WIPN–Changing the Rules!

Despite significant strides, women continue to be underpaid and underrepresented in the workforce. Today, women in the U.S. are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The gender wage gap is significant for women of color – Asian American women are paid 87 cents; Black women are paid 63 cents; Native American women are paid 60 cents; Latinas are paid 55 cents. (American’s Women and the Wage Gap, National Partnership for Women and Families, September 2020). When it comes to representation in the Board room, women represent about 30% of seats at larger companies, yet smaller and newer companies still lag in finding women to serve on their boards, with many firms still reporting one or no women on their boards.(2020 Gender Diversity Index, 2020 Women on Boards).

We still have a ways to go!

The obstacles that women face that keep them from advancing to top level positions often have their roots in a lack of mentorship and sponsorship both within their organizations and the industry. Isolation is a huge issue for women in male-dominated fields such as the retirement plan business. It is hard to find peers, mentors and advocates to support reaching goals. Women often are not as active in forming their own industry connections, touting their own accomplishments and asking for recommendations and referrals.

Our Organization

Formalized in 2009 and now an established 501(c)6 non-profit, WIPN consists of a network of more than 5,500 women, organized in local chapters across the United States. Our members include women at all career levels — from entry level to senior management — who represent all segments of the retirement industry, including Recordkeepers, TPAs, DCIOs, broker-dealers, RIAs, ERISA attorneys, advisors and consultants.

How do our members benefit?

WIPN members have access to WIPN’s exclusive networking events, proprietary research, mentoring opportunities and interesting webinars. They have unique opportunities to connect with and learn from one another through regional events and receptions at national industry conferences.

How do companies benefit from partnering with WIPN?

WIPN is grateful for the support of our valued sponsors and offer many options including industrywide visibility, prominent branding on our website and at events, discounted membership pricing, opportunities to contribute to the newsletter and the ability to post jobs to assist with recruiting goals.