Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Vanessa (‘20) graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lake Forest College with a Major in Business and Concentration in Marketing. She was in the National Leadership Honors Society (Omicron Delta Kappa), and a member of Alpha Phi. While still in school, Vanessa obtained her licenses in Property, Casualty, Life and Health insurance in preparation of graduation. Vanessa is an Agency Business Consultant for Farmers Insurance, a Family Business based out of Libertyville, Illinois. While working within the District Office of Farmers Insurance, she plays an instrumental role in training new agents and their staff with the day to day operations of running their agencies. Vanessa works in partnership with the agents and their staff to focus on individual business operations to prioritize and execute on action items geared toward developing growth in their business. She analyzes profitability and develops strategies for policyholder retention and helps agency owners achieve their goals. Vanessa works with over 100 producers in the Chicagoland area as a consultant on Personal Lines Insurance by providing guidance and training on the many products Farmers has to offer. Vanessa is an active member of the Service Partners of Lake County and Lake County Young Professionals. She works as a liaison with local Rotarians and The Chamber of Commerce with a focus of giving back to the community and hosting events for charity.