On June 11-12, women across the secured finance industry gathered in New York City for the SFNet Women in Secured Finance Conference. The event brought together professionals at every stage of their careers for a day of candid conversation, practical insights, and opportunities to connect.

The event kicked off with an evening reception hosted by Paul Hastings, LLP at their new Executive Lounge and Terrace. The gorgeous al-fresco setting provided a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to reconnect, meet new members, and take in views of the City before the full day of programming began.

The keynote conversation featured Suzy Welch, business professor, bestselling author, and leadership expert. In a discussion led by Jill Kirshenbaum of Briar Capital, Welch shared her personal and professional journey, marked by both success and the hard lessons that come with self-discovery. Her latest work, "Becoming You," explores how individuals can align their lives and careers with their true values. Welch explained how understanding your values – not just vague ideas like “kindness” or “integrity,” but the specific personal choices that shape your life — is key to building an authentic, fulfilling career.

Welch’s message struck a chord, especially with women navigating demanding finance careers. She spoke openly about the tension many face between ambition, family life, and the constant pull of societal expectations. Her advice was practical: understanding your personal values, recognizing where they conflict, and making conscious choices (rather than edits to fit others’ expectations) can help women feel more grounded and in control of their careers.

The conference also addressed the economic forces shaping the secured finance market. Economist Shannon Grein of Wells Fargo offered a clear-eyed look at current trade policy and tariffs. Grein explained how recent policy shifts are driving up costs, fueling uncertainty, and creating ripple effects across industries. While the data shows resilience in some areas of consumer spending, she warned that increased tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics will likely test businesses in the months ahead.

Throughout the day, breakout sessions, roundtables, and informal conversations gave attendees space to share challenges, compare experiences, and build relationships — a reminder that, even in a competitive industry, collaboration remains essential.

A final highlight was the last panel discussion, Women Shaping the Future of Secured Finance. Industry leaders shared their perspectives on how the landscape is evolving and the role women are playing in driving that change. The conversation covered everything from the growing demand for diverse leadership to how mentorship, sponsorship, and visibility are opening doors for the next generation.

With each year, the SFNet Women in Secured Finance Conference continues to foster connection, knowledge-sharing, and leadership development. Attendees left energized, with new tools, fresh perspectives, and already looking forward to the conversations and opportunities that next year’s conference will bring.

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