On August 3 and 4, YoPro members from across the country gathered to attend the SFNet's YoPro Leadership Summit 2021 in Chicago. The conference provided in-person networking opportunities and insightful panels featuring industry leaders.

The leadership summit would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors – Event Co-Sponsor Hilco Global and Winston & Strawn LLP, Reception Sponsor, Wells Fargo, and our Supporting Sponsors, Gerber Finance and Gordon Brothers.

The networking opportunities included a golf outing at Medinah Country Club, during a beautiful Chicago summer day, the opening reception at Flight Club, where attendees networked while demonstrating their dart skills, and a dine-around at Bar Siena and Bandit in the West Loop to close out the event.

Panels touched upon a range of pressing topics within the commercial finance industry and ones relevant to young professionals.

“Market Update”-Speakers include Bethani Oppenheimer with Greenberg Traurig, Clinton Miyazono with FocalPoint Partners, Erik Ellingson with Lincoln International, and Lisa Galeota with First Eagle Investments. Panelist discussed the effects COVID-19 shutdowns, federal relief money, limitations on the workforce, and the marketing moving forward.

“Crypotcurrency & Blockchain: Financing and Impact in 2021 and Beyond”- Speakers included Robby Lucas with Winston & Strawn LLP, Audrey Nesbitt with CryptoChicks, Jordan Fishfeld with Open Finance Network & CoreGro, and Bowen Smith with BDO. Panelists discussed cryptocurrency's benefits and usage, the impacts of blockchain in finance and lending applications, legal and regulatory issues, and what the future of crypto might look like.

“Personal Development: How to make Difficult Career Decisions and Self-Advocate”- Speakers included Phill Coffin with Coffin & Associates, Rose Coyman with Gordon Brothers, Jonathan Paris with Lincoln International, and Eric Spoonman with Indiana University. Attendees were able to hear from experts on industry and hiring trends, career pivots during remote environment, MBA considerations, and ask career questions they might not be comfortable asking their manager.

“Women Leading the Charge and Closing Remarks” – Speakers included Paula Currie, with PNC Business Credit, Jennifer Palmer, with Gerber Finance, Nneoma Maduike, with Otterbourg P.C, Gail Bernstein, with GKB Consulting, and Andrea Petro with Waterfall Asset Management. Panelists discussed how each has navigated the inherent difficulties of a leadership role in the industry and how the younger generation can find similar growth and development.

Below are some photos taken at the Golf Outing at Medinah Country Club and the Opening Reception at Flight Club. 

For those that registered and want to re-watch panels, all are still available to view on your own time on the SFNet Connect app. We look forward to hosting our 5th Annual YoPro Leadership Summit in 2022!