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About this event
Community banks and mid-size banks continue to feel vulnerable with deposit run-offs and precarious recapitalizations. Large banks are suddenly back as a preferred choice.
Is there a structural problem in banking? What are the new risks at play that bank executives and their boards are having to consider? Do situations like these merit additional regulation, oversight, and disclosures? And, what is the role of executives and boards in risk, audit, and controls to prevent these situations?
Join Erin Essenmacher, Chief Experience and Strategy Officer at Athena Alliance as she hosts a panel with Cigdem Gencer, Myrna Soto, and Terry Schwakopf that will explore what conversations are or should be taking place in the boardroom as the situation continues to play out, focusing on the big takeaways for board members.
Experts
Myrna Soto Corp Director / Board Member
Myrna has over 28 years of Information Technology/CyberSecurity experience. Myrna is the Founder and CEO of Apogee Executive Advisors, an advisory firm specializing in CyberSecurity, Technology Risk, Board Service and Governance.
Myrna serves on several publicly traded company boards including CMS Energy, Spirit Airlines, TriNet and Popular Inc. She is recognized as a Governance and Board Leadership Fellow by NACD. She also serves on two private company boards HeadSpace Health and Delinea (a cybersecurity technology provider).
She most recently served as the Chief Strategy and Trust Officer for Forcepoint. She also served as COO of a managed security service provider (MSSP) as well an Investment Partner at ForgePoint Capital. Her previous
roles include serving as Corporate SVP & Global CISO for Comcast Corp, CISO MGM Resorts and other senior leadership positions with American Express, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines and
Kemper Insurance.
She is a highly decorated executive with a long list of recognitions including, being recognized as NACD Directorship 100™ Honoree 2022. She was previously named to Directors & Boards Magazine as a Director to Watch. She also was recognized by boardiQ as a Hall of Fame LatinX | Hispanic Top 100 Honoree. Latino Leaders magazine recognized her in 2021 as one of the Top 100 most influential Latinas in business (for several years now in a row) and a Hall of Fame Honoree in 2022.
Cigdem Gencer Founder, Executive Coach » Leadership Development
Cigdem Gencer is a financial services and data/analytics executive. She has twice been a Chief Financial Officer at Fortune 100 public and mid-size private companies, driving 2-3x level improvements to achieve sustainable scaling and growth. Cigdem has specific expertise in foreseeing challenges associated with rapid scaling, and creating strategies for anticipating and managing potential risk
with the right combination of people, process, and infrastructure.
Cigdem held progressive roles at Wells Fargo over 17 years of leadership across a wide array of businesses and functions, including CFO and COO of Wealth Management, EVP/Head of International HR, EVP/Head of Customer Remediation. Prior to that, she was the CFO at Intrax Cultural Exchange, an international, cultural, and educational exchange company. Her early career includes executive roles at a B2B startup (ADPM) and a decade of Financial Services-vertical consulting with First Manhattan Consulting Group and Mitchell Madison Group, where she helped establish the Madrid, Spain office.
In 2020, Cigdem founded Fazilet Consulting, focused on coaching and guiding leaders, teams, and organizations in achieving sustained high-performance. She has coached professionals and teams in all growth stages and has personally built high-performing international teams that have answered the call on every level – strategically, financially, and competitively.
Cigdem’s acute business acumen, emotional intelligence, communication, and analytical skills have contributed to her success. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University, and a patent in analytic methodologies. In addition, she currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the SF-Marin Food Bank.
Terry Schwakopf Senior Advisor
Terry Schwakopf currently serves as an Independent Senior Advisor to the banking practice of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, which provides governance, regulatory, and risk strategies advisory services to clients in the banking industry. Previously, Ms. Schwakopf worked for twenty-three years in increasingly senior positions with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, where she was Executive Vice President with overall responsibility for banking supervision, community affairs, the corporate secretary’s office and corporate communications. She also spent three years with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington D.C. overseeing regional and community bank supervision and in a special unit that dealt
with systemic issues in the banking and savings and loan industries.
Since leaving the Federal Reserve Ms. Schwakopf has also served on the board of directors of several banks (Bridge Bank, Rabobank NA, and Nara Bank) and nonprofit organizations. She currently is on the boards of Banner Bank and IDB Bank and the advisory boards of Blockchain Capital and Blockchain
Coinvestors.
Hosts
Erin Essenmacher Chief Strategy and Experience Officer
Erin Essenmacher has 25 years of experience in media, education strategy and corporate governance. She has written, directed, and produced films for PBS, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the History Channel, and CNN, and worked with brands like Sony, Apple, Acura, and The Gap.
Over the last decade Erin served on the executive leadership team National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) where she was responsible for the design and delivery of board member training, new product development, organizational strategy and thought leadership innovation. In her role, Erin focused on helping directors make sense of the changing role of the board and how it impacts their mandate, including a deeper understanding of ESG, cyber security, regulatory risk, geopolitical disruption, diversity, culture and digital transformation. During her tenure, Erin helped double NACD membership and drove a 400% growth in education revenue.
Her new venture, The Brigh Group helps organizations develop or reimagine content strategy, growth through partnership and better corporate governance. She is also the founder of Feisty Aphrodite, which focuses on original content creation and advising organizations and other makers on media and content strategy.
Erin has been a frequent speaker on corporate governance, strategy and risk oversight, presenting at industry meetings and conferences and as a regular contributor to Directors and Boards magazine. She has served on boards across sectors including as director for the iconic clothing retailer EILEEN FISHER where she chaired the People and Culture committee and helped lead design of the CEO succession plan. She currently sits on the board of Docs in Progress and the Advisory Board for the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University
Tue, Jun 06 @ 8:30am PT (1 hr)
VIRTUAL (Join us remotely! RSVP for link)
Open to Public
Salon
Upcoming Events
Join us for a Salon or Meetup to get a peek inside our community! Peer Groups and Learning Circles are exclusively for members - log in here
- ALL events
- A Look Inside Athena
- Peer Group
- Salon
- Meetup
- Orientation
A Look Inside Athena
A Look Inside Athena is held monthly for prospect members to come and understand how Athena works. They will learn more about the backstory of Athena, see a tour of our platform, and have the opportunity to discuss more of what they are interested in and ask questions about joining our community.
Salons
Learn about the most pressing topics facing executives today in an intimate, yet casual, virtual setting. Hosted by board directors and leaders from the world's top brands.
Meetups
Gather with Athena members in your area for a casual, in-person Meetup. These are planned by request and hosted by Athena members in various cities. If you're interested in hosting and/or joining a meetup in the future, reach out to the Member Success Team and let them know.
Peer Groups
We have an incredible community of female leaders at Athena and we want to bring you closer together! Join a Peer Group and build a network of peers you can engage with for guidance, lessons learned and insights around a shared interest. Choose a topic that most interests you or drop in and out of multiple peer groups as it suits you best. You’ll find at least one peer group available to join every week. Each live session goes for one hour, no preparation is needed, just show up as you are. We look forward to seeing you there!
Learning Circles
A Learning Circle is an opportunity to connect with a small group of other Athena members in a focused yet casual setting, creating accountability around targeted learning to assist you in achieving your goals. Over the course of 6 sessions, club members will meet every 2 weeks to participate in an organic, peer-led discussion of the session's "chapters" consisting of 1-2 Athena salons which are to be reviewed on your own prior to the group session. When joining, members are committing to completing all 6 sessions.
Guided Networking
Typically led by one of Athena's coaches, networking events provide members an opportunity to meet one another in a smaller intimate and virtual setting.
Partner Events
These are typically in-person events led by Coco and our partnering companies on topics that are relevant to the industry and audience of our business partners.
Workshops
A workshop is an interactive session for members to actively practice something, such as their pitch. These sessions typically involve breakout rooms, member to member feedback and are not recorded.
Orientations
For members new to Athena looking for ways to engage, these bi-weekly orientations led by an Athena Member Success Manager, provide a live tour of Athena, member success insights, and a chance to get questions answered.
Enterprise Events
Athena customizes virtual learning events with expert business leaders tailored to a unique company’s needs. These events cultivate cross-functional community, development, and learning across the partner organization.
Other
Athena listens and we're always adding new event types and opportunities for members to engage. See what new events we are currently offering members.
No Upcoming Events Found.
Peer Group
Athena's Book Club - Currently reading Burn Book by Kira Swisher
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Anna Goranson, Mirna Daouk
Salon
Strategies to Land Your Next Great Role
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Susan Alban
Peer Group
Go-to-Market Leaders
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Rebecca Jones
Meetup
In Person: A Coaching Walk with Coco Brown and Sheryl Kline in San Diego, CA (11:00-1:00 PM PT)
Host: Sheryl Kline
Experts: Coco Brown
Salon
Ripped from the Headlines: Risk, Crisis & Tech Governance in Turbulent Times
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Andrea Bonime-Blanc
Peer Group
Board Readiness Course Alumnae
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Meetup
In Person: Sip and Inspire in Miami, FL (5:00-7:00 PM ET)
Host: Tami Reiss
Experts: Erin Essenmacher
Salon
Understanding and Accessing the ESOP Landscape of Board Opportunities
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Jessica Carps, Randi Feigin, Cora Carmody
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Caitlin Sachdev, Shelly Morales
Salon
Unleashing Your Philanthropic Impact
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Alissa May, Holly Copeland
Peer Group
Unleash Your Impact Alumnae
Host: Jocelyn King
Meetup
In Person: Pivot in Power in Seattle, WA (6:00-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Andrea Ostrovsky
Experts: Ambika Singh, Sally Bergesen
Salon
CEO Perspectives with Richard Ridinger, Chairman of the Board at Brenntag and Recipharm
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Richard Ridinger
Meetup
In-Person: Off the Grid Wine Tasting in Atlanta, GA (6:00-8:00 PM ET)
Host: Erin Brown
Meetup
In Person: Athena Walking Group in Mountain View, CA (5:30-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Barbara Troupin
A Look Inside Athena
A Look Inside Athena
Host: Coco Brown
Salon
Financing for Small to Mid-Cap Diversity-Owned Businesses
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Yuriko Mita
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Cate Goethals
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Meetup
In Person: Connect with Coco in Moss Beach, CA (5:00-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Coco Brown
Meetup
In Person: Rocky Mountains Meetup in Denver, CO (6:00-8:00 PM MT)
Host: Stephanie Beguin
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Coco Brown, Julia Vax
Peer Group
Audit Committee
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Carol Coughlin, Katrinka McCallum
Salon
Miracles, Mysteries, and Motivation
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Experts: Maryann Bruce
Peer Group
Go-to-Market Leaders
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Rebecca Jones
Peer Group
Nom/Gov Committee
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Karen Cone
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Cate Goethals
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Meetup
In Person: Impact Circle in Seattle, WA (5:00-7:00 PM PT)
Host: Gavriella Schuster
Experts: Coco Brown
Meetup
In Person: A Walk in Central Park in New York, NY (6:30-8:00 PM ET)
Host: Neeha Curtis
Experts: Rachel Owens
Peer Group
Athena's Book Club - Currently reading Burn Book by Kira Swisher
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Anna Goranson, Mirna Daouk
Salon
AI in the Boardroom
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Experts: Meghan Anzelc
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Alice Brennan
Salon
Non-Traditional Board Journeys
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Andrea Bonime-Blanc
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Salon
Taking Risks as a Woman
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Karen Bulluck
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Caitlin Sachdev, Shelly Morales
Peer Group
Unleash Your Impact Alumnae
Host: Jocelyn King
Salon
Innovating for Impact
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Zenia Tata
Meetup
In Person: WE Global Founderverse Summit & Launch Party (2:00-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Coco Brown
A Look Inside Athena
A Look Inside Athena
Host: Coco Brown
Peer Group
Compensation Committee
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Suja Chandrasekaran
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Peer Group
Board Readiness Course Alumnae
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Salon
CEO Perspectives with Jennifer Tejada, CEO of PagerDuty
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Jennifer Tejada, Suja Chandrasekaran
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Salon
Establishing Your Executive Presence
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Experts: Kathryn Vandiver
Salon
Ripped from the Headlines: Risk, Crisis & Tech Governance in Turbulent Times
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Andrea Bonime-Blanc
Meetup
In Person: Colorado Convention in Denver, CO (6:00-8:00 PM MT)
Host: Courtney Harrison
Experts: Coco Brown
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Coco Brown
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
Succeeding in Your First Board Role
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Salon
Proxy Advisors - What Do They Do And How Much Influence Do They Really Have?
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Nichol Garzon-Mitchell
Salon
CHRO Perspectives with Sheri Bronstein, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bank of America
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Sheri Bronstein, Belen Gomez
Peer Group
Go-to-Market Leaders
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Rebecca Jones
Peer Group
Nom/Gov Committee
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Karen Cone
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Cate Goethals
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Meetup
In Person: A Cozy Evening in Mukilteo, WA (6:00-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Beth Lewis
Salon
Chair[wo]man of the Board
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Gayle Crowell
Salon
Taking an Intentional Pause
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Kim Newton
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Alice Brennan
Salon
Experienced Board Director AMA with Sheila Bangalore
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Sheila Bangalore
Salon
Experienced Board Director AMA with Nina Vaca
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Nina Vaca
Meetup
In Person: Empowerment Evening in Los Angeles, CA (6:00-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Donna Raphael
Peer Group
Athena's Book Club
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Anna Goranson, Mirna Daouk
Salon
Trailblazing Founders: Breaking Through Invisible Boundaries
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Deepti Pahwa
A Look Inside Athena
A Look Inside Athena
Host: Coco Brown
Salon
Ripped from the Headlines: Risk, Crisis & Tech Governance in Turbulent Times
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Andrea Bonime-Blanc
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Peer Group
Board Readiness Course Alumnae
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Salon
New Ventures and Innovation in the Digital Age
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Rika Nakazawa
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Caitlin Sachdev, Shelly Morales
Peer Group
Unleash Your Impact Alumnae
Host: Jocelyn King
Salon
How Prescient Boards Evaluate Compliance Offices and Provide Oversight
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Avril Ussery Sisk
Salon
CEO Perspectives with Anika Howard
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Anika Howard
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
Succeeding in Your First Board Role
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Peer Group
Nom/Gov Committee
Host: Cristina Scharffenorth
Experts: Karen Cone
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Cate Goethals
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Peer Group
Audit Committee
Host: Gabriela Aneas
Experts: Carol Coughlin, Katrinka McCallum
Salon
Become an Investor
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Lilia Shirman
Peer Group
Go-to-Market Leaders
Host: Analuisa Martinez
Experts: Rebecca Jones
Peer Group