EMPOW(H)ER
Unlocking Potential, Redefining Leadership
See You Next Year!
April 2-4, 2025 • Mandalay Bay • Las Vegas
Join us for an energizing day where women leaders delve into the delicate balance of executive presence and authenticity in today's workplace. Explore essential topics like personal branding, overcoming bias, and mastery of public speaking through engaging discussions and interactive workshops led by industry experts. Uncover the transformative impact of mentorship in career development and seize control of your professional narrative. Feel inspired by the women around you as you empower your journey to growth at TRANSACT!
EMPOW(H)ER Mentoring Program Overview
Eligibility and Registration: Participation is exclusively reserved for ETA members who are registered attendees of TRANSACT.
Customized Pairing Process: ETA will make its best effort to match mentors and mentees based on their preferences and professional objectives.
Program Launch: The mentorship program will start with an exclusive breakfast on April 19, followed by a dedicated post-luncheon session. These initial events are designed to deepen connections and set a solid foundation for the year ahead.
Flexible Engagement Model: The frequency and format of subsequent meetings between mentors and mentees will be collaboratively determined. This approach ensures a tailored and effective mentorship experience.
EMPOW(H)ER PROGRAM
2023 EMPOW(H)ER MENTOR
Unlocking Potential, Redefining Leadership
EMPOW(H)ER PROGRAM
2023 EMPOW(H)ER MENTEE
Unlocking Potential, Redefining Leadership
Friday, April 19 Agenda
8:00am
BY INVITATION ONLY
Start the day off right by connecting and networking with your female colleagues at breakfast.
8:55am
Description coming soon.
9:00am
| Balancing executive presence with authenticity requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence and of course empathy. But How do you tackle this with new working norms, hybrid working model and managing teams that require different needs. Join our conversation with leaders within payments as they discuss their journey and their point of view on how to build a strong personal brand and executive presence. |
Amanda Estiverne Colas (M)
Delivery Partner, Endava
Silvana Hernandez
EVP, Product and Engineering, Mastercard
Kathy Kmiotek
Director of Marketing, Fortis
Judith McGuire
SVP, Discover Global Network
9:30am
As women, we often downplay our uniqueness to ‘fit in’. But, this is cheating not only yourself but others around you because you aren’t bringing all of you – your authentic, unique self – to work. In this session you’ll hear from a few smart, successful, beautifully unique women who have learned that the key to success, and shining bright is to embrace your whole self.
Ixiim Flores (M)
Head of Strategy & Business Planning Operations, US Acquiring & Enablement, Visa
Joy Canonigo
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Discover Financial Services
Kim Molinaro
VP, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Fiserv
Deana Rich
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Infinicept
10:30am
| Throughout your career you will find yourself with opportunities to lean into the uncomfortable, where you think you’re stretching beyond your current capabilities. While terrifying at times, challenging yourself and understanding your true edge can ultimately serve you well! After all, what challenges you changes you. Come and listen to this panel as they share their stories about their own leaps of faith and lessons learned about success and failure and why embracing the uncomfortable is a win for all. |
Elly Aiala (M)
Chief Compliance Officer, Boost Payments
Gretchen Bender
Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Embedded Payments, MAPP Advisors
Deirdre Cohen
SVP, Head of Global Acceptance Client Services, Visa
Megan Mountain
Executive Director, Head of Pay By Bank U.S., J.P. Morgan
11:00am
Often, we find ourselves climbing a ladder or following a course that was designed for others and those pegs are infinite and the destination of success defined by others. This panel will be about charting your own course including how do you navigate different organizations ranging from large to small, understanding the hidden rules and finding success on your own terms. Scientific studies still show multiple standards for women and the same assertive leadership behaviors demonstrated by men are judged differently in women, even more so for minorities. Learn about how to leverage your personal brand, find advocates and being intentional about your career choices while walking the tightrope of expectations of female leaders. From a diverse panel with different backgrounds, learn how to leverage personal brand, allies and navigate complex perceptions of female leadership and the hidden rules, to rise to the top and still remain true to yourself.
Patricia Yun (M)
Head, Digital Commerce, TD Bank
Aimee DuCasse
Marketing Director, MAPP Advisors
Theresa Kananen
Partner, Arnall, Golden, Gregory
Melissa Sutherland
VP Risk and Strategy, EverC
11:30am
Like life, our careers are a journey, with both intentional and unexpected moves. There are no wrong answers to the moves you make, and with each one comes a new opportunity to grow and even pivot. Join Kahina Van Dyke for this very personal and interactive discussion on how she has navigated her career - from barriers of entry to lessons learned. You'll be glad you stayed to hear this - her journey is not only impactful but so inspirational!
12:30pm
12:40pm
12:50pm
Dive into this power-packed workshop with Tiffany Johnson, NMI's Chief Product Officer, and Erin Lydon, President of Poker Power, and learn how poker can elevate women and empower them to navigate and excel in every scenario—from the poker table to virtual meetings to the boardroom. You’ll learn how to:
• Master the art of timing and know when to when to wait and when to take decisive action.
• Cultivate the confidence to trust your instincts and bet on your own success.
• Analyze and act decisively with imperfect information—there's a strategic move for every situation.
• Sharpen your negotiation skills by refining the art of strategic bluffing.
• Evaluate and judge the potential reward of every risk, both in and out of the game.
• Hone your ability to spot subtle cues for valuable insights in diverse situations.
Get ready to master the game and unleash your power with confidence!
Tiffany Johnson
Chief Product Officer, NMI
April Oury
Business Development Lead, Poker Power
1:35pm
The mentor/mentee relationship holds particular significance for women in the workplace. Mentees benefit from their mentors' experiences, gaining insight into negotiation techniques, leadership skills, and career development opportunities. Mentors serve as advocates, amplifying their mentees' voices, and providing access to networks and resources that can accelerate their professional growth. The result is a supportive environment where women are empowered to overcome obstacles and move ahead. Listen and learn from this panel of mentors and mentees as they discuss how to go about finding each other, what makes a good, productive, meaningful relationship for both, and how this relationship may change during one’s career. Leave this session inspired to play a part in intentional Ment-HER-Ship. It’s a win for all!
Andrea Kando (M)
Chief Payments and Strategy Officer, Touch Bistro
Megan Mountain
Executive Director, Head of Pay By Bank U.S., J.P. Morgan
Deana Rich
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Infinicept
Madison Sherrett
Senior Director of Business Development, Acceptance Fast Track , Visa
2:15pm
2:30pm
Mentorship is a critical element that can help shape and guide one's career. During this session, mentees will have the opportunity to meet with, and discuss their main career challenges with their assigned mentor.
3:30pm
Advisory Board
Our Generous Sponsors
