Navigating Change: Identifying the Risks
and Opportunities in Financial Markets
WIFM Conference
May 21, 2025 | WilmerHale, New York City
This event is by invitation only
Agenda*
*Agenda subject to change
Time
Description
11:30 AM
30 Minutes
Pre-Event Networking & Lunch
12:00 PM
10 Minutes
Welcome
- Susan Schroeder, WilmerHale
- Julie Winkler, Board Chair, WIFM
- Jackie Mesa, Board Member – Leadership Committee Chair, WIFM
12:10 PM
30 Minutes
Ready for Change: A Fireside Chat with Courtney Leimkuhler
Change is inevitable—but readiness is a choice. Join us for an intimate conversation with Courtney, a seasoned leader whose career has been shaped by transformation at every turn. With deep expertise in financial markets and a track record of leading through uncertainty, Courtney brings powerful insight into how to navigate risk, embrace reinvention, and stay grounded amidst both planned and unpredictable change. This session will explore what is truly means to be ready—professionally and personally—when change comes calling.
Speaker:
- Courtney Leimkuhler, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Springbank
- Tara Dziedzic, Board Member, WIFM
12:40 PM
10 Minutes
Table Talk Networking Break
12:50 PM
Trailblazers: Shaping the Future of Financial Markets
Join a powerhouse panel of leaders who are not just navigating change—they’re driving it. These trailblazers are transforming the financial markets through bold ideas, innovative technologies, and forward-thinking strategies. From marketing evolution to digital disruption, they’ll explore what’s redefining the industry—and what it means for the next generation of leadership. The conversation will also spotlight challenges and opportunities facing women looking to break barriers and create lasting impact in the industry.
Speakers:
- Kristen Macleod, Managing Director, Global Head of Macro Distribution, Barclays
- Rash Reid, Managing Director, Head of Americas FICC Sales, Bank of America
- Stacy Selig, Global Head of Strategic Business Services, Millennium
Moderator:
- Jackie Mesa, Board Member – Leadership Committee Chair, WIFM
1:40 PM
Policy Shift: How the New U.S. Administration is Reshaping Financial Markets
From tax cuts to tariffs, deregulation to digital assets—the new administration is redrawing the economic map. In this timely session, Libby will break down the policies transforming the financial landscape, offering insight into both immediate market reactions and long-term implication. She’ll explore how these shifts are influencing investor behavior, global competitiveness, and the regulatory outlook—and what market participants should prepare for next.
Speaker:
- Libby Cantrell, Managing Director, Head of Public Policy, PIMCO
Moderator:
- Elizabeth Mitchell, Partner, WilmerHale
2:15 PM
Table Connections Networking Break
2:45 PM
Powering Your Path to the Boardroom: Elevate Your Digital Presence
In today’s competitive landscape, your online presence can open boardroom doors. This interactive session is designed for senior leaders in financial services ready to accelerate their path to board placement. From demystifying the board interview process to uncovering the truths and myths of board service, this session will dive into what boards are looking for—and how your digital brand can set you apart. Featuring practical strategies and a moderated Q&A, you’ll leave with insights you can act on now.
Speakers:
- Sulemaan Ahmed, Principal, Servo Annex and Board Member, Raynor Worldwide
- David Wodnicki, Digital Strategy Partner, LinkedIn
Moderator:
- Lona Mozumder, Board Member, WIFM
3:55 PM
Private Equity Now: Trends, Transitions & What’s Ahead
Get an inside look at the evolving world of private equity and private credit from the executives shaping it. In this dynamic conversation, leaders from top alternative asset managers will share insights on the market forces redefining the space, the career paths that led them here, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From deal flow to democratization, this session explores how private markets are transforming—and what it takes to lead in the next era of alternatives.
Speakers:
- Victoria Chant, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Capital Markets and Bank Relations, Blackstone
- Jacqui Hawwa, Partner, Internet, Digital Media, Communications & Consumer, TPG
- Amanda Magliaro, Head of Structured Capital Markets, KKR
Moderator:
- Karen Wares, Board Member, WIFM
4:45 PM
Closing
- Cassandra Seier, President and Chief Executive Officer, WIFM
5:00 PM
Happy Hour
6:30 PM
Event Ends
