Member Spotlight: Irene Nishinaka, Aflac

Get to know Irene Nishinaka, a Camarillo resident for over 35 years, and an independent, local business owner representing Aflac. She's our "Maven of the Month" member spotlight this week brought to you by our Women In Business committee. You can contact Irene at (805) 402-6611 or via email at irene_nishinaka@us.aflac.com.

1. How long have you been a WVBCA member?  Since 2018
2. What would you like others to know about your business? Aflac is supplemental insurance, which is different from medical insurance.  Aflac pays cash benefits to policyholders when they are injured or sick. Every day is different – I meet with clients, who are typically local business owners; and I advise them on how Aflac can make their employee benefits package more robust to help contain cost,  retain and attract employees. Also, I serve as a Benefits Advisor to their employees and assist policyholders in filing their claims. When my policyholders receive their cash benefits for a catastrophic health occurrence, it’s a great reminder for why I do what I do. Aflac is financial debt protection which brings peace of mind. It is very rewarding to be able to impact someone’s livelihood in a positive way.
3. Why did you partner with the WVCBA?  I can think of about 20+ reasons why. Simply said, I partnered with the WVBCA because I saw it as a resource, advocate, and connector for business.  The WVBCA has been instrumental in helping me build my business beginning with my ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2019 when I started my own independent agency representing Aflac. The WVBCA membership has been a positive influence on my business reputation, a great mentor for my business, and the networking opportunities are tremendous. The WVBCA offers countless benefits to members and is definitely worth the ROI. The people I’ve met through the WVBCA have been truly the best…many of which I am honored to call my friends. 
4. Anything else you’d like others to know about you? When Irene isn’t attending ribbon cuttings with the WVCBA, you will find her involved with the Filipino American Association of Camarillo (FAAC).  She is also a Board member for the Friends of the Camarillo Library and the Editor of their Amigos newsletter.  Her success in business is derived from three cornerstones representing her core values -- Quality, Service, and Integrity. While working fulltime, Irene obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She became the only sibling of three to attend college and to earn a degree. When Irene isn’t hard at work, you will find her shopping, reading, wine tasting and spending time with family and friends. She is married, with two daughters who are married, and has been blessed with six beautiful grandchildren.