Jennifer Wakayama, Co-Owner / Partner & Broker

Jennifer Wakayama is a Broker and Partner at IBG and has been with the firm since its founding in 1999. Her career in benefits and insurance began even earlier, sparked by her first job at age 14 working with pension statements for the Local 162 Trade Union. That early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the industry.

With decades of experience, Jennifer brings a deep understanding of how employee benefits impact small- to mid-sized businesses and how thoughtfully designed programs can be leveraged to support both organizational success and employee well-being. Her strategic insight, paired with a genuine ability to connect with people, has helped her build trusted, long-term relationships with clients, carrier partners, and colleagues alike.

Jennifer has been an active leader within the industry, having served twice as a board member for NABIP, and she currently sits on the Providence Advisory Council.

A native Oregonian, Jennifer has called Portland home her entire life and appreciates all the city has to offer. Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, cheering on her son from the baseball field, traveling, entertaining, and cooking—often accompanied by good wine and time spent with close friends and family. When winding down, she can often be found immersed in a new Netflix series.