Women's Leadership Forum : ELFA v4

Women's Leadership Forum

April 03 - April 04, 2023

The Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL

Please note: Online registration is now closed, but you may register on-site in Chicago

Leadership Development for Women at All Stages of an Equipment Finance Career

The ELFA Women’s Leadership Forum will feature dynamic speakers, hot-topic sessions and interactive networking opportunities, all focused on the theme "Leading With Your Whole Self." You’ll leave the Forum with valuable insights and powerful tools to enhance your career

Grow your leadership skills
Improve your professional performance
Build relationships and make new connections

This special event, hosted by the ELFA Women’s Council, is designed to spark new ideas and provide inspiration and tools to help you move forward and thrive.

Who Should Attend?

The Forum is open to women and allies, including both seasoned talent and emerging talent. There is no limit on the number of attendees.

Conference Attire: Business Casual
Conference Format: All In-person

Registration Fees

Price Description	Amount
Attendee - ELFA Member	$540.00
Attendee - Non Member	$1080.00
Committee Member	$495.00
Speaker	$495.00

View cancellation and other policies

Download Conference Schedule

Available Functions

Monday - April 03
9:00 am - 10:00 am
	Pre-Forum Fun Walk Bundle up take in some local Chicago sights on an invigorating morning walk. We will depart from the hotel lobby at 9am and return by 10am.	$0.00
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
	Dine Around - Community Table Dinner Group April 3, 2023 - 7pm - 9pm: Join a community table dinner group. We’ll connect you with a group and an opportunity to meet new people and build relationships. This is a pay your own dinner event with new friends of the Forum.
Tuesday - April 04
6:15 am - 7:15 am
	Yoga April 4, 2023 - 6:15am - 7:15 am: Yoga session includes mat and one-hour instruction to wake you up and start a morning centered and refreshed.	$35.00

Speakers

Deborah Baker

VP, Global Payment Solutions
HP Inc.

As Head of Worldwide Leasing and Financing, Deborah Baker is responsible for driving contractual business growth through an optimized, profitable multi-vendor leasing and financing Go to Market (GTM) solution.

Deborah is a finance veteran with almost 30 years’ experience supporting captive and vendor financing. She joined HP from Cisco Systems Capital Corporation where she served as Senior Director, Global Portfolio Services, supporting a $12B Global Portfolio of ~5000 lease and loan customers in over 100 countries, maximizing sales enablement and ensuring fiduciary responsibility.

Prior to joining Cisco Capital in 2011, Deborah spent 10 years with Hewlett-Packard Financial Services at their headquarters in New Jersey supporting end user financing products in the US, Canada and US Public Sector as well as internal (embedded lease) financing products. Prior to Hewlett-Packard Financial Services, she held a variety of roles with CIT (formerly AT&T Capital), including roles in Business Development, Sales and Operations. As a Six Sigma Champion and Talent Ambassador, Deborah is passionate about Process Improvements, Learning and Development and Talent Management.

Deborah is a member of the Board of Directors for the Equipment Leasing and Financing Association (ELFA), the Chair of the ELFA Women’s Council, and a member of ELFA Equality. In addition, Deborah is a member of the Editorial Board of The Monitor publication, The Independent Voice of Equipment Finance. In 2019, she was named one of the Top Women in Equipment Finance by The Monitor.

Deborah holds a BS in Business Administration and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. She currently resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with her husband Chris. Their son Griffin is studying Cybersecurity at the Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of work, Deb enjoys hiking, bicycling and cooking.

Jerrie Carter

Retail Credit Manager
Volvo Financial Services

Melinda Epler

CEO
Change Catalyst

Melinda Briana Epler has 25 years of experience elevating brands and developing business innovation strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs.

As CEO of Change Catalyst, Melinda works with her clients and partners to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling, behavioral science, and large-scale culture change, she is a strategic advisor for companies, innovation hubs, and governments around the world. She also co-founded Tech Inclusion, a series of global solutions-focused conferences where she partnered with over 450 tech companies and community organizations and hosted over 50 solutions-focused diversity and inclusion events. Previously, Melinda was a Marketing and Culture Executive and award-winning documentary filmmaker.

Melinda is a TED speaker who speaks, mentors, and writes about diversity and inclusion, inclusive innovation, empathy, and entrepreneurship. She is the author of the upcoming book How to Be an Ally (McGraw-Hill) and the host of the popular “Leading With Empathy & Allyship” podcast. She has spoken on hundreds of stages worldwide, including SXSW, Grace Hopper, Wisdom 2.0, the World Bank, White House, Clinton Foundation, Black Enterprise, Google, Indeed, Capital One, UC Berkeley, and McKinsey.

Jennifer Fanz

Vice President of Sales, US Healthcare
PEAC Solutions

Jennifer Fanz, equipment leasing and finance industry veteran, is a results-focused Senior Commercial Leader with 20+ years of sales experience, effective relationship management and demonstrated success in the financial services industry. She is well versed in sales, strategic planning, business development, team leadership and leadership development. She has effectively leveraged people, processes, relationships and culture to build high-performing teams, exceed targets and encourage individual and team growth through diversity of thought to drive bottom-line results.

Jennifer has also devoted time as a certified facilitator focused on sales effectiveness and leadership development. She is passionate about her role as an equipment leasing industry mentor and coach. She has held roles focused on organizational health and employee development, and she is both an advocate and ally for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in Management from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Camden. She is an active member of ELFA, with prior service on the ELFA Emerging Talent Advisory Council. She currently serves as Past Chair of the ELFA Women?s Council and has previously served as sub-committee Chair for the ELFA Women?s Leadership Forum from 2019 through 2022. Jennifer has also helped launch various corporate ERGs supporting both female and ethnically diverse employee groups.

At home, she spends time as a wife, mom, dog-mom, sister, daughter, somewhat decent cook and lover of plants and her garden. She sometimes appreciates her Peloton, but also has a fondness for bread and wine. She continues to strive for work-life integration, although she is admittedly a work in progress.

Lisa Fleischer

Chief Legal Officer
DLL

Lisa Fleischer is the Chief Legal Officer (“CLO”) and Corporate Secretary for De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. and its US affiliates (“DLL”), an international equipment leasing company. She also currently serves as the ad interim Global Head of Legal for DLL’s parent company in the Netherlands, overseeing the international legal group in more than 28 countries. In her capacity as US CLO, Ms. Fleischer serves as advisor to DLL’s Board of Directors and oversees all aspects of legal work relating to the company, including corporate governance, litigation and transactional matters. Prior to working with DLL, Ms. Fleischer worked as General Counsel for Sallie Mae Bank, the nation’s largest private student loan company, and for 17 years prior for the Advanta companies, the last nine years of which she served as the General Counsel for Advanta Leasing Corp. and Advanta Bank Corp. Prior to joining Advanta, Ms. Fleischer was an associate in Blank Rome’s litigation department.

Ms. Fleischer currently serves as President of the Association of Corporate Counsel for Greater Philadelphia, a non-profit entity with more than 1,800 local in-house counsel members, and serves as a Director of Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit entity serving clothing insecure children in the greater Philadelphia area.

Kirsten Hawkins

Director of Marketing
SCJ Commercial Financial Services

Kirsten Hawkins, Director of Marketing at SCJ Commercial Financial Services, is responsible for all aspects of marketing for SCJ's products and services to clients, partners, and vendors. In addition to marketing, Kirsten also assists with the purchase of charged-off commercial portfolios in the equipment lease & finance industry.

Kirsten is currently an Executive Committee member of the National Equipment Finance Association’s (NEFA) NextGen Leadership Committee, she also serves on NEFA’s Membership Committee and the Women’s Council for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.

Kirsten attended the University of West Georgia where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Speech-language Pathology and later attended the SLP graduate program at the University of Delaware. Kirsten currently resides in southern Delaware where she enjoys cooking, longboarding and surf fishing on the beach with her family.

Melinda Haynes

President
Onset Financial, Inc.

Melinda Haynes joined Onset Financial in January 2018 and was named President the following year.

Prior to this, she spent 30 years working for a large regional bank that spans multiple states and affiliate banks, where she was a Senior Vice President and Director of Operations. Her role included leading numerous divisions and change initiatives to support corporate and consolidation objectives, including meeting regulatory and risk requirements.

As President of Onset Financial, Melinda has led a company-wide transformation by focusing on efficiencies, process improvement, data analytics, and improved collaboration, all aimed at increasing production. These efforts proved successful, resulting in a trend of continuous record-breaking results for Onset, most recently with the highest company annual fundings of over a half-a-billion dollars in 2021 and 2022.

Melinda has been recognized in American Banker magazine’s “Most Powerful Women in Banking” issue, by Monitor Daily as one of the Top Women in Equipment Finance, and by Utah Business Magazine as CXO of the Year. She led the Onset team that created the company’s COVID-19 Relief Program, giving payment relief to 100% of customers that requested help.

Melinda received a graduate-level degree from Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington and her undergraduate degree from the University of Utah. She is a graduate of the Utah Banker’s Association Executive Development Program and has served on a regional Women’s Business Forum committee. In addition, she is an active member of ELFA, including the Executive Roundtable.

Melinda gives back to the community by actively participating with Onset Gives and other community service opportunities.

Sara Holtz

Author, Speaker, Career Coach
ClientFocus

Sara Holtz is an award-winning career coach and former Fortune 500 C-Suite executive. She is the author of Advice to My Younger Me: Career Lessons from 100 Successful Women and the host of the highly rated podcast, Advice to My Younger Me. She has interviewed hundreds of successful women about what they wish they had known earlier in their careers and coached thousands of women to help them succeed in their careers. She is graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School.

Glenn Jackson

Chief Diversity Officer
M&T Bank Corporation

Glenn Jackson is the Chief Diversity Officer of Diversity Equity & Inclusion for Human Resources at M&T. As Chief Diversity Officer, Glenn is responsible for advancing M&T’s efforts in promoting diversity equity & inclusion for all colleagues across the company.

He joined M&T in 1999 as a participant in the Management Development Program. He held positions in Finance, Treasury and Retail divisions before joining Buffalo Promise Neighborhood as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Director of Programs of Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, a comprehensive school-based initiative led by M&T Bank.

Glenn earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University.

He is a board member of the John R. Oishei Foundation, seated on the Finance Committee. He Is also a board member of the WNY Impact Investment Fund. In addition, Glenn is a board member of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and Project Play WNY and is on the board of Teach for America. He also has been elected to the Lancaster Central School District Board of Education in Lancaster, NY.

Esu Ma'at

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
NBA Orlando Magic

Esu Ma'at is a trans-disciplinary thought leader who has a distinguished track record of success, driving a 21st century vision for diversity, equity and inclusion. He will work closely with the Magic's executive leadership team and the entire staff, along with the team’s social justice task force, to implement a holistic and impactful DE&I strategy, bringing a powerful impact to the organization, the NBA and the Central Florida community.

In his role as the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Orlando Magic, he focuses on integrating DE&I strategy with the team’s business goals, organizational values and key performance indicators. This includes driving institutional changes that result in a workforce that reflects the demographics of the marketplace; a workplace where all internal and external customers feel welcomed, valued and appreciated; and increasing revenue business by successfully attracting and engaging diverse consumers.

Ma’at earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a master of science degree in sports management from Columbia University and completed his D&I training at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He currently serves as an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, he was named to the 2022 Orlando Magazine 50 Most Powerful People – One To Watch list, and he is a 2022 Orlando Community Impact and Icon Award honoree.

Amrita Patel

Head of Equipment Finance
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

Amrita Patel is an executive vice president and head of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (WFEF).

Prior to her current role, Amrita served as the Commercial Capital Transformation and Process Improvement leader and the National Sales Manager for the Commercial Vehicle group (CVG), leading CVG’s team of Commercial Direct, Bus, Specialty Vehicle, and Trailer finance teams. Before joining Wells Fargo in 2018, Amrita held numerous positions in IT, Sales, and Operations during 18 years with GE Capital.

Amrita has broad experience across multiple functions in the Commercial Finance industry, including food and beverage, manufacturing, construction, transportation, IT, and franchise finance equipment, and has led teams through various major acquisitions, divestitures, and enterprise initiatives in both the U.S. and internationally.

Amrita is a Six Sigma black belt and specializes in driving transformational change across businesses, delivering greater efficiency and consistency, a better client experience, strengthened financial relationships, and enhanced risk management through continuous process improvement.

Based in Dallas, Amrita holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida – Warrington College of Business with a concentration in information systems and operations management. She is an avid Florida Gators fan and enjoys traveling with her husband and two children.

Catherine Roddick

Lead Relationship Manager
Farm Credit Leasing

Catherine Roddick is Lead Relationship Manager for CoBank/Farm Credit Leasing’s Western Region. In this role, Ms. Roddick is responsible for the delivery of lending and leasing products and services to agricultural cooperatives and producers in 10 western states. Before joining CoBank/Farm Credit Leasing in 2014, Ms. Roddick’s banking career was spent in commercial lending with small community banks up to large regional banks with a focus on business banking, investor real estate, and commercial construction lending.

Ms. Roddick earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a minor in agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. At home, she is mom to a 14 year old who knows everything, wife to saintly school teacher who does most of the cooking, and lead snuggler to two amazing Standard Poodles.

Michelle Speranza CLFP

EVP, Chief Marketing Officer
LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.

As Chief Marketing Officer for LEAF, Michelle Speranza, CLFP, is responsible for developing and directing execution of the company’s omnichannel marketing, corporate branding, and internal communications strategies. Michelle is a noted thought leader, advocate for professional women, and frequent contributor to ENX Magazine, the Monitor, and other industry publications. She is also Chair of the ELFA Women’s Council, where she leads work to support greater access and inclusion for women at all stages of their equipment finance industry careers. Michelle served on the marketing team for the Walt Disney Company prior to joining LEAF in 2005. She is a graduate of Gwynedd-Mercy College and attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to raising three energetic boys, two of whom are teenagers, and being active in their schools, Michelle is an avid reader and fitness enthusiast.

Donna Yanuzzi

EVP and Head of Equipment Finance
1st Equipment Finance, Inc.

Donna Yanuzzi is an industry veteran with more than 27 years of experience in the equipment finance field. She currently serves as EVP division head of Equipment Finance at 1st Equipment Finance , Inc. (Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co.)

Previously, Yanuzzi was Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at F.N.B. Equipment Finance. In her 25-year career at F.N.B. Equipment Finance, she was responsible for sales activity and profitability for the following divisions: Indirect Vendor Program, Commercial Bank Leasing, Bank Small Business, Direct Financing and Inside Sales.

Yanuzzi, along with her team, played a major role in building an equipment finance sales division that experienced significant portfolio growth approaching $1B and earned national recognition as one of the Top 50 finance/leasing companies in the US. In 2020, she was recognized as one of the “Top Women in Equipment Finance” by the Monitordaily.

The Indirect Vendor division was recognized in 2020 and ranked 23rd in the nation by the Monitordaily publication and experienced growth year after year. Building a sales culture of knowing the industry/equipment, servicing the client’s needs, and providing clients/vendors with a user-friendly process and competitive program has earned customer retention and a loyal following of clients.

Yanuzzi is a servant leader to her team and manages with empathy and appreciation.

“I never had children, but I care for my 91-year-old Italian mom and my 96-year-old Italian aunt. They keep me grounded, grateful and humble and remind me of how important family love is to my well-being,” says Yanuzzi. “Oh, they make me laugh a lot. They are true ‘Golden Girls.’”

Education: Bloomsburg University, Bachelor’s Degree in Communications & PR.

Hotel Information

A block of rooms is being held for attendees of the 2023 Women’s Leadership Forum at the Hilton Palmer House. A special discounted conference rate of $239 plus tax, is offered to attendees. Check in time is 3:00pm, and check-out time is 11:00am. To receive the discounted rate, please use the web link below or call the hotel reservation line at (312) 726-7500.

Make hotel reservations online here: https://book.passkey.com/go/elfa2023
Make Hotel Reservations by Monday, March 13, 2023! Reservations after this date are based on availability and may be at a higher rate.

Getting There

The Hilton Palmer House is located in the popular theatre and financial district of Chicagoland. Approximately 18 miles from Chicago-O’Hare International Airport, 11 miles from Chicago Midway Airport.

If renting a car, the Hilton Palmer House has valet parking and self-parking from $47 per day.

Visiting by Metro - When taking public transportation from O'Hare International Airport, take the Blue Line train to Monroe/Dearborn stop. Take Monroe east to the hotel. The Palmer House is on the south side of the street. From Midway Airport, take the Orange Line from Midway to downtown. Get off at the Adams/Wabash stop. The Palmer House is located on the west side of Wabash Avenue.

For additional transportation information, please visit the hotel website at Hilton Palmer House Transport.

The Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603

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Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Equipping Business for Success

Women's Leadership Forum

Women's Leadership Forum

Women's Leadership Forum

April 03 - April 04, 2023

Leadership Development for Women at All Stages of an Equipment Finance Career

Who Should Attend?

Registration Fees

Available Functions

Speakers

Deborah Baker

Jerrie Carter

Melinda Epler

Jennifer Fanz

Lisa Fleischer

Kirsten Hawkins

Melinda Haynes

Sara Holtz

Glenn Jackson

Esu Ma'at

Amrita Patel

Catherine Roddick

Michelle Speranza CLFP

Donna Yanuzzi

Sponsors

Hotel Information

Getting There

About

Industry Topics

News & Publications

Directories

Education & Networking

Membership

Advocacy

Knowledge Hub

Women's Leadership Forum

Women's Leadership Forum

Women's Leadership Forum

April 03 - April 04, 2023

Leadership Development for Women at All Stages of an Equipment Finance Career

Who Should Attend?

Registration Fees

Available Functions

Speakers

Deborah Baker

Jerrie Carter

Melinda Epler

Jennifer Fanz

Lisa Fleischer

Kirsten Hawkins

Melinda Haynes

Sara Holtz

Glenn Jackson

Esu Ma'at

Amrita Patel

Catherine Roddick

Michelle Speranza CLFP

Donna Yanuzzi

Sponsors

Arvest Equipment Finance

BankFinancial, NA

CSC

Equifax

Great American Insurance Group, Specialty Equipment

LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.

LTi Technology Solutions

McKinley Scientific, LLC

Mitsubishi HC Capital America, Inc.

PEAC Solutions

PNC Equipment Finance

Ritchie Bros.

Wintrust Asset Finance, Inc.

Hotel Information

Getting There