Women’s Leadership Forum Blazes New Trails

“We are here to blaze a trail like never before!” exclaimed ELFA Women’s Council Chair Jennifer Fanz as she kicked off the Women’s Leadership Forum, April 11-12 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. A diverse crowd of more than 240 industry leaders from around the country—representing a wide range of positions, industry sectors and experience levels—enjoyed a packed agenda of learning and networking. See more photos.


In a powerful panel moderated by Jennifer Fanz, equipment finance execs shared personal stories about their roads to success. L-R: Fanz; Melissa Donaldson, SVP, Chief Diversity Officer, Wintrust Financial; Nancy Pistorio, Foundation Chair and President, Madison Capital; Zack Marsh, CFO, Orion First Financial; and Eileen Schoonmaker, President & General Manager, Operations, DLL.


Jennifer Fanz, Chair of the ELFA Women’s Council and Senior Manager, Finance Organization Development at Intuitive Surgical Inc., kicked off the Forum.





Business Consultant Christy Riegert shared “Professional Mindfulness” techniques.















Neonu Jewell’s breakout session, “Examining Imposter Syndrome,” shared strategies for overcoming feelings of self-doubt that can stifle success.


In her keynote “Imperfect, Impactful Leadership,” Elise Holtzman advised attendees to embrace discomfort. Her breakout session, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” addressed how to create a career path forward.


Mary Abbajay delivered a spirited keynote on her best-selling book, “Managing Up—Working Successfully With Any Type of Boss.”


Early-birds watched the sun rise over Lake Michigan on the Fun Walk.


Networking was a large part of the Forum, and in the session “Igniting Relationships” Rhonda Miele, Global Program Manager, Commercial Academy, DLL had attendees practice and build their networking skills.