Throughout the month of March, Finopotamus will celebrate Women’s History Month by featuring intriguing profiles and unique stories impacting the credit union and fintech industry.
By W.B. King
Designed to celebrate and empower women in the financial services sector by focusing on leadership, professional development, digital banking innovation, and inclusion, Alkami Technology’s “Women in Banking” event will take place during its annual Co:lab conference.
“In 2023, a meaningful conversation between women at an industry event sparked the idea to capture that unique sense of empowerment and connection,” Alkami Content Manager Molly Irelan told Finopotamus regarding the event’s inception. The vision statement, she added, is to cultivate an inclusive industry where women thrive as leaders, collaborators, and innovators, driving positive outcomes for themselves, their organizations, and account holders.
Last year, the event attracted 138 participants to its session and 231 to a happy hour celebration. “The program has evolved into a movement – inspiring stories and shared experiences, empowering individuals, networking, thought leadership, and professional growth,” she noted.
Fostering Collaboration
Co:lab 2025 will take place March 31 to April 2 in Nashville, Tenn. The Women in Banking events are being held on the first day. A panel discussion will feature Holly Hughes, chief marketing officer at ProSight Financial Association, Monica Barker, assistant vice president digital banking product owner at Mascoma Bank, and Dawn Brummett, EVP and CIO at ORNL Federal Credit Union. Irelan and Alkami colleague Anna Davis will moderate.
“Our session will highlight the journey of women in banking over the years with our panelists providing their insights and perspectives around the past, present and future of this movement,” said Irelan. “After the event, we will continue the celebration with a networking happy hour for attendees to continue to engage, network, and grow."
Desiree Wolfe, EVP and chief experience officer at Hudson Valley Credit Union, attended last year and spoke at the event.
“Representation matters—not just for creating stronger, more inclusive decision-making but for inspiring the next generation of leaders,” said Wolfe. The $7.9 billion Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based credit union supports more than 380,000 members. “Events like this are essential for fostering collaboration, sharing personal experiences, and celebrating successes in our industry. Alkami is creating a platform that amplifies the voices of leaders who have built a professional path, gained expertise along the way and can impart advice and strategies that allow others to advance in their careers.”
Lift Up Others
Char Sears, vice president of member experience and product management at Unitus Community Credit Union, will be in attendance. She is looking forward to “engaging in meaningful conversations, learning from other women in the industry, and hearing stories of learning and resilience.” The $1.7 billion Tigard, Ore.-based credit union has more than 106,000 members.
Noting a 21-year career in financial services, Sears added that she has experienced firsthand the power of mentorship, advocacy, and is always seeking the opportunity to help shape the careers of those coming up behind her.
“My goal has always been to lift others up, help them play to their strengths, and create opportunities for them to shine—and that’s exactly what this event is about. It provides a space for women to connect, learn, and grow, while also fostering the confidence and support system needed to step into leadership roles,” she told Finopotamus.
“Credit unions, by nature, are built on community, and fostering female leadership strengthens these values while driving innovation and business success. When we invest in the development of women, we ensure that our industry continues to innovate, evolve, and better serve our members,” she continued. “This event isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about equipping women with the tools, insights, and networks to drive meaningful change in their careers and within their organizations.”
Amplifying Voices and Perspectives
At the center of the event will be Alkami’s credit union and bank customers, explained Irelan. “They are integral to shaping the narrative, topics discussed, and the conversation around digital banking trends,” she noted. “Alkami’s Women in Banking program is for everyone – credit union and bank leaders, industry influencers, consultants, media, and partners. We view this initiative as a way for Alkami to be a part of the broader industry conversation and want to use our platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of others.”
From a technology standpoint, Sears is excited by the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and digital banking trends.
“Women are shaping the future of fintech, and these events highlight how technology can be leveraged to enhance member experiences, drive financial inclusion, and create operational efficiencies,” she shared. “It is a space to connect with leaders, discuss artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, and explore how credit unions can harness digital advancements to stay competitive while fostering greater member engagement.”