Page 10 - BEQ Magazine Vol2 Iss4 V2

New York Life is Creating

Opportunities from the

Inside Out

By Jessie Wagoner

management to include the LGBT met her wife through New York
Market as a business opportunity. Life.
She knew the company had The LGBT target market
existing clients from the LGBT quickly grew and Wong
market but her proposal provided transitioned into her current role
an opportunity to formalize the in supplier diversity. Daniels-
market. The proposal led to the Lewis says the addition of Wong
creation of her current position has been an asset. Wong’s
and launched a focused effort to lengthy tenure with the company
establish a viable market in the and her passion for working
LGBT community. with diverse communities was
“This was an opportunity I a welcome addition. Wong has
created for myself that didn’t family members and close friends
exist before — developing who are LGBTQ and she is
the LGBT market,” Daniels- proud to be an ally.
Lewis said. “It was not only a “Being a diverse person
Joy Wong business decision but a personal myself, foreign born, I have
decision to come out when we always supported diversity,”
established the market at New Wong said. “When I got this job
ew York Life is one of guide the company — providing York Life, so that is what keeps as a supplier diversity manager
America’s largest mutual vital insights into engaging with me motivated.” almost seven years ago, I thought
Nlife insurance companies. diverse markets. The environment at New it was a great opportunity to
For more than 170 years, the Each woman brings their York Life has allowed both merge the passion I have for
company has thrived by nurturing own unique experiences to New women to create opportunities diversity and be able to help
relationships, transcending York Life, combining 59 years of for themselves, both personally diverse businesses — advocating
generations and building a track experience. Wong has devoted and professionally. As new ideas for them and helping them grow
record of financial stability. 29 years to the company while come to light the women have motivates me.”
Daniels-Lewis has invested 30 been able to transition to new
INCLUSION TAKES SHAPE years. Over their lengthy careers, positions and expand their reach. CULTIVATING
Two women, Angela Daniels- including a variety of positions with Daniels-Lewis lauds the inclusive RELATIONSHIPS
Lewis, corporate vice president the company, the women saw a environment at New York Life Their days look different
and LGBT market manager, need for developing relationships as one that encourages and — Wong may spend a day
and Joy Wong, corporate vice within the LGBT community. supports community and family. connecting diverse suppliers with
president and supplier diversity In 2008, Daniels-Lewis Not only has it fostered success stakeholders at a conference
program manager, have helped presented a proposal to senior for her professionally, she also like NGLCC’s while Daniels-

10 | December 2017 BEQ PRIDE