ABA/MBA/VBA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit
Co-hosted by the American Bankers Association & the Virginia Bankers Association
September 12, 2024 | Virtual
Co-hosted by the American Bankers Association & the Virginia Bankers Association
September 12, 2024 | Virtual
American Bankers Association (ABA), Maryland Bankers Association (MBA) and Virginia Bankers Association (VBA) are partnering to host the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit for all bankers nationwide. This conference will empower attendees to become change agents for the banking industry and for the community. Bankers will master the leading practices for mitigating systemic barriers that disadvantage marginalized groups—and learn actionable steps to implement change.
Agenda & Session Information
Thursday, September 12
12:30 – 1:40 PM
Welcome
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award Winners
Opening Session: "The Challenges of Diversity - And How to Overcome Them"
Let’s get real — fostering true diversity and inclusion is hard work. This keynote will assess real challenges and explain how you can overcome them to unlock the advantages of diversity, strengthening the power of your team in an actionable way.
1:40 – 1:50 PM
Break
1:50 – 2:35 PM
CONCURRENT STRATEGY SESSIONS
Board Succession Planning: Expand the Diversity of Your Bank’s Board
Don’t get left behind! Redefine the possibilities with game-changing research on diversity, featuring insights from Bank Director’s 2024 Governance Best Practices Survey. This session applies expert opinions to diversity strategies you can use to create change on your bank’s board.
Inclusive Leadership: Unleashing the Potential of Emerging Leaders
Discover inclusive leadership practices that will help you cultivate meaningful change. This session will explore how to identify, develop and advocate for emerging leaders in your organization through a lens of equity and inclusion. Learn to avoid common management pitfalls, create professional development frameworks and implement coaching techniques.
Break
2:45 – 3:30 PM
CONCURRENT STRATEGY SESSIONSBanking on Multicultural Consumers and Small Businesses
Broad perspectives and insights are key for banks navigating communities that are increasingly multicultural. Find out how your bank can grow and participate in multicultural opportunities, and gain insights on how to communicate and partner with diverse consumers, develop marketing materials for different consumer segments and train your staff on inclusive interaction.
Harness Employee Resource Groups for Inclusive Excellence
Uncover the emerging platform that’s been driving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. This session facilitates a panel of bankers as they delve into the transformative impact Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have had in fostering a more inclusive workplace in their organizations. Put into practice new ways to enhance employee engagement, cultural understanding and business outcomes, all with the help of ERGs.
Navigate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Today’s Climate
This breakout session will focus on resources and strategies to maintain momentum in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, despite today’s climate. Hear from a policy expert about state-level legislation, a communications expert about the messaging around the subject, and a diversity, equity and inclusion expert on ways we can keep moving forward in impactful and compliant ways.
Break
3:40 – 4:45 PM
Closing Keynote Session
Transform Your Bank - One Mind at a Time
Jump-start your bank’s transformation with this fun and engaging program that focuses on key principles to engage team members in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. You will learn how intercultural communications can transform organizational culture so that all team members have a strong sense of belonging. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of intercultural competence and five key tools for greater impact.
Conference Adjourns
After the event, all registered attendees will have access to the full Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit recording.
12:30 – 1:40 PM
Welcome
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award Winners
Opening Session: "The Challenges of Diversity - And How to Overcome Them"
Let’s get real — fostering true diversity and inclusion is hard work. This keynote will assess real challenges and explain how you can overcome them to unlock the advantages of diversity, strengthening the power of your team in an actionable way.
- Denise Hamilton, Author, Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork
1:40 – 1:50 PM
Break
1:50 – 2:35 PM
CONCURRENT STRATEGY SESSIONS
Board Succession Planning: Expand the Diversity of Your Bank’s Board
Don’t get left behind! Redefine the possibilities with game-changing research on diversity, featuring insights from Bank Director’s 2024 Governance Best Practices Survey. This session applies expert opinions to diversity strategies you can use to create change on your bank’s board.
- Emily McCormick, VP of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
- Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Inclusive Leadership: Unleashing the Potential of Emerging Leaders
Discover inclusive leadership practices that will help you cultivate meaningful change. This session will explore how to identify, develop and advocate for emerging leaders in your organization through a lens of equity and inclusion. Learn to avoid common management pitfalls, create professional development frameworks and implement coaching techniques.
- Mika Moser, Founder & CEO, At C Level Consulting Group
Break
2:45 – 3:30 PM
CONCURRENT STRATEGY SESSIONSBanking on Multicultural Consumers and Small Businesses
Broad perspectives and insights are key for banks navigating communities that are increasingly multicultural. Find out how your bank can grow and participate in multicultural opportunities, and gain insights on how to communicate and partner with diverse consumers, develop marketing materials for different consumer segments and train your staff on inclusive interaction.
- David Femi, SVP, Business and Professional Banking Regional Manager, M&T Bank
Harness Employee Resource Groups for Inclusive Excellence
Uncover the emerging platform that’s been driving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. This session facilitates a panel of bankers as they delve into the transformative impact Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have had in fostering a more inclusive workplace in their organizations. Put into practice new ways to enhance employee engagement, cultural understanding and business outcomes, all with the help of ERGs.
Navigate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Today’s Climate
This breakout session will focus on resources and strategies to maintain momentum in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, despite today’s climate. Hear from a policy expert about state-level legislation, a communications expert about the messaging around the subject, and a diversity, equity and inclusion expert on ways we can keep moving forward in impactful and compliant ways.
- Ben Feller, Communications Consultant, maslansky + partners
- Anthony Pardal, VP State Legislation, American Bankers Association
- Cathy Nestrick, VP Women’s Leadership and DEI, American Bankers Association
- Moderator: Joanna Shapiro, Chief Member Engagement Officer, American Bankers Association
Break
3:40 – 4:45 PM
Closing Keynote Session
Transform Your Bank - One Mind at a Time
Jump-start your bank’s transformation with this fun and engaging program that focuses on key principles to engage team members in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. You will learn how intercultural communications can transform organizational culture so that all team members have a strong sense of belonging. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of intercultural competence and five key tools for greater impact.
- Glen Guyton, Trainer, Speaker, and Cultural Competency Navigator
Conference Adjourns
After the event, all registered attendees will have access to the full Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit recording.
speakers
David Femi, SVP, Business and Professional Banking Regional Manager, M&T Bank
David Femi serves as the regional manager for business and professional banking at M&T Bank. He brought the Bank On program to M&T, helping them provide more affordable accounts for economically challenged and underserved communities. David developed M&T Bank’s Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy Segment. David is committed to adding strength and resilience to diverse communities across the M&T footprint, advocating for financial service inclusivity aimed at empowering families and small businesses and the community at large. |
Denise Hamilton, Author and WatchHerWork CEO
Denise is the author of Indivisible, a book that urges readers to re-examine and redefine diversity and inclusion to transform their personal and professional lives. Featured on The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, CBS and other outlets, she uses her ability to tackle challenging topics with tangible solutions, aiming to resolve conflict and promote inclusive environments. Denise is also the founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform that offers training and advice to professional women. |
Maggie Rivera, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion, Sterns Bank
Maggie Rivera serves as head of corporate social responsibility and inclusion at Stearns Bank, overseeing their community development banking, specialty lending and client experience divisions. In 2023, CIO Magazine recognized her as one of the most influential leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion. Maggie has contributed her expertise to various organizations including Paychex and U.S. Bank. From overcoming homelessness to speaking at Harvard University, Maggie’s lived experience inspires many others to break down barriers. |
Mika Moser, Founder & CEO, C Level Consulting Group
Mika Moser is an experienced C-suite executive with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, leadership development, brand marketing and board governance. She is the founder and CEO of At C Level, a talent consulting group that helps companies build diverse, high-performing leadership teams by providing executive search, professional development and consulting services. |
Why You Should Attend
Be an Agent of Change - Discover the leading practices to mitigate systemic biases that disadvantage marginalized groups.
Customize Your Experience - Choose from a variety of sessions and attend those that you think best fit your bank's goals, initiatives and needs.
Make New Connections - Share stories and learn alongside your peers and garner deeper insights from experts.
Support Your Bank’s Bottom Line - A diverse and inclusive working environment is proven to boost performance - of your talent, and your bottom line.
It’s a Smart Business Move - Be one of the banks making public commitments to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion - and then follow through.
Customize Your Experience - Choose from a variety of sessions and attend those that you think best fit your bank's goals, initiatives and needs.
Make New Connections - Share stories and learn alongside your peers and garner deeper insights from experts.
Support Your Bank’s Bottom Line - A diverse and inclusive working environment is proven to boost performance - of your talent, and your bottom line.
It’s a Smart Business Move - Be one of the banks making public commitments to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion - and then follow through.
registration
The Summit is a virtual event; it will take place via Zoom.
Individual Registration Rate - $225
Group* Registration Rate - $595 (*Access for three to five members from the same institution.)
Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the conference (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc). Please contact Liz Frediani with any details.
Individual Registration Rate - $225
Group* Registration Rate - $595 (*Access for three to five members from the same institution.)
Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the conference (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc). Please contact Liz Frediani with any details.
If you have questions, please contact MBA's Head of Events & Membership Experience Ann DeVilbiss (443-837-1606) for additional information.