NEW YORK — Executives from some of the largest and smallest banks in the country gathered together at The Glasshouse in New York City Wednesday night to celebrate the 15 women honored this year as part of American Banker's annual Most Powerful Women in Banking Next Awards.
The Most Powerful Women in Banking Next honorees are women 40 years old and younger who are nominated by an executive at their institution who believes she has the potential to take on a C-suite role.
More than an awards show, the event also serves as a place to champion womens' achievement and help foster advancement, inclusivity and equity in banking and finance.
"It's fantastic to be here and recognize women in banking. They're an incredible part of the entire fabric of banking today," said Frank Pugliese, an executive vice president at PNC who was there in support of
"It's one thing to be recognized internally," Pugliese said. "But when you get that recognition outside the bank and you're recognized by your peers in that way, it goes to a whole different level. And I think that's really what this is about. It's about realizing that even outside of your institution, in the industry at large, you're making a difference."
The evening kicked off with a keynote address from
"There's so many things you learn along the way that you wish you would have known," Portney said. "I think at the beginning of your career too, it's very different… As you get more and more senior, what it takes to be successful does change."
Portney pointed to four key pieces of advice for the honorees, including: surround yourself with a great team; pick your battles; clear barriers for others; and ask for help.
"We're always working on ourselves. We're always a work in progress. It's ok to ask for help," she said.
Four college freshmenn were also honored with American Banker's 14th annual Young Women Leadership Awards, which grants, in conjunction with Discover, four $5,000 scholarships given to New York City high school graduates in support of their higher education plans.
"The four young women you're about to see take stage are storytellers, they're designers, they're entrepreneurs, they're activist leaders and overall disruptors, refusing to let the norm play out and instead create a space for not only themselves but their peers succeed," said Preya Patel, product leader at Discover Financial Services, introducing the scholarship winners.
"Their leadership is about breaking barriers and lifting others, demonstrating the kind of initiative and determination that will shape a brighter future not just for them, but for all," she said.
Recipients of the scholarship were:
- Amelia Camilleri, of Roosevelt High School, to attend Harvard University;
- Khadija Malik, of the Urban Assembly School for Leadership and Empowerment, to attend New York University;
- Rosario M., of Brooklyn Technical High School, to attend Fordham University; and,
- Florine Tutelman, of The Hewitt School, to attend Cornell University.
The night ended with the presentation of the
