at leadership teams and company culture.

“Representation matters,” she says. “When we intentionally create a more inclusive and welcoming industry based on merit, we build the foundation for sustainable long-term success.”