Women Leading The Way
InterContinental Los Angeles Dowtown
900 Wilshire BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90017
United States
Innovate. Connect. Lead.
The future of community banking is being shaped by bold, forward-thinking women—and Banking Forward: Women Leading the Way is where those voices come together. This one-day experience is designed to spark meaningful conversations, elevate emerging and established leaders, and explore how women are influencing the direction of the industry at every level.
From the boardroom to the front lines of innovation, this event brings together executives, rising leaders, and industry partners for a powerful day of insight, connection, and momentum. Through candid discussions and thought-provoking sessions, we’ll tackle the realities of leadership today—while reimagining what’s possible for the future.
Attendees will gain:
- Real-world leadership insights from women in the C-suite and beyond
- Actionable strategies to navigate career growth, sponsorship, and advancement
- Fresh perspectives on technology, innovation, and the evolving role of women in banking
- Tools for confidence and presence, from executive decision-making to personal brand
- Meaningful connections with peers and leaders across the community banking space
The day begins with a networking breakfast and builds into a dynamic program featuring executive panels, interactive discussions, and empowering conversations. Topics range from redefining leadership and breaking down structural barriers, to understanding the role of confidence in performance, to preparing for a more digital, innovation-driven future.
You’ll hear directly from accomplished leaders who are shaping the industry—sharing not just their successes, but the challenges, pivots, and defining moments that got them there. The day concludes with a reception, offering the opportunity to continue conversations and deepen connections with fellow attendees and leaders from across the industry.
Whether you’re an established executive, an emerging leader, or an advocate for advancing women in banking, Banking Forward offers the inspiration, insight, and community to help you lead with clarity and confidence.
AUDIENCE
This event is open to women and allies of all backgrounds, roles, and experience levels.
Registration Options
|
Registration Options
|
Credits | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Member WLW/Fraud Registration
|
6.00 (CPE) | $995.00 |
|
Non-Member WLW/Fraud Registration
|
6.00 (CPE) | $1,295.00 |
Agenda
| April 22 | |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Breakfast & Registration
Continental breakfast provided Roosevelt Foyer |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Welcome Roosevelt Room |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM |
Leading the Way: Redefining Power, Access, and Equity
This session explores barriers limiting women in community banking leadership and challenges traditional leadership models. Attendees will gain insights to advocate for transparency and build cultures where women are empowered and visible in decision-making roles. Virginia Varela, Head of Banking Strategy, Upgrade, Inc. Sara Miller, Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners |
| 11:25 AM - 12:20 PM |
From the C-Suite: Lessons in Growth, Sponsorship, and Opportunity
This executive panel highlights the experiences of women who have reached the C-suite, sharing pivotal moments, mentorship, and career-shaping opportunities. Panelists will also discuss what institutions can do to create more equitable access to leadership development and career-defining paths. Moderated by Michelle Davis, PARC Janet Silveria, President & CEO, Community Bank of the Santa Maria Tamara Gurney, CEO & Founder, Mission Valley Bank |
| 12:20 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch Roosevelt Foyer |
| 1:15 PM - 2:10 PM |
The Science of Fit: Why Clothing Impacts Confidence and Performance
Amy will be leading an interactive workshop focused on helping attendees build confidence by creating career outfits that are right for their individual body types. The workshop is designed to be practical and applicable, connecting personal presence with professional confidence and performance, and giving participants tools they can immediately use in their day-to-day roles. Amy Wister, CEO & Co-Founder, RevShopp |
| 2:20 PM - 3:15 PM |
Future-Ready: Women, Technology, and Innovation
This panel explores how women in community banking build mindset, digital fluency, and confidence to lead tech initiatives and drive innovation without being technical experts. Moderated by Sandra Wasicek, Founder and CEO, ZorroFi Liz Connolly, CEO & Founder, Katsu & Co-Founder, Trifecta Ash Core, VP Talent Acquisition, SoFi Virgina Robbins, Chief Solutions Officer, PCBB |
| 3:25 PM - 4:20 PM |
Owning Your Worth
When women own their worth, financial clarity follows. This session reframes financial wellness as personal empowerment, helping participants build confidence around pay, career pauses, and long-term planning, while balancing community and outreach contributions. Tarrah Palomino, Founder & CEO, Papilio Collective |
| 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Women Leading the Way Reception Spire 73 |
| 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
WLW and Fraud & BSA Forum Combined Reception
Combined reception of WLW and Fraud & BSA Forum attendees Spire 73 |
Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles
We’ve secured a special room rate of $299 per night for Women Leading the Way attendees.
Please be sure to book your room before the cut-off date of March 31, 2026 to guarantee availability and receive the discounted rate.
Cancellation and Complaint Resolution Policy
Substitutions are allowed, at no additional cost. Written notice is required for all cancellations. The full registration fee will be refunded if the written request is received up to 4 weeks before the event and 50 percent if received 2 weeks before the event. No refunds will be granted within two weeks of the event. For more information regarding refund, complaint, and/or program cancellation policies contact our offices at 800-627-6613.
California Community Banking Network is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
For More Information:
Thank you to our sponsors!
