Check into the Summit and get your badge, ribbons and attendee bag!
Kick off your first day at the Summit with a light complimentary breakfast, perfect for fueling meaningful conversations and setting the stage for a day full of learning and networking!
Refresh your professional image with a complimentary headshot – perfect for LinkedIn, company bios and your PTW profiles. Receive your FREE digital headshot INSTANTLY via private text or email, delivered live on-site by Cashman Photo.
Celebrate diversity! Stop by to connect with one of our four inclusion groups: Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and Pride/LGBTQ+. All welcome to learn more and connect!
Speakers: Kelley Knutson, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, TSYS and Bijay Alex Mathew, Chief Revenue Officer, Art of Mentoring
Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion does not happen in a vacuum. Our male advocates are valued members of PTW and this is a unique opportunity for these allies to come together. Time for an open exchange and opportunity to meet and network with the male allies attending Summit.
More information to come.
Speaker: Mary Uslander, SVP Head of Revenue Operations, Fiserv Merchant Solutions
New to PayTech Women or ready for a fresh dose of inspiration? This fun, free and optional kickoff session will set you up for conference success! Meet seasoned PTW members, staff and fellow first-timers, and hear real stories about what makes our community so special.
We’ll walk you through what to expect, share tips for making the most of your time and break the ice so you start the conference with connections and confidence.
Step into the future with our AI Photo Experience – an interactive, tech-powered portrait station that transforms you into a one-of-a-kind AI Avatar. Perfect for sharing or keeping as a fun memento of Summit 2025!
Speaker: Jodie Kelley, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
Kick off our 18th Leadership Summit with a warm welcome from PayTech Women (PTW) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gail Burgos and 2025 Board President Audrey Blackmon who will highlight this year’s conference, launch our 20th anniversary celebration of PayTech Women and set the stage for an inspiring day.
Keynote session speaker Jodie Kelley, chief executive officer of ETA, will then bring her expertise and leadership perspective to the podium with a State of the Industry update.
Get energized and make a few new connections before the main sessions begin.
Speakers: Gretchen Rodriguez, Head of Product for Payments, TD and Claudia Schaefer, Vice President of Strategic Client Management, Capital One
From embedded finance to co-branded offerings, modern fintech is built on collaboration. This panel features senior women leaders who’ve built high-impact partnerships that scale. Hear how they negotiate deals, create value across ecosystems and lead with vision in a dynamic market.
Speakers: Moderator: Bailey Reutzel, Journalist, Live Media, American Banker, Sunil Sachdev, Senior Vice President, Embedded Finance and Digital Assets, Fiserv and Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director, Blockchain Foundation
This session is eligible for 1 ETA CPP credit.
Cut through the noise to understand the strategic implications of blockchain, cryptocurrency and stablecoin. In this panel, industry leaders will separate hype from reality, share where these technologies are truly driving value and discuss what executives need to know to stay ahead.
Walk away with insights to inform smarter decisions and future-proof your business strategy.
Speaker: Erin Barbeau, Senior Director, Sales Performance & Enablement, FIS
This session is all about no BS Leadership – giving you straight-up, practical tools to lead with guts, earn respect and build the kind of reputation that sticks. If you’re ready to stop managing and start being admired, you’re in the right room.
Speaker: May Ngeow, Vice President, Head of North America Product Client Strategy & Solutions, Visa
This session is eligible for 1 ETA CPP credit.
AI advancements are rapidly shaping the future of digital commerce, making it more personal, relevant and delightful for consumers. In this session, we'll cover the significant impact agentic AI is already making on payments and how we can all be thinking about extending the infrastructure, interoperability and capabilities of today's physical and digital experiences into agentic commerce.
Refuel, refresh and make new connections during this short break between sessions.
Celebrate excellence at our annual Awards Celebration, where we honor individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions throughout the payments industry, their own companies and the PTW community.
Speakers: Moderator: Diane Faro, Chief Executive Officer, Savify and Pamela Joseph, Operating Partner, Advent International
After the awards, learn from the wisdom and knowledge of Pamela Joseph, operating partner at Advent International. She will discuss market trends and what is signaling growth while in a conversation with Diane Faro, PayTech Women co-founder. This is a can’t-miss session with a recognized industry leader.
Enjoy a delicious lunch from a variety of unique buffet stations while being entertained by a special cultural celebration! More details to come soon.
Refuel, refresh and make new connections during this short break between sessions.
Speakers: Moderator: Greg Myers, Founder and Host, Leaders in Payments Podcast, Jonathan O'Connor, Chief Third-Party Payments Officer, Synovus and Nicholas Baxter, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)
This session is eligible for 1 ETA CPP credit.
Emerging technologies are transforming payments at a pace never seen before. From AI and machine learning to real-time rails and digital identity, banks are being challenged to innovate or risk falling behind.
This session dives into the technologies driving the future of payments and how banks are adapting their strategies to stay relevant, competitive and trusted in a fast-changing landscape.
Speaker: Margaret Weichert, Chief Executive Officer, The MorganWeichert Group, LLC
This session is eligible for 1 ETA CPP credit.
The line between financial services and everyday platforms is disappearing. In this session, we’ll explore how embedded finance and real-time payments are unlocking new customer experiences and revenue models across industries. Hear how companies are integrating these capabilities at scale and what it means for the future of money movement.
Speakers: Kelley Knutson, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, TSYS, Mayra Meza, Vice President, Agent Onboarding & Development, Card Connect and Mahima Caprihan, Principal, Services Business Development, Mastercard
In a fast-moving industry driven by innovation, purpose remains a powerful differentiator. This session explores what it means to lead with integrity in the payments and fintech space – from building value-aligned cultures to making decisions that balance growth with long-term impact. Hear from leaders who are redefining success by putting purpose at the center of strategy, leadership and stakeholder engagement.
As AI reshapes the future of fintech and payments, women leaders are playing a critical role in driving both innovation and responsible implementation.
This panel features executives at the helm of AI initiatives, sharing insights on real-world applications, ethical considerations and what it takes to lead with impact in AI-first era. Gain perspective on how to navigate opportunity and risk while shaping a more inclusive and accountable future.
This invitation-only event is limited to senior leaders with 15+ years of experience or holding senior-level positions. Connect with peers and strategize your board journey.
Join us for a transformative session tailored exclusively for senior female leaders.
Refuel, refresh and make new connections during this short dessert break between sessions.
Speakers: Patty Watson, Retired Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Technology Officer, Formerly NCR Atleos Corporation and Kymberly Cantrell, Vice President of the U.S. Merchant Acquisition and Supplier Enablement, American Express
Knowing the difference between a mentor and a sponsor can change the trajectory of your career. This session explores how to build a personal board of directors, leverage relationships for advancement and create opportunities through both mentorship and advocacy. Learn how to cultivate a network that accelerates your growth and influence.
Speaker: Rickey Bevington, President, World Affairs Council of Atlanta
In an era of soundbites and social media, how you show up in public matters as much as what you say. Led by Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Rickey Bevington, learn how to communicate with clarity, credibility and confidence.
Speakers: Moderator: Stacey Tappin, Vice President, Global Acquirer Processors, Visa and Darren Parslow, Global Head of Commercial Solutions, Visa
Success in global markets requires more than translation. It takes cultural intelligence, local relevance and a willingness to adapt. This session offers real-world perspectives on what it takes to thrive in international roles and build products that resonate worldwide. Gain practical insights into leadership abroad and global innovation.
Speakers: Stephanie Giunta, Marketing Director, Acertitude and Outhay Lovan, Chief Strategy Officer, VizyPay
Unpack the intersection of ambition and caregiving as women leaders share stories and strategies for navigating power, purpose and parenting without compromise.
More information come.
Speakers: Cameron Bready, Chief Executive Officer, Global Payments and Theresa Gongora, Head of Transformation for Merchant Solutions, Global Payments
Close out day one with an engaging discussion featuring Cameron Bready, chief executive officer of Global Payments, in conversation with Theresa Gongora, executive vice president at Global Payments and a PayTech Women past president.
Don't miss this opportunity to mingle, unwind and celebrate our first day of Summit and PayTech Women's 20th Anniversary! Enjoy delicious drinks and indulge in a flavorful spread of heavy appetizers while you reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections.
Enjoy the evening and local dining options at your own leisure! Discover nearby restaurants and enjoy a meal of your choice, whether solo or with new connections.
Check into the Summit and get your badge, ribbons and attendee bag!
Kick off your second day at the Summit with a complimentary breakfast, perfect for fueling meaningful conversations and setting the stage for a day full of learning and networking!
Refuel, refresh and make new connections before the main sessions begin.
Speakers: Stacey Abrams, Political Leader, Entrepreneur and Bestselling Leadership Author and Dr. Gail Burgos, Chief Executive Officer, PayTech Women
Welcome back to day two of the Leadership Summit! We will build on yesterday’s momentum and gear up for another day of learning, networking and moving forward!
PayTech Women Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gail Burgos sits down with renowned leader and visionary Stacey Abrams for an inspiring conversation about leadership and resilience. Hear Stacey’s journey, the lessons that shaped her success and walk away with strategies to strengthen your own career journey.
Step into the future with our AI Photo Experience – an interactive, tech-powered portrait station that transforms you into a one-of-a-kind AI Avatar. Perfect for sharing or keeping as a fun memento of Summit 2025!
Refresh your professional image with a complimentary headshot – perfect for LinkedIn, company bios and your PTW profiles. Receive your FREE digital headshot INSTANTLY via private text or email, delivered live on-site by Cashman Photo.
Refuel, refresh and make a few new connections during this short break between sessions.
Speaker: Jane Elliott, Chief Human Resources Officer, NCR Voyix
In today’s fast-paced tech environment, adaptability isn’t optional, it’s essential. This session explores how professionals at every level can build the skills, mindset and resilience needed to navigate constant change. Learn how to stay ahead of emerging trends, develop future-focused capabilities and lead with confidence in an industry that never stands still.
Speaker: Erin Saxby, Vice President of Technology Data Services, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)
This session is eligible for 1 ETA CPP credit.
AI is accelerating change across every industry and leaders must be ready. In this session, you will gain a strategic view of how AI is transforming the workplace and what that means for talent, operations and innovation. Learn what skills and leadership mindsets will be most critical by 2030 and how to future-proof your workforce in an increasingly automated world.
Speakers: Moderator: Margie Kreutz, Executive Director: Payments-Consumer Marketing and Insights, JPMorgan Chase and Gillian Almeida, VP Strategy and Insights, [solidcore]
In this session, you will hear from a seasoned consulting professional who successfully made the decision to change careers and work for corporate America in the wellness space.
Does it take courage or good planning to take the next step in your career and life? Explore the significance of purpose-driven leadership: its influence on career fulfillment and organizational success. Learn how to create inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces that encourage mentorship and support networks and employee engagement.
More information to come.
Speakers: Linda Perry, PayTech Women Co-Founder and Retired Senior Vice President, Visa, Inc. and Christine Lee, Advisor, True-Wind Capital
Every career path has its twists, turns and defining moments. This interactive session invites you to engage in candid, peer-led conversations about the choices that shape our professional journeys. Hear real stories and lessons from leaders at every stage and reflect on your own path in a space designed for connection, insight and growth.
Refuel, refresh and make new connections during this short break between sessions.
Speakers: Cynthia Knowles, Certified Leadership and Executive Coach, Valissa Pierrelouis, Leadership Strategist & Executive Coach, Standout Career Guide, A Coaching Practice and Stacia Smith, Business Development Executive, Verifone
Join us for an engaging and authentic fireside chat featuring distinguished professional career coaches and a panel of their former clients.
This session offers an inside look into the client-coach relationship, exploring how personalized coaching unlocked leadership potential, improved confidence, clarified strategic value and supported bold career moves. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of real progress, real challenges and real success. Whether you're considering working with a coach for the first time or looking to take your leadership to the next level, this session is designed to inspire and empower.
Speaker: Karen Helmberger, Director of FinTech and Payments, FS-ISAC
More information to come.
Speaker: Erica Woods, Head of U.S. State & Local Policy, Stripe
More information to come.
Speakers: Melissa Desjardins, Director, Protiviti and Melissa Burke Burnette, Head of Product Adoption, Channels and Vendors, FIS
As a leader in the payments industry, you're tasked with steering your organization through a period of unprecedented change. This session is designed for the non-technical executive who needs to understand the "why" and "what’s next" of modern payments technology.
We will explore the strategic implications of AI and APIs, not just their functions. We'll discuss how these technologies are reshaping the competitive landscape, creating new opportunities for innovation and demanding a new kind of leadership. Leave with a clear framework for integrating these technologies into your business strategy and leading your teams with confidence and vision.
Enjoy a delicious lunch from a variety of unique buffet stations. This casual gathering allows for time to expand your network, exchange ideas, catch up with old friends and visit our Corporate Partners who will have information and special experiences at their sponsored tables.
Speakers: Kristin Slink, Fintech Market Strategist, FIS, Lena McDearmid, Founder, Wryver, Kathryn Petralia, Co-Founder and Lynne Laube, Operating Partner, TTV Capital
More information to come.
Speaker: Tama Looney, Vice President, Strategic Programs, Global Payments
This session is eligible for 1 ETA CPP credit.
The payments industry is on the edge of its next big leap. Real-time payments, AI, digital currencies and evolving consumer expectations are converging to redefine how we think about money movement and commerce itself. In this fast-paced session, we’ll unpack third-party research and emerging insights to reveal the five trends poised to shape the next 3-5 years and what they mean for your business, your customers and your career. If you want to know where payments innovation is headed (and how to stay ahead of it), this is the session to attend.
Speaker: Christina Wagner, Senior Vice President, GTM Automated Finance, FIS and Rebecca Walden, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing Operations, Corvia
Ambition shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being. This session explores how to build a fulfilling career that lasts through intentional relationships, continuous learning and prioritizing wellness. Learn how to recognize and navigate the “ambition tax,” avoid burnout and lead your career with purpose and sustainability.
Speakers: Moderator: Jennifer Frasier, Senior HR Professional, Audrey Blackmon, Sr. Enterprise Sales Executive, Euronet, Amanda Hottel, Executive Director of Payments, JPMorgan Chase, Shivani Kulkarni, Product and Growth, CoreCard and Alison Gregg, Marketing & FInance Student, Kennesaw State
Explore how evolving generational values and mindsets are reshaping leadership styles and workplace dynamics, and what it takes to lead effectively across age groups in today’s shifting landscape.
Refuel, refresh and make new connections during this short break between sessions.
Speakers: Jessica Washington, Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and Lali Shaffer, Director, Payments Forum, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Our Final General Session brings the big picture into focus through a conversation with leaders from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on the central bank’s evolving role in payments and its impact on economic stability.
The discussion will highlight the Fed’s priorities in fostering innovation, enhancing system resilience and ensuring accessibility for consumers and businesses. Attendees will gain timely insights into how Federal Reserve policies and initiatives are shaping the future of payments and the broader economy, and what it means for the financial services industry.
Refuel, refresh, make new connections and get ready before the closing event.
Wrap up the Summit celebrating and connecting at our Legacy in Motion finale. Join fellow attendees to honor your accomplishments, reflect on the insights gained and look ahead to how you'll continue moving the industry forward. Mingle, enjoy refreshments and savor this final opportunity to build relationships and commemorate our shared journey.
