Women & Allies Conference
March 5
Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel
1739 West Nursery Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
The Women & Allies Conference is designed to benefit all individuals serving in a leadership capacity within their bank – from first-level managers to executives, throughout department and support areas. All bankers have an opportunity to be thoughtful allies to others in their organization. Together, we can make an intentional commitment to use our voice, credibility, knowledge, and/or power to support others.
Join bankers from across Maryland for a day of thought-provoking and engaging sessions celebrating leaders at all levels!
Agenda
Wednesday, March 4
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Welcome Reception Honoring Women in Leadership
Thursday, March 5
7:45 – 8:30 a.m. – Registration | Breakfast | Networking | Headshots
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Welcome Remarks | Table Icebreaker
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. – Real Talk: Women in the Workplace
Join us for an engaging and thought‑provoking session featuring McKinsey & Company, presenting key findings from the newly released 2025 Women in the Workplace report, the largest and most comprehensive study on the state of women in corporate America. Now in its 11th year, the 2025 report highlights a pivotal moment: while women remain deeply committed to their careers, companies’ commitment to gender diversity is declining, and women continue to face structural barriers that limit advancement.
You’ll also participate in guided table discussions, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences, share insights with peers across Maryland’s banking sector, and identify actionable steps your institution can take to champion gender equity.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a senior executive, or a professional committed to advancing women in financial services, this session will equip you with new data and fresh perspectives to help you understand the state of play in today’s workplace.
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. – Networking Break | Headshots
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. – Real Leadership with Catie Griggs: Leading with Purpose, Resilience & Impact
Get ready for a powerful and energizing conversation with Catie Griggs, the trailblazing first female President of Business Operations in Baltimore Orioles history. In a field historically led by men, Griggs has shattered ceilings and set new standards for excellence, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
Guided by moderator Laura Gamble, Regional President, Greater Maryland, PNC, attendees will gain a close and personal perspective on how Catie leads with purpose, navigates high‑pressure environments, and champions organizational transformation. As the only woman currently holding a president‑level business operations role in Major League Baseball, her story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of bold, values‑driven leadership.
This session is perfect for leaders, rising professionals, and anyone passionate about breaking barriers, elevating team culture, and making meaningful impact through thoughtful, human‑centered leadership. Expect inspiration, real‑world insights, and actionable takeaways you can bring back to your own organization or career.
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. – Real Talk: Mythbusters — Breaking the Myths Holding Women Back
Get ready for an energetic, interactive, and truth‑telling session led by members of the Women’s Advisory Council. Real Talk: Mythbusters tackles the assumptions, stereotypes, and long‑standing beliefs that too often shape women’s careers in banking.
From the myth of “having it all” to misconceptions about leadership presence, work‑life balance, career pathways, and the growing influence of AI, this session will unpack the narratives that hold women back—and replace them with real insights, shared experiences, and actionable strategies.
In this highly participatory session, attendees will:
- Debunk common leadership myths that limit confidence or advancement
- Explore modern challenges, including hybrid work, wellbeing, and invisible labor
- Cut through the noise around AI, understanding what it means for your career and where women can lead the way
- Share personal experiences in facilitated discussions that spark community and honest reflection
Whether you’re early in your banking career or a seasoned executive, come ready to challenge assumptions, learn from peers, and walk away with clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective on what leadership can—and should—look like for women today.
This is not your typical panel.
This is Real Talk.
This is Mythbusters.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Lunch | Networking Break
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Real Leadership: A Fireside Chat on Legacy, Lessons & What Comes Next
Join us for Real Leadership, a special fireside chat featuring two retiring Maryland banking icons: Carissa Rodeheaver, Chairman, President & CEO of First United Bank & Trust, and Susan Riel, President & CEO of EagleBank. As they prepare to conclude their distinguished careers as Maryland banking industry leaders—marked by decades of service, transformational leadership, and deep community impact—they will share candid reflections on their journeys, defining moments, and the lessons that shaped them.
Moderated by Ronda McDowell, Bank Operations Executive at Atlantic Union Bank, this conversation will offer authentic insight into leading with purpose, navigating change, and building strong organizations. Designed for women in banking, this inspiring discussion celebrates leadership, resilience, and the road ahead.
1:00 – 1:15 p.m. – Networking Break | Headshots
1:15 – 2:00 p.m. – Real Talk: Women’s Health & Well-Being in the Workplace
Join us for a concise, high‑impact conversation on the health and well‑being challenges women face while advancing their careers. MBA President & CEO Tisha Edwards will lead a discussion with Patricia Lambert, Maryland Commission for Women; Tiffany Boiman, Montgomery County Women’s Commission member and national policy expert on women’s issues; and Dr. Christina Enzmann, Board Certified Gynecologist with expertise in menopause and functional medicine. The discussion will center around strategies to address the unique health & wellness needs of women leaders and how to have a workplace where women can thrive.
Designed for women in banking, this session offers practical, science‑based strategies to strengthen your well‑being—because your health is your most valuable leadership asset.
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Real Impact: Hands-On Giving With Purpose
Step into a creative, meaningful experience where artistry and service come together. Real Impact: Hands‑On Giving With Purpose is an interactive floral masterclass designed for attendees who want to learn a new skill and make a difference.
In this hands‑on session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of floral arranging—from color balance and texture to design techniques you can recreate at home. Guided by floral expert and event partner, Fleurs d’Ave, participants will create beautiful, professional‑quality arrangements.
But the heart of this session goes far beyond the flowers themselves. Every arrangement made will be donated to organizations that support women, spreading encouragement, warmth, and care to women in need across our community. It’s creativity with intention, giving with purpose, and leadership through action.
Join us for a restorative, joy‑filled experience that blends learning, connection, and service—reminding us that even small acts of beauty can make a powerful impact.
3:30 p.m. – Adjourn
*Session topics and speakers are subject to change.
Registration & AllyShip Support Levels
- MBA/VBA Member Registration – $425 per person
- Non-Member Registration – $649 per person
- Cheerleader Allies – $5,000
8 included registrations - Advocate Allies – $3,500
5 included registrations - Amplifier Allies – $2,000
2 included registrations - Champion Allies – $1,000
1 included registration
Hotel Information
Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel
The association has reserved a block of rooms at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel at the rate of $149/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Click here to make your reservation by the cut-off date, February 18, 2026.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Women & Allies Conference? Contact MBA for additional information.
