2024 Agenda 

At WCF, you’ll get insights from industry leaders on how to leverage cutting-edge technology, embrace change, and improve team engagement, along with our hallmark networking and relationship-building activities. Whether you’re just starting out or have been 'at the table' for years, you’ll find a home at Women in Consumer Finance.

 

Please note that this agenda was for our 2024 event. View it as an example of what to expect when you join us. Our 2025 agenda will be set live as soon as it's ready.

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Our optional, pre-conference activities will help get your WCF experience kicked off before we officially begin. These activities are a fun way to meet fellow attendees and take in the local scenery before we get started. See the options here.

12:30 – 2 PM

Open Time for Networking

12:30 – 2 PM

Catch up with partners over coffee, join a colleague at the pool, or meet with friends for lunch.

2 – 3:15 PM

Meet Your Team

2 – 3:15 PM

To kick things off, you’ll meet your team. During this time, you’ll learn more about each other's goals and ambitions. The bonds you start forming here will continue to build over your time together. 

Team experiences sponsored by Spring Oaks Capital and Bank of America

3:30 – 4 PM

Official WCF Welcome

3:30 – 4 PM

Stephanie Eidelman,  WCF Co-Founder and CEO, and Lisa Rozzelle, Director of WCF, will officially get the conference started, set the stage, and give you a rundown of what to expect over the next few days.

4 – 4:30 PM

Inspirational Keynote

4 – 4:30 PM

Dr. Jennifer Jones Bryant will take the stage as our opening keynote speaker. 

Sponsored by Finvi

4:30 – 5:10 PM

Our Stories

4:30 – 5:10 PM

Inspiring women take the stage to share how their personal lives have impacted their professional trajectories. It’s one of the most loved and emotional parts of the conference. Bring your box of tissues and a notebook for all the lessons you'll learn.

Speakers: Roni Teson, Letitia Cherry, Kelly Mack

Moderator: Lisa Rozzelle

Sponsored by DRN Data & Beyond Finance

5:10 – 6:30 PM

Networking Reception

5:10 – 6:30 PM

Join your team and fellow attendees for casual networking over drinks.

6:30 PM

If you're participating in our team experience (a must for first-timers), your team leader will make plans for you and your group to get dinner together (note: this one's "dutch treat",  so everyone pays their own way). If not, make a reservation at one of the great local restaurants with friends. Both on and off-site options are available.

Team experiences sponsored by Spring Oaks Capital and Bank of America

After Dinner

After Dinner

Take this time to spend time with connections or build new relationships in a casual atmosphere without worrying about kids, spouses, or other distractions. 

7:15 – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

7:15 – 8:30 AM

Sponsored by Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd.

8:30 – 9:45 AM

8:30 – 9:45 AM

(for all levels)

So much of what we are capable of remains buried under a mountain of other commitments. If you are noticing that the gains you want to make in life and your career continue to be out of your reach, then join Marisa Thomas to learn how to cultivate, position, and balance your energy to help push you forward instead of holding you back.

Speaker: Marisa Thomas

8:30 – 9:45 AM

Build Your Network, Maximize You and Your Brand!

8:30 – 9:45 AM

(for all levels)

Whether you're experienced or new to networking, this session will provide you with insights and strategies to enhance your interactions. You'll explore effective communication techniques and refine your personal brand for maximum impact. Expect engaging collaborative discussions, hands-on exercises, and invaluable tips from DeAnna that will set you up for success in today's interconnected world. Don't miss this chance to elevate your influence, perfect your elevator pitch, and make powerful first impressions.

Speaker: DeAnna Busby-Rast

8:30 – 9:45 AM

Supercharge Your Career, Health, & Performance with AI

8:30 – 9:45 AM

(for all levels)

Join us for a non-technical, motivational exploration of AI's transformative potential in supporting your career, enhancing performance, and nurturing mental health. Discover practical AI tools that streamline tasks, reduce administrative burdens, and boost productivity. Don't miss this opportunity to harness the power of AI to improve meeting structures, assist in setting boundaries, and contribute to personal and professional growth.

Speaker: Jessica Atkinson

8:30 – 9:45 AM

8:30 – 9:45 AM

(For mid-career & experienced leaders)

If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, unchallenged, or just ready for a change, this workshop is for you. We’ll cover strategies for identifying your most energizing work, what you want next, and how to take action to get there. You’ll leave more empowered to drive your career forward and thrive in your everyday life!

Speaker: Suzanne Currier

8:30 – 9:45 AM

Becoming Superwoman: Breaking the Chains of Self-Doubt

8:30 – 9:45 AM

(for emerging leaders)

Every little girl wants to become a superwoman when she grows up, but then something happens along the way that makes her believe she can’t. If you’re stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk, fear, or doubt then join us for this transformational workshop so you can get back to becoming the Superwoman you were always meant to be!

Speaker: Sandy Aquino

9:45 – 10:15 AM

Networking Break

9:45 – 10:15 AM

10:15 – 11:30 AM

Embracing Change Early in Your Career

10:15 – 11:30 AM

(for emerging leaders)

As a young professional, it's important to remember that embracing change early in your career is key to your personal and professional growth. This workshop will dive into some of the challenges faced by new professionals in the industry and offer practical takeaways to help you evaluate where you are and feel empowered in the next steps of your career.

Speakers: Le'nore Caldwell & Cara Stapleford

10:15 – 11:30 AM

Creating Impact & Opportunities through Servant Leadership

10:15 – 11:30 AM

(for emerging & experienced leaders)

This workshop will focus on the benefits of servant leadership and how this management style could increase engagement, performance, and commitment. During the session, you'll learn how to empower your team, build trusting relationships, and enhance the culture of your organizations.

Speaker: Jen Raber & Amanda Jones

10:15 – 11:30 AM

10:15 – 11:30 AM

(for all levels)

Financial planning is intimidating. This workshop will be a safe space to learn about retirement planning, estate planning, investing, and more. You'll learn tools to help you take control of your finances and achieve long-term financial security.

Speaker: Marla Sofer

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Navigating Work and Maintaining Mental Health & Wellness

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

(for all levels)

This workshop will offer practical tools and strategies to help manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a healthy balance. You'll learn the value of building a strong mental health foundation to aid in navigating life's stress that will help you cope with your personal and professional demands.

Speakers: Litza Bodden & Dawn Short

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Influencing at the Executive Level

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

(for experienced - executive leaders)

The ability to influence at the executive level is essential for driving organizational success and achieving strategic objectives. This session will empower you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively influence stakeholders at every level of your organization.

Speaker: Paige Corin & Cortney Helfrich

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM

Ceremonial Uplift Awards Lunch

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM

Celebrate some of the best & brightest women in financial services with us during this special lunch where we'll announce the winners of our 2024 Uplift Awards Program.

12:55 – 1:35 PM

Our Stories

12:55 – 1:35 PM

Get ready for Round 2! Inspiring women take the stage to share how their personal life has impacted their professional trajectory. It’s one of the most loved and emotional parts of the conference. Bring your box of tissues and a notebook for all the lessons you'll learn.

 

Speakers:  Amanda Burt, Shandell Howell, Kelly Decker

Moderator: Dr. Marlene Fuller

Sponsored by DRN Data & Beyond Finance

1:35 – 2:05 PM

Fireside Chat

1:35 – 2:05 PM

This chat will feature a powerhouse panel of senior women and their stories of challenge and achievement in the consumer finance industry.

Speakers: Leslie Johnson, Thandi Baxter-Magro, Ginny Chappell

Moderator: Miruna Lovin-Stadler

Sponsored by DLL Financial Solutions

2:05 – 2:30 PM

Break

2:05 – 2:30 PM

2:30 – 3:30 PM

Trivia Smackdown

2:30 – 3:30 PM

Who doesn't love a little friendly competition? Get ready for a trivia showdown. Compete with your team or, if you're not on a team, play with other trivia lovers. You'll vie for the official WCF trivia trophy...and bragging rights for a year.

Team experiences sponsored by Spring Oaks Capital and Bank of America

3:45 – 5:15 PM

Structured Networking Activity

3:45 – 5:15 PM

This activity will allow you to meet even more fellow WCF participants. Our structured networking event is the perfect opportunity to connect with women beyond your small team.

5:15 – 6:15 PM

Break

5:15 – 6:15 PM

6:15 – 6:40 PM

Catch a Bus to Billy Bob's

6:15 – 6:40 PM

This year, our dinner will be off-site at a genuine Texas honky tonk called Billy Bob's. We will provide transportation for all attendees to and from the location. Just meet us in the lobby with your cowgirl hats and boots on!

6:30 – 9 PM

Dinner & Dancing at Billy Bob's

6:30 – 9 PM

After a long day of self-work and professional development, it's time to let loose. Have a meal with your new friends and then join them on the dance floor (this dinner is included in your registration fee).

9:30-11:30 PM

9:30-11:30 PM

Sing your heart out with your new friends or cheer others on while they give it their best go on the microphone.

Sponsored by Bayview Solutions & Debtnext Software

7:15 – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

7:15 – 8:30 AM

Sponsored by Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd.

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Roundtable: Share Your Wisdom & Advice

8:30 – 9:40 AM

What is the one piece of advice, good or bad, that has guided your career? Let's have a discussion to share experiences and gain valuable insights that each of us can use to learn and grow.

Facilitator: Joy Jackson

8:30 – 9:40 AM

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join fellow business owners for this discussion about the challenges and solutions for growth, strategy, operations, leadership, culture, and other top-of-mind issues.

Facilitator: Roxanne Bartley

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join us to discuss the joys and trials of being a working mom. We'll discuss the challenges associated with striving for progress over perfection, prioritizing quality over quantity, and focusing on benefits rather than balance.  

Facilitator: Le'nore Caldwell

8:30 – 9:40 AM

As we navigate our professional journeys, sometimes it helps to enlist the support and guidance of a mentor, coach, or therapist to overcome challenges, foster growth, and maximize our potential. This conversation will explore the benefits and applications of each discipline and discuss how to choose which type of relationship would best suit your needs.

Facilitator: Patrease Douglas

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Roundtable: Caring for Aging Parents

8:30 – 9:40 AM

A growing number of us find ourselves caring for those who once took care of us. This discussion will provide space to share experiences in and resources for managing the challenges and emotions that come with caring for aging parents.

Facilitator: Jennifer Smith

8:30 – 9:40 AM

8:30 – 9:40 AM

More and more organizations are creating internal Women’s Groups. Those tasked with running these groups need curriculum and materials to be successful. Learn what your peers are doing and what’s proved to be the best investment of time and resources during this discussion.

Facilitator: Danielle Banner

8:30 – 9:40 AM

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join your risk and compliance peers for a discussion about the latest industry trends and the biggest professional challenges you're facing.

Facilitator: Kristen Eastman

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Roundtable: Sales

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join your sales peers for a discussion about the latest industry trends and the biggest professional challenges you're facing.

Facilitator: Rebecca Anderson

 

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Roundtable: Marketing

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join your marketing peers for a discussion about the latest industry trends and the biggest professional challenges you're facing.

Facilitator: Heather Ford

8:30 – 9:40 AM

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join your operations peers for a discussion about the latest industry trends and the biggest professional challenges you're facing.

Facilitator: Emily Chavarriaga

8:30 – 9:40 AM

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join your HR and DEIB peers for a discussion about the latest trends and the biggest professional challenges you're facing.

Facilitator: Tricia Wyatt

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Roundtable: Legal

8:30 – 9:40 AM

Join your peers for a discussion about the latest trends and the biggest professional challenges you're facing.

Facilitator: Ashley Winters

10 – 10:40 AM

Inspirational Closing Keynote

10 – 10:40 AM

Carri McQuerrey-Funk will take the stage as our closing keynote speaker.

Sponsored by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

10:40 – 11 AM

Powerful Reflections Activity

10:40 – 11 AM

To close out our time together, we’ll challenge you to reflect upon what you learned and think about how you can apply it moving forward. You’ll have the chance to share your takeaways and goals with your new support system.

Speaker: Stephanie Eidelman and Lisa Rozzelle