The Ontario chapter of Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) is pleased to announce three recent appointments to its Board of Directors: Sandra Parente, (above left), Josie Porto, (middle) and Sally Turney.
Sandra Parente is currently the Managing Director for Newcom Media Inc, publisher of
Canadian Underwriter Magazine, and begins her new role as Media Chair. Sandra is well known
and highly regarded in the publishing industry having held senior leadership roles for some of
Canada’s well-known media brands such as Maclean’s, MoneySense and Sportsnet.
“Having worked in media publishing my entire career, I have never seen an industry come
together in fund-raising efforts the way that Insurance has. Our industry is full of incredibly
helpful and talented people and it is a privilege to serve WICC. I look forward to leading media
efforts on a national scale to help move the WICC agenda forward.”
Josie Porto has been the Regional Vice President of Wawanesa, Ontario since 2016, celebrating her 33-year anniversary with the company. Prior to this role, she held progressive roles in the Underwriting area including the rollout of the Broker Portal in 2011. As Regional Vice President, she oversees the Ontario operation, working closely with our Regional team and Broker Partners. Josie holds a BA in History from York University and has attained her FCIP from the Insurance Institute. She also sits on the ICLR Committee in Ontario and Member of the Board of the Economics Department at York University. Josie is a huge supporter of WICC and the United Way.
“I would like to share why the work WICC means so much to me on a very personal level. In a span of 3 years, I lost both my parents to cancer. It was a very dark and painful time watching both suffer and deteriorate due to this horrible disease. I hope my involvement with WICC offers me an opportunity to give back to our community, and support a very important cause to ensure others do not face the same journey I did.”
Sally Turney, WICC’s Chair of Communications has held several senior communications and marketing roles in the industry over the past 20 years. She has supported WICC during this time by attending events, participating in fundraising activities and is now happy to be part of the WICC board to continue this support.
“Seeing so many people in this industry come together to support such a worthwhile cause has always been heartwarming to me,” Sally said. “Being part of something that is making a difference to so many peoples’ lives is humbling. I look forward to working with the team to serve WICC and help fulfil its mission.”