2025 Women & Allies Conference
May 1, 2025 | Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel
May 1, 2025 | Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel
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!
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, April 30, 2025
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Welcome Reception | Networking
Thursday, May 1, 2025
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. - Registration | Breakfast | Networking | Headshots
8:45 – 9:15 a.m. - Welcome Remarks | Table Icebreaker
Amanda McKenzie, 2025 Chair, Women & Allies Council and Vice President & Director of Human Resources, First United Bank & Trust
9:15 – 10:10 a.m. - "Empowering Voices: Bring Your Own Folding Chair"
Anne M. Balcer, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief of Government Relations and Public Policy, Independent Community Bankers of America
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” With this powerful quote from Shirley Chisholm, Anne Balcer kicks off a deeply personal and inspiring session on leadership, advocacy, and resilience in the world of community banking. Anne will share her journey through the traditionally male-dominated fields of banking, law, and lobbying—highlighting the challenges she’s faced and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From her early days in regulatory leadership as Maryland’s Deputy Commissioner of Financial Regulation to her current role championing policy for community banks at ICBA, Anne brings a wealth of experience, insight, and a few behind-the-scenes stories from inside the Beltway. Through anecdotes and hard-won lessons, Anne will emphasize the importance of trusting your voice, showing up with purpose, and advocating for others. This session will conclude with a Q&A, giving attendees the chance to engage in a candid dialogue on leadership, inclusion, and driving meaningful change in the banking industry.
10:10 - 11:00 a.m. - "AI in Banking"
Brynne Tillman, CEO, The Modern Banker
Brynne Tillman has trained more than 100,000 Entrepreneurs, sales teams, sales trainers, and business leaders on how to leverage LinkedIn for social selling and has been in the industry for over a decade. With nearly 68,000 followers, Brynne is widely known as The LinkedIn Whisperer and the CEO of Social Sales Link. As a former banker, sales trainer, and top personal producer, Brynne internalized the best traditional sales techniques and adapted them to the new digital world. She guides professionals to establish a thought leader and subject matter expert brand, find and engage the right targeted market, and leverage clients and networking partners for warm introductions to qualified buyers. In addition, Brynne is the Co-host of the Making Sales Social podcast and author of The LinkedIn Sales Playbook, a Tactical Guide to Social Selling.
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. - Networking Break | Headshots | Exhibitors
11:15 – 12:00 p.m. - "Peer Networking Session"
Join us for an engaging and supportive peer networking session. This session provides a valuable opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build lasting professional relationships with peers across the industry. To foster meaningful dialogue and targeted insights, participants will break into small groups based on job function (e.g., lending, compliance, operations, marketing, and executive leadership). Each group will explore relevant challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange practical ideas to support growth and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned leader or emerging professional, come ready to engage, listen, and learn in this energizing session focused on connection, empowerment, and professional development.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch | Headshots | Exhibitors
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. - "Imposter Syndrome: The Paradox of Success"
Jenifer Snook, Senior Vice President, Haberfeld
Impostor syndrome is a pervasive phenomenon, often underestimated in its prevalence and affecting individuals across all levels of experience. Paradoxically, it tends to intensify as one ascends the ranks and shoulders greater responsibilities. This underscores the critical need to develop strategies for both recognizing and combatting it effectively. In this fast-paced session, we will explore key strategies to finding and owning your greatness.
Key points to be covered:
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Welcome Reception | Networking
Thursday, May 1, 2025
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. - Registration | Breakfast | Networking | Headshots
8:45 – 9:15 a.m. - Welcome Remarks | Table Icebreaker
Amanda McKenzie, 2025 Chair, Women & Allies Council and Vice President & Director of Human Resources, First United Bank & Trust
9:15 – 10:10 a.m. - "Empowering Voices: Bring Your Own Folding Chair"
Anne M. Balcer, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief of Government Relations and Public Policy, Independent Community Bankers of America
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” With this powerful quote from Shirley Chisholm, Anne Balcer kicks off a deeply personal and inspiring session on leadership, advocacy, and resilience in the world of community banking. Anne will share her journey through the traditionally male-dominated fields of banking, law, and lobbying—highlighting the challenges she’s faced and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From her early days in regulatory leadership as Maryland’s Deputy Commissioner of Financial Regulation to her current role championing policy for community banks at ICBA, Anne brings a wealth of experience, insight, and a few behind-the-scenes stories from inside the Beltway. Through anecdotes and hard-won lessons, Anne will emphasize the importance of trusting your voice, showing up with purpose, and advocating for others. This session will conclude with a Q&A, giving attendees the chance to engage in a candid dialogue on leadership, inclusion, and driving meaningful change in the banking industry.
10:10 - 11:00 a.m. - "AI in Banking"
Brynne Tillman, CEO, The Modern Banker
Brynne Tillman has trained more than 100,000 Entrepreneurs, sales teams, sales trainers, and business leaders on how to leverage LinkedIn for social selling and has been in the industry for over a decade. With nearly 68,000 followers, Brynne is widely known as The LinkedIn Whisperer and the CEO of Social Sales Link. As a former banker, sales trainer, and top personal producer, Brynne internalized the best traditional sales techniques and adapted them to the new digital world. She guides professionals to establish a thought leader and subject matter expert brand, find and engage the right targeted market, and leverage clients and networking partners for warm introductions to qualified buyers. In addition, Brynne is the Co-host of the Making Sales Social podcast and author of The LinkedIn Sales Playbook, a Tactical Guide to Social Selling.
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. - Networking Break | Headshots | Exhibitors
11:15 – 12:00 p.m. - "Peer Networking Session"
Join us for an engaging and supportive peer networking session. This session provides a valuable opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build lasting professional relationships with peers across the industry. To foster meaningful dialogue and targeted insights, participants will break into small groups based on job function (e.g., lending, compliance, operations, marketing, and executive leadership). Each group will explore relevant challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange practical ideas to support growth and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned leader or emerging professional, come ready to engage, listen, and learn in this energizing session focused on connection, empowerment, and professional development.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch | Headshots | Exhibitors
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. - "Imposter Syndrome: The Paradox of Success"
Jenifer Snook, Senior Vice President, Haberfeld
Impostor syndrome is a pervasive phenomenon, often underestimated in its prevalence and affecting individuals across all levels of experience. Paradoxically, it tends to intensify as one ascends the ranks and shoulders greater responsibilities. This underscores the critical need to develop strategies for both recognizing and combatting it effectively. In this fast-paced session, we will explore key strategies to finding and owning your greatness.
Key points to be covered:
- Knowledge is power: Understand what key factors impact community banks today
- Effective communication is a necessity: Communicating confidently involves expressing yourself clearly, assertively, and with a sense of self-assurance
- Confidence: Know your strengths and being unapologetic; know your weakness/liabilities and owning them
1:45 - 1:55 p.m. - Networking Break | Headshots | Exhibitors
1:55 – 2:55 p.m. - "Finding Your Voice: Speaking Up and Advocating for Yourself"
Jonelle Marie Carter, Speaker, Author, Personal & Professional Development Coach
This session focuses on developing the confidence to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in any situation. Whether in personal relationships, at work, or in social settings, you'll learn how to communicate effectively and assert yourself. Through practice and self-awareness, you'll build the courage to use your voice and advocate for what you want and need.
2:55 – 3:00 p.m. - Concluding Remarks /Adjournment
1:55 – 2:55 p.m. - "Finding Your Voice: Speaking Up and Advocating for Yourself"
Jonelle Marie Carter, Speaker, Author, Personal & Professional Development Coach
This session focuses on developing the confidence to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in any situation. Whether in personal relationships, at work, or in social settings, you'll learn how to communicate effectively and assert yourself. Through practice and self-awareness, you'll build the courage to use your voice and advocate for what you want and need.
2:55 – 3:00 p.m. - Concluding Remarks /Adjournment
Registration & AllyShip Support Levels
MBA/VBA Member Early-Bird Registration - $399 per person (Before April 10)
MBA/VBA Member Registration - $425 per person (After April 10)
Non-Member Registration - $649 per person
MBA/VBA Member Registration - $425 per person (After April 10)
Non-Member Registration - $649 per person
Interested in bringing multiple attendees and supporting this event at a higher level? The following Allyship Support Levels are available. All include recognition as a supporter of the event, including on signage, name tags, and promotional marketing.
|
Cheerleader Allies - $5,000
|
Advocate Allies - $3,500
|
|
Amplifier Allies - $2,000
|
Champion Allies - $1,000
|
Hotel Information
Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel
1739 West Nursery Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel at the rate of $159/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Please make your reservation by Wednesday, April 16th. Reservation link
1739 West Nursery Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Hotel at the rate of $159/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Please make your reservation by Wednesday, April 16th. Reservation link
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Women & Allies Conference? View Sponsorship Opportunities or contact Ann DeVilbiss, MBA's Head of Events & Membership Experience, for additional information.
2025 Women & Allies Sponsors by Ann DeVilbiss
If you have questions, please contact MBA's Head of Events & Membership Experience Ann DeVilbiss (443-837-1606) for additional information.
