The 8th Annual Women in Banking Conference was held at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, New Jersey. Attended by 430 attendees, including Rizco’s President, Debra Rizzi, the topics ranged from negotiation and leadership skills to identifying unconscious bias in the workplace to transforming fear into power.
Author and inspirational speaker, Dima Ghawi, was the headline speaker who, on an annual basis, ignites the untapped potential in women across the globe, empowering them to shatter limitations and become courageous, purpose-driven leaders. She inspired the attendees to “shatter their own vases” and see that the “the beauty is in the cracks.”
Three breakout sessions were led by Lauren Hammer of Hammer Leadership, “It’s OK to say No!”; Dr. Patti Ippoliti, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School, who lead “Unconscious Bias in the Workplace”; and Susan Mach, owner of Mach Creative Service, “Negotiating While Female: How to Get What you Deserve with your Integrity Intact.”
The event closed with Keynote Speaker, Morris Morrison, who provided the story behind an unforgettable message. The crowd laughed, cried, and were inspired by his message, “When our MINDS are open, or our HEARTS are broken” is when we can change and grow.
Proceeds supported Eva’s Village, a comprehensive anti-poverty organization located in Patterson, New Jersey. A $5,000 contribution from NJBankers and in-kind donations were donated at the event.
Photo: From Left to Right
Brenda A. Pankey, Loan Compliance and Operations Officer, Two River Community Bank
Bond Kraemer, Outreach Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
Debra Rizzi, President and Co-Owner of Rizco, A Creative Campaign Agency
Photo Credit: Don Christensen
