Rising Together. This concept serves as both the theme for this month’s issue and SFNet’s upcoming online conference Women in Secured Finance: Where Women Rise. 

During this challenging time, it’s more important than ever to highlight and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of women in our industry. Statistics show that the pandemic has had serious effects on women in the workplace, as we struggle with added pressures on the job, increased unemployment and increasingly challenging caregiving responsibilities. 

In the following pages of our biggest issue yet, you will meet over 70 inspiring women who exemplify excellence and have distinguished themselves within the secured finance industry. They represent the various sectors of SFNet’s member organizations including banks, law firms, appraisal and consulting firms, fintech companies and institutional capital providers. I found their profiles to be inspirational and thought provoking, as each woman featured is “rising” in her own way. I hope you take the time to read about them and the perspectives and advice they offer. I’m sure many of their stories will resonate with you.

This issue also includes interviews and articles featuring other fascinating women, some of whom you certainly will recognize. The cover features Nneoma Maduike and Valerie Mason, recently named co-chairs of Otterbourg’s newly established lender finance practice group, with an article that follows on page 116. You’ll find Nneoma’s interview with several women in the industry who discuss how the pandemic has affected them as working mothers on page 132.

Other highlights include a check-in with 12 women who were featured in past WISF issues. The changes in their careers are a testament to how being profiled in this issue of The Secured Lender can elevate your profile in the industry. Don’t miss an interview on page 120 with Bobbi Acord Noland of Parker Hudson Rainer & Dobbs, who was named SFNet’s first female co-general counsel in October.

SFNet’s Women in Secured Finance Conference, as referenced above, will be held live online on consecutive Wednesdays, June 16 and June 23. This year’s format will be reimagined in response to the feedback we received about past conferences. We are partnering with Corporate Class, Inc. to offer attendees a high-quality, interactive, customized workshop using the SFNet Connect platform. We’ll focus on the importance of developing an executive presence, a career progression and leadership skills.This workshop will cover:

• Understanding of how our actions can diminish our confidence and how we show up
• Addressing self-doubt and the imposter syndrome
• Gaining strategies for greater confidence and self-advocacy
• Making your work visible
  
• Mentorship, sponsorship and allyship
• Developing a roadmap for individual success

I look forward to connecting with you during the conference. Be sure to visit www.sfnet.com for details and registration, or reach out to Michele Ocejo at mocejo@sfnet.com.