Meet GWII’s new Deputy President Kerry Van Niekerk
Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) is pleased to announce that Kerry Van Niekerk, a GWII committee member, has assumed the position of GWII Deputy President for 2019.
Stepping in as the new Deputy President, Kerry tells us about herself and how she came to join the GWII.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your career in insurance.
A. I started with the Badger Group of Companies over a decade ago. With a background and passion for Marketing, PR & Communications, and working on many international and local top brands in the B2B and Consumer space, this exposure and experience has been a great foundation to launch some of the group’s brands being Oakhurst Insurance Company, Dotsure Pet Insurance to name a few.
On a personal note, I am a mother of three teenagers who are my driving force to achieve and make a difference, they also drive me crazy at times. I have a love for travel, exploring off the beaten track and getting back to nature.
Q. How did you come to join the GWII?
A. Over coffee with Rianet at the end of 2017, I was sharing with her the various women in leadership and development courses and projects that I was involved in, as well as my personal vision for women in business. Shortly after this I was invited to apply for a position on the GWII Committee. I have been a member of the GWII since its inception and have served on the committee for a year, and what a year it has been…
Q. Why do you believe you are suited to the position of Deputy President?
A. Firstly, a humble thank you to my fellow committee members who voted for me in this position.
Simple really. My personal values and beliefs, as well as goals for women in business, align with the mission and vision of GWII. Being actively involved in the committee during 2018 as well as the revised strategic direction, I am confident in the skills that I will bring to the leadership of GWII that will assist us in achieving our objectives.
Q. As a Deputy President, what will you be bringing to the table?
A. I am looking forward to working with an exceptional team of women to execute of our objectives! A key focus area for myself will be Transformation and promoting the role of all women in the insurance industry, and of course, supporting Rianet as President.
Q. Any inspiring last words to our readers?
A. I have a few one liners and reminders that inspire me daily:
- You have the power to create change at any point in your life and career
- Don’t wait for tomorrow
- Live in alignment with your purpose
- By allowing yourself to be happy, you inspire others
- And lastly, ‘Be Kind’ to yourself!
Q. Your message to members?
Our focus is adding value to you, our members, through collaboration, promoting the professional and personal development of women as well as encouraging young women to join the industry. We encourage you to get your memberships in place for 2019. We have so much in store for you that we don’t want you to miss out on!
I would like to thank Oakhurst Insurance, for affording me the opportunity and time to dedicate to the role of Deputy President. I would like to also take this opportunity to personally acknowledge my industry colleagues and friends who encourage, give advice and support me in this endeavor. I am so excited for 2019 and making a difference and look forward to walking this transformation road with all of you.