VBA, the American Bankers Association and the Maryland Bankers Association partnered to host the fourth-annual virtual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit (DEI) for bankers on September 14, 2023. More than 510 people attended nationwide from 39 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. This event was an important part of continuing a meaningful dialogue on fostering positive change in the industry. The value-packed program helped bankers master the leading practices for mitigating the systemic barriers that disadvantage marginalized groups in the industry and gave actionable steps to implement change.

“This experience was eye opening on so many levels. I feel challenged to not only look back into my company’s policies but also reflect on my own beliefs and bias’s.”
- 2023 Summit Attendee

Photos from the 2023 DEI Summit

“You won’t regret attending this Summit, because it provides you with such valuable insight. Even for people that think they know everything about DEI, you will be shocked to realize there is still so much to learn. I think it’s also important to hear things in relation to biases to really self-reflect on your actions to ensure you always put your best foot forward.”
-2023 Summit Attendee

2023 Session Information

Opening Session: Courageous civility

• Shola Richards, Founder & CEO, Go Together™ Global, Best-selling Author, “Go Together”

The Changing Litigation and Regulatory Environment for Corporate DEI Programs

• Ishan K. Bhabha, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP

Introduction to Disability Inclusion & Awareness

• Joe Jamison, CPACC, CEO & Founder, VisitAble LLC
• Cory Paradis, ADAC, Chief Operating Officer, VisitAble LLC

DEI: Meaningful Metrics

• Naomi Mercer, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, American Bankers Association

Measuring Impact in Digital Banking

• Marina Gracias, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Varo Money, Inc.

DEI: LGBTQ+ Perspectives

• Samantha Maston, CAMS, BSA – CTR Alert Analyst, Fulton Bank
• Jacob Mowry, Vice President, Marketing Manager, F&M Bank
• Sar Moon Rose, IT Data Quality Senior Engineer, Fulton Bank
• Moderated By: Yokota Strong, CRCM, CAMS, CFE, EVP, Chief Compliance Officer, Broadway Bank

Exploring Dynamics of Class

• Charm Bullard, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

Closing Keynote: You can bank on harmony

• Pam Confer, Ph.D., Corporate Humorist, Master HR Trainer, Jazz Artist, Confer Consulting and Communications, LLC

“The DEI Summit is a must attend for all individuals in the DEI or HR space.”
- 2023 Summit Attendee

2023 DEI Award Winners

The inaugural ABA DEI Awards were announced during the summit and honored and recognized banks for their internal-facing programs, initiatives and activities focused on improving diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforces. 

Congratulations to the 2023 winners:

Outstanding Overall DEI Program Award

• Winner: Wintrust Financial Corporation
• Honorable Mention: United Bank

DEI Outstanding Leader Award

• Winner: Tammy Mata, Valley National Bank
• Winner: Natonya Harbison, Pathward Bank
• Honorable Mention: Eddie Alford, Pinnacle Financial Partners

Innovation Incentive Award

• Winner: Primis Bank
• Honorable Mention: Bank of the West