Highlights from the FWA 2023 Annual Summit - The Grit Factor: Change Agents Shaping Our Industry
May 25, 2023
What an exhilarating two days at the FWA's Annual Summit!
Day 1 Highlights
We heard from keynote speaker Jean-Yves Fillion, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors at BNP Paribas USA, FWA Male Ally of the Year 2021, who shared his personal commitment:
“Today as Vice Chairman of the USA, I believe that is my personal duty to ensure that women are given the same level of opportunity here at BNP Paribas as their male colleagues. It's promoting this equality for women as well as equality for all groups that will help drive the success of the bank, the industry at large and candidly the global economy.
It is for such inclusivity that we will attract and retain the top talent to provide our clients with the best-in-class service for which we're known.”
The Eurozone Panel and Economic Outlook featured BNP Parisbas panelists from Europe and North America shared insights on the global economy given geopolitical developments, last year’s energy crisis and the fundamental questions we face regarding energy and transformation. We also discussed how the collapse of banks on both sides of the pond, inflation and insecurities around supply chain are affecting the markets and decision making.
Dr Melissa Fisher shared key findings from her FWA commissioned research on The Post Pandemic Return to Work in Finance Among Women and Underrepresented Populations
Aurora Pllaha, shared the impact that the FWA and her mentor have had on her aspirations and career. She shared, "because of these sessions, I felt more encouraged to answer questions and even start asking them.” Aurora's mentor was Shannon Seidel, currently VP of Process Management at Prudential. “It has been such a privilege to have her as my mentor, because of her versatile background and her inspirational climb up the ladder with the firm.”
Day 2 Highlights
In our Fireside Chat with Jelena Buraja, Chairman of the Board of Rietumu Banka, the largest local capital bank in Latvia, shared insights on the Latvian financial markets and business issues, that are inevitably tied with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How the Baltic states are re-orienting to new markets and new regulatory requirements. How can we aspire for the ESG goals at the time of economic uncertainty and how do we deal with persistently high inflation and stagnant economic fundamentals. Plus, we spoke about the role of women in finance – how we all need to encourage ladies to take initiative and make decisions to advance their careers. Jelena is on the 40 Under 40 list of bank executives by Latvian Forbes magazine as the most successful woman in Latvian financial industry (2023).
The panel on Fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive and Supportive Work Culture brought leaders from Citizens, BNP Paribas and SMBC, all members of the FWA’s Presidents Circle, to share their personal, hands-on practical experience in building thriving work cultures and accelerating positive change.
We heard from the Executive Director and COO of the FWA who shared the work the FWA is doing building the next generation of leaders. This year alone the FWA Next Generation Programs invested more than $330,000 in programs, scholarships and other funding to support 142 young women FWA Mentees attending colleges and universities.
FWA President Nina Batson closed the day with BNP Paribas Vice-Chairman Jean-Yves Fillion. Attendees and speakers all stayed to enjoy food and cocktails.
Thank you to all of the 2023 Panelists!
