Doranita Tyler is the distinguished owner of the D. Tyler Agency, LLC, under the banner of American Family Insurance. She’s a sister with superpowers who is dedicated to unwavering commitment and community devotion. With an illustrious 27-year journey at the helm of her agency, Tyler’s zeal for excellence in customer service is unmatched. Her mission transcends insurance; it’s about safeguarding legacies, understanding the unique needs of small business owners, families, and individuals.
A multifaceted leader, Tyler’s impact extends beyond the boardroom. She is a compassionate community advocate and a tireless women’s activist, driven by her deep spiritual beliefs and unwavering faith. Hailing from Lynwood, IL, she contributes to her community as a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Glenwood-Lynwood Library. Her support for organizations like Aglow International Matteson Single Moms, Crisis Center of South Suburbia, and Professional Women’s Network reflects her commitment to building life skills, enhancing careers, and restoring dreams.
More than a business owner, Doranita’s mission now focuses on bridging the wealth gap, empowering Black and Brown families, and ensuring generational transformation. When this ‘sister with superpowers’ says, “Let’s talk about life,” she engages hearts and minds, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.
Rolling out recognized Tyler as a Sisters with Superpowers Honoree – Chicago Edition, on Thursday October 26, 2023 at The Gwen Hotel. We spoke more with her about her career highlights, advice she would give to her younger self, her superpowers, and so much more.
Briefly describe your role and why you selected your career.
I am the business owner of D. Tyler Agency LLC of American Family Insurance. In my role as a Legacy Advisor, I assist my clients in safeguarding their assets, providing them with the assurance they need to concentrate on wealth accumulation.
I entered the insurance industry as a fresh start after experiencing a challenging period involving a failed marriage and job loss. This transition allowed me to embark on a new journey, offering me the flexibility I needed as a mother with toddlers and enabling me to take charge of my financial aspirations.
As a Black woman, what do you consider your superpower to be?
My superpower combines faith with a burning passion for empowering women.
What key skills or qualities make you unique as an African American female leader?
My uniqueness as a woman of color lies in my personal journey and the ability to connect with a wide range of women, particularly those who have experienced trauma in their lives. As a professional who operates within the financial sphere alongside other experts such as attorneys, mortgage brokers, realtors, CPAs, and financial planners, I believe I can make a substantial impact in bridging the wealth gap within our community.
What thoughtful or encouraging piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could advise my younger self, I’d say: Trust your instincts and practice taking a moment to pause and pray before entering uncertain situations just to maintain appearances.
Why is it important for women of color to work in leadership roles and decision-making capacities?
I firmly believe in the significance of women of color assuming leadership roles and participating in decision-making positions, especially considering the substantial number of women who serve as the primary earners in their households. Data reveals that 64% of single-parent households are headed by Black or African American individuals, 52% by American Indian individuals, and 42% by Hispanic or Latino individuals. Given these statistics, it is essential for women of color to be actively involved in making decisions that directly affect their lives and those of their children. Moreover, there is no one better suited to lead women of color than other women of color themselves. Representation is not just important, it is everything.
Source: parentingreviews.com/resource/single-parent-statistics/
If you could thank any Black woman for her contributions to history and society, who would it be and why?
I hold profound admiration for Madam CJ Walker, who made remarkable contributions to history and society despite facing significant challenges in her past. Her unwavering determination and resilience empowered her to establish a hair care empire, while also leveraging her influence to generate financial opportunities for thousands and forge a path to the middle class for numerous Black women.
Why is it important for more experienced Black women to reach back and help younger women of color?
While the younger generation faces different circumstances, the core principles of success have remained relatively consistent. It remains crucial to extend a helping hand to younger women, sparing them from repeating past mistakes. Furthermore, as women business owners, it becomes our duty to act as mentors. It’s widely recognized that mentorship inspires mentees to establish and achieve goals, gain valuable feedback, and fosters a sense of accountability.
Share three career highlights.
Some of the key moments in my career encompass receiving recognition from the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, Illinois, for my significant achievement at American Family Insurance, where I proudly earned the 25 Year All-American Hall of Fame Designation—an honor shared by only one other Black female in the company’s history.
Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of receiving the Women of Distinction Orchid Award for my contributions to community service.
A deeply meaningful milestone was my appointment to the board of the Crisis Center of South Suburbia—a domestic violence shelter that played a pivotal role in my life over 30 years ago.
