In honor of Women’s History Month, MacElree Harvey had the privilege of speaking with Angie Plocinik, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Creative Benefits, a proud women-owned company with offices in Newtown Square and Kingston, Pennsylvania. They specialize in designing and managing comprehensive employee benefits programs, aiming to align benefits programs with each client’s strategic goals while ensuring regulatory compliance and effective communication.
Join us as we explore Angie’s journey, her experiences at a women-owned company, and the advice she has for future female leaders in the industry:
1. What does working for a woman-owned business mean to you?
“Being that Creative Benefits is a woman-owned, there is an underlying compassion in the foundation of our work that we think is a great benefit to our clients and their employees. As women, we add a different perspective of understanding and dedication when working with our clients in the health and wellness space.”
2. How does this company support and uplift women in the workplace?
“Our team of 75 employees happens to be predominately women. I think our business culture and the roles we fill must naturally attract women. Maybe it’s because of the way we do business – I don’t know! I just know that our team is supportive of each other both professionally and personally.”
3. How has working at Creative Benefits influenced your professional growth or career path?
“I’ve never had a barrier to advance, to being able to excel or further my career in any way I want to. Creative Benefits has always given me any opportunity that I am able to handle, that I want, and/or that I create. I don’t feel like that happens everywhere.”
4. What challenges do you think women still face in business, and how does this company address them?
“Internally, I don’t feel like I have any barriers to being able to grow, advance or improve myself. I know that I am fortunate, as many women in other companies are not always given the same opportunities or support. There’s still a ways to go for women to be on an equal playing field, but I hope we continue to empower the women who work with us, because that’s how we can affect change.”
5. What are some achievements of this company that you are particularly proud of?
“We’ve grown to be nominated as one of the top brokerage firms in the Philadelphia area. We’ve also been named as one of the Top Workplaces in the Philadelphia Business Journal for four years running. I’m proud to be part of that.” I have also witnessed the growth within our company over the past 20 years and it has been amazing.
6. Have you had any female mentors or role models within the company? How have they impacted you?
“Ruth Graham was our founder and president and unfortunately she passed away a few years ago. Ruth was a huge, prominent figure at Creative Benefits. She really helped me grow – always challenging how I could push myself harder, and dig deeper, to find the right answer. We still hear her voice when we’re in challenging situations.
Also, Macee Keelan, who has taken over our company, is following in Ruth’s footsteps and keeping our culture the way we want it. And Bernadette O’Neill has been a terrific mentor for me as well; my learning from her personally and professionally is so profound that I can’t even put it into words.”
7. What advice would you give to women looking to succeed in your industry?
“I would say our industry is still predominantly male-dominated, but that is changing. As a woman, being able to look at employee benefits and understand the real need for that personal touch can help differentiate you. The biggest thing? Do what you say you’re going to do always deliver on your promises and work to not just meet expectations but exceed them. Gaining trust is the most important thing with a client. If they don’t trust you, you have nothing.”
8. Why do you think it’s important to highlight women-owned businesses during Women’s History Month?
“Because it shows the impact women can have in business. Women bring different qualities to the table, and having those different thinkers at every stage of business is crucial. The more we highlight and empower women, the more change we can create.”
9. How do you see the role of women in business evolving in the future?
“I hope to see more women in leadership roles—higher-level leadership roles. There’s always a need for balance in business. Women and men complement each other in the workplace. It’s important that we continue to create space for different voices at the table.”
MacElree Harvey is proud to recognize and support women-owned businesses like Creative Benefits, which are driving positive change and fostering female leadership in the industry. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, companies like Creative Benefits set a powerful example of what’s possible when inclusivity, mentorship, and professional growth are prioritized. As we honor Women’s History Month, we recognize the impact of women in business and the importance of championing their contributions—today and in the future.
To learn more about Creative Benefits, visit creativebenefitsinc.com.
