2 minute read
Women in Banking
by Mickey Belle Shields-Manley
March is women’s history month, a month to look back and reflect on those that paved the way for us, be present in the moment, and actively create a future where women in all industries become the leaders, the achievers, and the motivators we so often read about in the history books. Over the last five decades women have made large strides in the banking and financial industries, in what once was a very male dominated practice we are now seeing women rising to the occasion and growing within their ranks!
Recently, the Arkansas Bankers Association held their 9th annual Women in Banking Conference. What started as an idea by former ABA President and CEO Bill Holmes has snowballed into one of our country’s largest Women in Banking Conference’s with over 200 women across the state of Arkansas traveling in to attend.
So, what makes this conference so special you ask?
Simple. The Arkansas Bankers Association, who might I add is led by women, works tirelessly for women everywhere to provide an interesting, captivating, and ground shaking experience. As someone who has attended in the past and plans to continue to attend for many years to come, I have seen and experienced first hand what happens when you bring like-minded, ambitious, and willing-to learn women under one roof.
In just one day, women leave transformed, whether it be that they’ve gained confidence, influence, ideas to take home, or simply the courage to ask for what they want. Women leave knowing not only that they are empowered, but, by their bank sending them to attend, their bank believes in empowering them as well.
While topics may range and the speakers may vary year to year, one thing remains true. The experience and takeaways remain the same and can be not only career-changing, but life-altering.
In closing, I once read a quote that impacted me greatly: “And when you get to where you’re going, turn around and help her too. For there was a time, not long ago when she was you.”
While March may be women’s history month, we should be empowering ALL people, daily. We will always rise by lifting those around us.
Over 200 women across the state of Arkansas traveled in to attend the Women In Banking Conference.
