The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association announced the agenda for the 2022 ELFA Women’s Leadership Forum, April 11-12 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL. The two-day event hosted by the ELFA Women’s Council will focus on leadership development for women at all stages of an equipment finance career. The agenda will feature keynote speakers, hot-topic sessions and interactive networking opportunities, all organized around the theme “Blazing a New Trail.”

“We’ve all been missing personal connection,” said Jennifer Fanz, Chair of the ELFA Women’s Council. “This is a time for members to connect with others while learning skills and techniques that can be invaluable in your career. You’ll walk away with tips and advice you can apply in our ‘new normal,’ all designed to help you blaze new trails in your own career. Whether you’re new to equipment finance or a seasoned leader, we hope you’ll join us on April 11-12!”

Highlights of the 2022 ELFA Women’s Leadership Forum will include:

• Keynote on “Managing Up—Working Successfully with Any Type of Boss” with Mary Abbajay, author of the best-selling book Managing Up. Whether you report to a middle manager or a board of directors, managing up is a skill that we all need.
• Keynote on “Imperfect, Impactful Leadership” with Elise Holtzman, JD, PCC, President of The Lawyer’s Edge. Learn to let go of perfectionism so you can take risks, build resilience and create impact for yourself, your organization and your community.
• Executive Leader Panel on “Blazing a New Trail,” featuring a diverse group of industry executives who will discuss what inspired them to blaze their own trail, lessons they have learned and what they are looking for in the next generation.
• Educational sessions on What Got You Here Won’t Get You There—How to Land and Succeed in Your Next Role, Imposter Syndrome, Igniting Relationships and Professional Mindfulness.
• Multiple networking opportunities, including an interactive networking session, cocktail reception, fun walk and dine around.

Planning Committee
ELFA recognized the members of the 2022 ELFA Women’s Council, which is involved in planning and hosting the Women’s Leadership Forum. The members of the Council include:

• Jennifer Fanz, Women’s Council Chair
• Tara Aasand, VP, Sales & Relationship Management, LTi Technology Solutions
• Lauren Baingo, Program Manager, DLL
• Deborah Baker, Head of Worldwide Leasing and Financing, HP Inc. (Immediate Past Chair and Equality Liaison)
• Jerrie Carter, Retail Credit Manager, Volvo Financial Services
• Alexandra Dressman, Counsel - Assistant Vice President, Huntington Equipment Finance
• Margaret Gutierrez, Senior Vice President, Corporate Credit Officer, Key Equipment Finance
• Maggie Holly, CLFP, Credit & Operations Manager, Senior Vice President, Hanmi Bank
• Martin Klotzman, CLFP, Senior Manager Marketing and Product Management, Ivory Consulting Corporation (ETAC Liaison)
• Melissa Kopit, Associate, Vedder Price P.C.
• Kristie Kosobuski, CLFP, Senior Director Product Management, Solifi
• Alisa Micarelli, SVP-OPS, PNC Equipment Finance, LLC
• Kara Miyasato, CLFP, Marketing Director, Stryker, Flex Financial
• Jerilyn Nicholsen, Vice President of Finance, Ritchie Bros.
• Carla Potter, Lawyer, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
• Kim Riggs, CLFP, VP Business Development, Orion First Financial, LLC
• Catherine Roddick, Regional Vice President, Farm Credit Leasing
• Jeff Schmidt, Director, Commercial Lending, CNH Industrial Capital LLC
• Marci Slagle, CLFP, President, BankFinancial, NA
• Michelle Speranza, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc. (Chair-Elect)
• Shae Watson, Territory Manager, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
• Shari Williams, Chief Risk Officer, Nexseer Capital

More Information: A detailed agenda and registration information for the 2022 ELFA Women’s Leadership Forum is available at www.elfaonline.org/events/2022/WLF.