Wallene Leek, RICP, FSCP, LTCP, LUTCF, loyal member since 2002, has a remarkable career that illustrates the transformative power of life insurance and the importance of passing on knowledge and values to future generations. Based in Nashville, Wallene found her way into the insurance field through a profound personal experience that forever shaped her perspective.

Early in her marriage to John “Rex” Dockery, a successful college football coach, Rex insisted on purchasing a life insurance policy. Wallene recalls, “I thought it was a waste of money. He was young, healthy, and an athlete. I didn’t understand what insurance was for.” But Rex remained steadfast, ensuring they secured life insurance soon after returning from their honeymoon. This decision would ultimately change Wallene’s life.

Tragically in 1983, Rex was killed in a plane crash, leaving Wallene to raise their two young sons on her own. At that moment, she realized the importance of Rex’s foresight. “I suddenly understood what life insurance was about. If it weren’t for that one policy, I wouldn’t have had the means to support my family,” she says. As she worked through her loss, Wallene became a testament to the importance of life insurance, eventually sharing her story with Life Happens.

Wallene’s story underscores the vital role of life insurance during times of unexpected loss. She began speaking at industry conventions, where her resilience and insights inspired countless people. Insurance companies recognized her authenticity and connection to the mission of life insurance, leading New York Life Insurance Company to invite her to join their team as an agent. Initially hesitant, Wallene recalls, “I told them I wasn’t a salesperson. I didn’t think I could sell anything.” But New York Life helped her see that her role wouldn’t be about sales; it would be about helping people. “All you have to do is help people solve their problems,” they told her. Finally, she agreed, beginning her career as an agent.

Wallene’s entry into the field may have been unconventional, but it is one of the things she cherishes most. “I don’t think I chose life insurance; I think it chose me,” she says. Over two decades into her work in the industry, Wallene is now a seasoned professional, mentor, and advocate.

Wallene’s commitment to professional growth is evident through her active involvement with these organizations. Although her employer initially encouraged her to join NAIFA, she quickly recognized its immense value, particularly in advocating for the insurance profession. Throughout her career, she has maintained her NAIFA membership, demonstrating her belief in the organization’s vital role in supporting professionals through advocacy and legislative efforts.

As  Past President of FSP’s Nashville chapter, Wallene championed the organization’s goals. When FSP merged with NAIFA earlier this year, she brought her expertise to NAIFA’s Nashville affiliate, where she continues to be a valuable leader. Her influence extends to mentoring new agents, particularly young women entering the field. Wallene is passionate about educating others on the importance of advocacy, drawing on her experiences with NAIFA’s advocacy programs and New York Life’s Political Involvement Leader initiative.

Wallene has a close tie to NAIFA, FSP, and Life Happens. In 2017, she submitted her clients’ story to Life Happens’ Real Life Story campaign and was one of the selected stories that year. Wallene’s client, Kelley, was the primary earner in the household. She made sure Kelley opted for the Living Benefits Rider. Kelley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and as it progressed, Wallene made sure the family exercised the advanced component of the insurance and use some of the death benefit to assist with medical bills. Through this planning, Kelley’s daughter was about to go on to become a dental assistant and start building a solid foundation for herself. View the Real Life Story

Wallene’s dedication to sharing NAIFA’s mission has led her to recruit and mentor rising talent, fostering an appreciation for the camaraderie, support, and professional development that NAIFA offers. For her, being part of her professional association goes beyond personal growth; it is about protecting the future of her clients, advocating for the profession, and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

As a mentor, Wallene takes pride in supporting emerging talent. She believes her role extends beyond client work to ensuring the future of the profession. “It’s essential to invest in young professionals. This field is not something you can do alone,” she shares. “I look back and know how critical it was to have mentors who believed in me. I want to be that person for others.”

Recently, Wallene recruited a young agent, Natalie Karousatos, to NAIFA during an event in Nashville. She notes that the camaraderie within NAIFA and the advocacy work she’s engaged in help her mentees see the full scope of the insurance profession. “This career isn’t just about policies or sales,” she says. “It’s about being there for people when they need you most. Watching young agents come into this field with passion and a commitment to help others—it's incredibly rewarding.”

Wallene’s legacy in the industry and her dedication to supporting the next generation reflect her belief in the value of mentorship, advocacy, and the irreplaceable role of life insurance. As she puts it, “Life insurance changed my life, and now I get to change others’ lives. That’s why I stay in this profession, and that’s why I continue to share my story.”