This week, Emily Ellis and Casandra Magliane from YMI Insurance had the incredible opportunity to speak with the Women in Business Club at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. The conversation was more than just a campus visit—it was a chance to connect with the next generation of leaders, share real-world career insights, and celebrate the strong ties between YMI and the Lehigh Valley community.
A Personal Connection to Muhlenberg
For both Emily and Cassie, the event felt like coming home. Emily is a recent Muhlenberg graduate, now building her career in the insurance industry at YMI’s Allentown office. Cassie, meanwhile, has an especially close connection—her husband works at Muhlenberg, and her son just began his freshman year this fall. With these personal ties, speaking to Muhlenberg students carried a special sense of pride and gratitude.
Highlighting the Role of Women in Business
The discussion focused on what it means to be women working in industries that haven’t always been led by women. Both Emily and Cassie shared stories from their professional journeys, including the importance of confidence, mentorship, and embracing leadership opportunities.
At YMI, supporting women is more than a talking point—it’s a core value. The agency has been recognized for empowering women, receiving Empowering Women awards, and Cassie herself has been named a Woman of Influence in Lehigh Valley Business. Sharing those experiences with the Women in Business Club underscored the message that young professionals don’t just belong in business—they belong in leadership.
Insights into the Insurance Industry
The conversation also gave students a behind-the-scenes look at careers in the insurance industry. Emily and Cassie highlighted how working in a smaller, local business like YMI comes with unique advantages:
- Hands-on experience from the very beginning of your career
- Close-knit community connections in the Lehigh Valley
- Mentorship opportunities that might be harder to find in larger corporations
- A workplace culture that supports growth and personal development
For students exploring career paths, this was an important reminder that big opportunities often start with small businesses rooted in their local communities.
Building Careers in the Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley is not only home to Muhlenberg College but also to thriving small businesses like YMI. For graduates interested in starting their careers locally, the area offers a supportive business environment, vibrant communities like Allentown, and access to industries that are always evolving. Emily and Cassie emphasized how this region continues to be a great place for young professionals to launch their careers.
A Thank You to the Women in Business Club
Emily and Cassie left the event inspired by the students’ questions and energy. The Women in Business Club at Muhlenberg is creating a platform for meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in today’s business world.
And of course—a special shoutout to Lehigh Valley Printing for the awesome stickers that added an extra spark of fun to the day!
Looking Ahead
At YMI, we’re proud to be part of the Allentown, Bethlehem, Stroudsburg and Lehigh Valley business community, and we look forward to more opportunities to connect with students, support women in leadership, and encourage the next generation to explore careers in business and insurance.
