Women Take The Lead

On January 15, 2025, the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, hosted the New England Women in Banking & Mortgage Conference—a dynamic event dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the financial sector. This one-day conference brought together professionals from banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies across New England for a series of inspiring sessions and networking opportunities.

Morning Sessions: Inspiration and Empowerment

The conference commenced with a keynote address by Pattie Ehsaei, Director of M&A and High Leverage Real Estate Lending at Exos Lending. Known as the "Duchess of Decorum" on TikTok, Ehsaei shared her journey from immigrating to the U.S. at age seven to becoming a successful lawyer and banker. Her session, "Get Empowered Like The Duchess Of Decorum," focused on women's empowerment, workplace issues, and financial literacy, providing attendees with actionable insights to advance their careers.

Following this, Noelle Lambert, a U.S. Paralympic track and field athlete, delivered an inspiring talk titled "Champions Are Made In Adversity." Lambert recounted her journey of resilience after losing her left leg in an accident and her subsequent achievements, including setting a U.S. record in the 100-meter event at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination required to overcome life's challenges.

Midday Networking and Recognition

Attendees enjoyed a networking break featuring a complimentary mimosa and bloody mary bar, fostering connections among professionals from various sectors. The luncheon that followed honored the 2025 class of the Northeast Women In Banking & Mortgage Awards, celebrating the achievements of outstanding women leaders in the industry.

Afternoon Sessions: Leadership and Success Strategies

The afternoon featured a panel discussion with top executives from community banks and credit unions, including Diane Arnold, President and CEO of Essex Savings Bank; Michelle Dwyer, President and CEO of Franklin First Federal Credit Union; Judith Corprew, President and CEO of New Haven Bank; and Larissa Thurston, President and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. They shared their career experiences and offered wisdom on leading change and empowerment within financial institutions.

Subsequent sessions included:

• "Women Don't Like Me And I Don't Like Women" — Plus Other Phrases I'll Never Say Again by LaDonna Lockard, CEO of Maximum Acceleration, who challenged stigmas and myths about women in the workplace, advocating for stronger female leadership.
• "Unlocking Your Superpower: Mastering the Art Of The Boutique Experience" by Irene Amato, CEO of ASAP Mortgage, who provided strategies for creating personalized client experiences and building lasting relationships.

The conference concluded with an inspiring session by Karen Akunowicz, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Fox & the Knife Enoteca. Her talk, "Love The Chaos. Love The Fire. Love The Crazy: Crafting Success with Grit and Grace," emphasized the importance of passion, hard work, and resilience in achieving success.

Looking Ahead

The New England Women in Banking & Mortgage Conference provided a platform for women in the financial industry to learn, connect, and be inspired. Attendees left with renewed motivation and practical strategies to implement in their professional journeys. As the industry continues to evolve, such events play a crucial role in fostering leadership and empowerment among women in finance.

We'll see you again next year, check nebankwomen.com for information!