Words of wisdom from the US Women in Treasury & Finance Award winners
Published: Dec 2025
From challenging the status quo to looking for talent in different places, five of this year’s Women in Treasury & Finance Award winners share their insights, reflections and advice.
On 22nd October, participants from across the US came to Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York for the 2025 Women in Treasury & Finance US Forum.
The event included a presentation for five of the winners of this year’s Women in Treasury & Finance Awards, during which the winners were invited to share their words of wisdom for attendees. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Take one step at a time
“Here’s a secret for you – change is not in my nature; I don’t necessarily like it! That’s going to be very counterintuitive, but I look at things as opportunities.
“Opportunities are everywhere. I look at option A and option B and ask how my life will be different if I choose one path versus another. Then I take one step at a time.
“Every single person who has accomplished big things in their life – they’ve just spoken one word at a time, typed one character at a time, taken one step at a time.”
Ilkim Saracel, Dir. Assistant Treasurer, Nextracker
Champion of Change Highly Commended Winner – The Americas
2. Challenge the status quo
“Unlike Ilkim, I love change – even though I’ve been with Siemens for more than 30 years, which gives my life a strong sense of consistency. Perhaps because of that stability, I like to keep things lively by exploring new ideas and fresh possibilities.
“I’m always curious about how we can continue to grow. Even if we refined something just last year, I enjoy revisiting it with a new perspective to see how we can elevate it further.”
Nicola Bates, President and CEO, Siemens Capital Company
Champion of Change Overall Winner – The Americas
3. Use finance as a force for good
“When I started CNote many years ago, I had a very simple premise: can we use finance as a tool for performance and as a force for good? And today, I smile when I look at so many of our corporate partners in the room.
“We are helping treasurers and institutions move their corporate cash – the cash that’s sitting in money markets and banks – back into community to drive change, fund underestimated entrepreneurs, create affordable housing, and make sure there’s economic opportunity in every corner of this country.”
Cat Berman, CEO and Co-Founder, CNote
Leading Light Overall Winner – The Americas
4. Look for talent in different places
“When I received the notification that I’d won the award, I had no idea my team had nominated me. Even though they aren’t here today, I accept this award on their behalf.
“Throughout my career, I’ve noticed that talent is everywhere you look – but what isn’t shared as equally is opportunity. So I challenge all of us as leaders: when we have the chance, let’s look in different places. If we keep looking in the same places, we’ll always get the same results. Let’s make it a point to share opportunities with people who don’t generally get that chance.”
Sharon Dobson, Treasury Manager, DuPont
Woman of the Year Highly Commended Winner – The Americas
5. Value every voice
“Being named Woman of the Year is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I strive to lead with integrity and resilience, and really focus on empowering my team to reach their full potential. I’m profoundly grateful to my BMS team, whose dedication, diverse perspectives and unwavering support have made my role as treasurer so much fun and so meaningful.
“This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to everyone who has walked alongside me, championed inclusion, and helped create a workplace where every voice is valued.
“To all the women in treasury, please remember that your contributions matter. Your leadership is really needed, and your potential is limitless. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Sandra Ramos-Alves, Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Bristol Myers Squibb
Woman of the Year Overall Winner – The Americas
Nominations for our 2026 Women in Treasury & Finance Awards will open on 5th January. More information on our awards and how to get involved can be found here.
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