On Thursday 12^th October over 110 senior treasury professionals gathered at The Pierre hotel in Midtown Manhattan to celebrate diversity at our second Women in Treasury New York Forum.

An inspirational line up of senior industry speakers shared their experiences and insights on a broad range of issues affecting many women and men working in treasury across the USA, whilst also offering some valuable advice to the audience.

The panel featured:

• Susan Mercer – Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Cargill, Incorporated
• Jenifer Herdin – Vice President, International Treasury, Viacom
• Mary Gilbert – Treasury Manager, Duracell
• Karen Gilhooly – Executive Vice President, Global Liquidity and Cash Management, Head of Client Management – North America, HSBC
• Eric Houser – Executive Vice President, Head of Technology, Media and Telecom Corporate Banking Group, Wells Fargo

2017’s dynamic panel discussion was facilitated by Sophie Jackson, Associate Group Publisher at Treasury Today Group and assessed what diversity and inclusion actually mean for a modern US audience. The panel also addressed issues of visibility for women and minorities. Honing in on the specifics of corporate treasury and the stumbling blocks to greater representation, the panel’s overwhelming tone was energetic and determined with many impactful calls to action for our audience to take away. Amongst them were the importance of speaking out and making the use of your seat at the table, giving back to the next generation (not just at work), stopping the antagonism towards millennials and pushing forward for a better working environment for all.

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Commenting on the Women in Treasury initiative and the success of this most recent event, Meg Coates, Associate Publisher EMEA and Americas, said: “In a year full of political and economic turbulence and upheaval, it can sometimes feel like we have taken a step backwards. However, events such as this are part of a global movement, a steady march towards equality. Together we can continue to push diversity forward in the world of corporate treasury.”

Following the panel discussion, an energetic and enthusiastic question and answer session took place, with audience members keen to find out more about our panellist’s careers and the challenges they have faced and overcome.

Speaking about the success of this year’s panel, Sophie Jackson said: “I’m delighted at this, our second Women in Treasury Forum in New York, to see how far both our Women in Treasury initiative and the global dialogue around diversity and inclusion have come.”

Treasury Today Women in Treasury initiative

Treasury Today’s Women in Treasury initiative recognises the importance of equality and diversity across the corporate treasury profession and creates a means for women and men across the industry to communicate with one another, learn from each other and build relationships in order to help each other. Women need to be much more visible in their roles, both inside and outside of their organisations.

The Women in Treasury initiative seeks to offer a platform to make women more visible and to bring women and men together to discuss and celebrate diversity in the corporate space. As well as our forums, we also:

• Profile female leaders.
• Run an annual global study of women working in the treasury profession – download our 2017 study now.
• Adam Smith Awards Women of the Year category 2018 – Recognising exceptional female treasurer’s achievements; nominate someone in your team or yourself.

To learn more about Treasury Today’s Women in Treasury initiative please visit: treasurytoday.com/wit

  Become a member of our Women in Treasury LinkedIn Group. Contribute your insights and talent and be part of our discussions and articles online. Please contact Sarah Arter to join and be part of our successful programme.