Inclusiveness is not just a buzzword; it’s a transformative force that has shaped my career in secured finance and asset-based lending. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how an inclusive environment fosters innovation, collaboration, and ultimately, success. 

In secured finance, embracing inclusiveness means recognizing the diverse perspectives that each team member brings to the table. It goes beyond metrics or representation—it's about cultivating a culture where every voice is respected and empowered to shape decisions and outcomes. 

Throughout my journey, I’ve seen how inclusiveness makes a tangible impact. It has taught me the value of empathy, active listening, and how powerful diverse thinking can be in navigating complexity. Inclusive teams challenge assumptions, surface better ideas, and lead with purpose. The result?  Stronger relationships, smarter risk-taking, and solutions that are far more aligned with the evolving needs of the businesses we serve.  One of the most meaningful aspects of this journey has been witnessing the rise of women in secured finance. Women bring crucial perspectives to underwriting, portfolio management, and client relationships. Their increased presence in leadership and across all levels is not only a matter of equity, but also a business imperative. The more we elevate women and ensure they have opportunities to thrive, the more resilient and forward-thinking our institutions become.

SFNet recently held its tenth Women in Secured Finance Conference July 11-12 in New York City, drawing more than 200 attendees.  The event featured Keynote Speaker, Suzy Welch, Economist Shannon Grein and a panel discussing Women Shaping the Future of Secured Finance. Each year, The Secured Lender magazine profiled women in the industry, giving them an opportunity to share their success stories and career advice.

 The identification and development of young, rising talent is equally vital. Succession is not just about continuity; it is about growth. We need to be intentional in mentoring the next generation—bringing them to the table early, giving them room to lead, and building inclusive pathways for advancement. The future of our industry depends on how well we prepare and invest in that next wave of professionals, many of whom will bring bold new ideas and challenge the status quo in positive ways.

SFNet’s Mentoring Program and 40 Under 40 Awards are helping to address these needs by helping to keep the industry’s next generation growing and succeeding.  The Secured Finance Foundation and the SFNet Inclusiveness Committee present SFNet’s Mentoring Program twice a year. This initiative facilitates connections between seasoned industry veterans and newcomers, and cultivates a supportive environment for mutual learning through virtual mentoring and has been profoundly successful.  I was proud to serve as a mentor in 2023 and offer guidance, support, and share insights with my mentee. There were 30 mentor/mentee pairs during the most recent iteration, which ended June 4.  This year’s cohort included members from diverse backgrounds, attracting mentees from across the globe.  The Fall Mentoring Program is expected to open in late September, and I encourage everyone to consider becoming a mentee or mentor.  

SFNet’s 40 Under 40 Awards gala, held in New York City on June 12 and now in its ninth year, honors the best and brightest in the secured finance industry from across the country.

Inclusiveness naturally aligns with the very nature of our work. In secured finance, we serve a wide range of businesses across industries, of all sizes, and stages. Every loan structure is tailored to a unique set of circumstances. That demands creativity, flexibility, and a deep understanding of what makes each client distinct. A more inclusive team is better equipped to approach deals with this nuanced lens—bringing in cultural, generational, and sectoral insights that allow us to craft better, more responsive lending solutions.

Looking ahead, I am encouraged by the growing awareness that inclusiveness is essential to the long-term strength of secured finance. From increasing gender representation to developing young professionals, to structuring loans that truly reflect the diversity of our economy—these are not separate efforts. They are part of a unified strategy to build a more agile, equitable, and enduring industry.

In conclusion, inclusiveness has been a cornerstone of my career. It has shaped how I lead, how I serve clients, and how I view the future. If we continue to nurture it—not just as an initiative, but as a mindset—we can unlock the full potential of our people and our industry.