Driving DEI at the 2023 Equity Forum

Second annual event generates excitement 

ELFA MEMBERS CONVENED in New Orleans on Sept. 13–14 to celebrate and advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the equipment finance industry at the 2023 Equity Forum. The theme of the Forum, “A Journey That Involves All of Us: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Is Good for Business, Good for Hiring and Good for You,” couldn’t have been more timely as we enter uncertain economic and political times. Equity Committee Chair Scott Thacker opened the event by celebrating where we started as a committee, what we’ve accomplished and where we’re headed. More than 50 attendees spent the next day and a half unpacking strategies for building an inclusive workplace, making the business case for DEI and discussing hiring for diversity.    


Scott Thacker addresses the Forum. 

 The participation, engagement and stories shared showed just how passionate members are about these topics, and the excitement was palpable as we talked about ways attendees are driving DEI projects and programs at their member companies and throughout the industry.  


Tanisha Gordon-Flowers of Cisco Systems Capital Corporation, Jon Gerson of Executive Solutions for Leasing & Finance and Eboni Preston-Laurent of ELFA discussed “Recruiting in Our Industry.” 

At the closing session we gave each of the attendees the charge to go back to their workplaces and listen, learn and lead with kindness, and never give up.  

As I prepare to step into the role of Equity Committee Chair, I have some big shoes to fill. I take the baton from founding Chair Scott Thacker with honor as I continue to build on this solid foundation and explore new ways to bring DEI into focus.  


Attendees brainstormed “How to Create a DEI Focus Throughout the Employee Lifecycle.” 

I would like to thank Scott for his leadership over the past four years. His vision is what got this committee off the ground in 2019, and it has been his steadfast devotion to this cause that has driven us forward. And he is, in part, the reason everyone gathered in New Orleans for the 2nd Annual Equity Forum to discuss the pressing issues our industry faces, reinforce the importance of equity and share our stories.  


In “The Hand You’re Dealt” session, attendees played a card game that outlined some of the systemic barriers to employment for marginalized communities. 

I also would like to share a special thank you to the planning committee for this year’s Forum, a huge welcome to the newest committee members (buckle up: we have a lot of work to do), and an invitation to all of you to attend next year’s Forum.  

I plan to lead this committee forward with empathy and unity at heart—keeping an open mind and constantly learning how we make our companies, our industry and our world more equitable places. 


Megan Yeh from Keybridge talked about “DEI in the Manufacturing Industry and Beyond.”  

Save the date: The 2024 Equity Forum will be held July 9-10 in Philadelphia. We hope to see you and members of your team there!