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The Women of MassMutual SC

For generations, the world of financial services has been dominated by men.  Now that picture is changing, as more and more women are finding that insurance is a desirable, stimulating, and opportunity-rich industry for them.  In fact, according to global management consultants McKinsey and Company in the article “Women dominate insurance, but inequality is rampant at leadership levels” (August 16, 2018), nearly 60% of entry-level insurance positions are held by women.  We checked in with some of the women of MassMutual South Carolina to see what the attraction is.

Originally from Germany, Michaela Shoop is a medical doctor and research scientist who started her own healthcare consulting business before joining MassMutual SC 10 months ago.  She was drawn to the industry for its “family-oriented, holistic, consultative problem-solving approach” to financial decision-making and especially appreciates “the collegial atmosphere” and the “women-friendly, diverse work environment at MMSC.”

Melba Lewis, originally from Abbeville, SC, has a different story; she’s been in financial services for 40 years and is a registered representative. Like other successful women at MMSC, she particularly enjoys the “opportunity to manage your own time as needed with family and work.” Representing a company with a “competitive product line and great resources” is a double bonus.

Karen Stawicki and Sam Irish are a mother-daughter team at MMSC who have been able to combine family and business into a lucrative career that has provided great flexibility to work remotely while growing their business. As one professional put it, “women in the work force need flexible schedules.  They are really a step ahead as entrepreneurs because they are very talented at juggling schedules!”

To a person, all the women interviewed agree that as more and more women control wealth in the US, they “need female agents to help them with positioning their finances,” as Mary Strickland, a 30-veteran of the financial services industry, says.  They also agree that Mass Mutual SC offers women a supportive, family environment where learning is continuous, and their talents and hard work are rewarded.

Melba Lewis and Mary Strickland are registered representatives of, and offer securities through, MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC, www.sipc.org.  Supervisory office: 40 Calhoun St., Suite 310, Charleston, SC 29401, (843) 856-3411.

Karen Stawicki, CA Insurance License #0A01037, domiciled in SC.  Samantha Irish, CA Insurance License #0J18464, domiciled in SC.

Local firms are sales offices of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), and are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies.  Some health insurance products offered by unaffiliated insurers.

CRN 202303-280488

Posted on
April 29th 2021
Written by
Charleston Metro Chamber
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