2019 Women Who Build: Pamela Brown, People’s United Insurance

Name: Pamela Brown

Position: Commercial Insurance Sales

Company: People’s United Insurance

How many years have you been in your current field? 13

Who are three women – living or dead – that you would like to have drinks with and why?

1. Suzy Whaley. Despite the difficulties being in a male-dominated field, Suzy Whaley is the first woman to serve as the president of the PGA. She helps other professionals grow through her experience. 

2. Theodate Pope Riddle made history as New York’s first licensed female architect. She founded, designed and helped structure the curriculum of the Avon Old Farms School. She had no formal training but gained professional status with her indomitable, independent spirit. 

3. The third youngest First Lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis epitomized grace and beauty. She was a reporter, editor and spoke multiple languages. Her gallant courage during the tragedies in her life won her the admiration of the world.

Empathy, sympathy, problem solving and courage are the traits that I have taken from these woman and have made me a successful person.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was in a nursing home. Besides learning at an early age that I never wanted to be a resident in one, it taught me three things: First, I learned how to manage the valuable skill of balancing work and home responsibilities. Second, the art of reading body language. I got to know when the residents needed something or just wanted to talk. Lastly, the most important trait of putting myself in someone else’s shoes.