The annual Women in Banking Conference was held March 27-28 at the Wichita Hyatt Regency, uniting nearly 200 attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors for two days of inspiration, connection and professional growth.
Julie Hower, KBA Chair-Elect
Welcome to Day One of Women in Banking
KBA Chair-Elect Julie Hower of Farmers and Drovers Bank in Council Grove opened the event by expressing gratitude to the sponsors, planning committee and staff for their contributions before welcoming the first speaker to the stage.
Shanna Adamic
The Power of Audacious Optimism
Shanna Adamic captivated the crowd with her powerful presentation, “The Power of Audacious Optimism.” Her personal journey is equally inspiring — after surviving a rare, life-threatening brain tumor that resulted in partial hearing loss, she defied the odds with just a 4% chance of regaining facial function. Shanna’s resilience and unwavering optimism are central themes in her memoir, “Audacious Optimism,” which encourages others to embrace uncertainty and unlock their full potential.
Joe Micallef
Banking is a Team Sport — Be a Captain, a Coach and a Cheerleader
Joe Micallef, a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience, reminded attendees that “banking is a team sport,” encouraging leaders to foster a collaborative, high-performing culture by embracing the roles of captain, coach and cheerleader within their teams.
Kathy Taylor and Kelly VanZwoll
KBA Government Relations Update
Kathy Taylor and Kelly VanZwoll outlined KBA’s state and federal legislative priorities, emphasizing their importance and the positive impact they’re poised to have on Kansas banks and the communities they serve.
Carmen Schwab, Haberfeld
Imposter Syndrome
Carmen Schwab with Haberfeld closed out on the first day, reminding attendees that when you know why you do what you do, even the toughest days become easier. Carmen stated, “Your mind is powerful, so be careful how you speak to it! If you tell it you can’t, you won’t. If you tell it you can, you will!”
Janice Litvin
Banish Burnout: Move from Stress to Success
Janice Litvin brought the energy to the second day with interactive activities and powerful insights! She highlighted that supporting employees isn’t just the right thing — it’s smart business. When leaders prioritize communication, growth and well-being, everyone thrives.
Anne Schutt, Midwestern Securities Trading Company
Building a Culture that Fosters Curiosity
Anne Schutt, CFP®, VP of Business Development at Midwestern Securities Trading Company LLC, challenged us to break down the barriers holding back curiosity in the workplace. By creating space for exploration, innovation and open-minded thinking, organizations can build cultures where employees feel valued, engaged and inspired to grow.
Tracie Brown
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
Lie detection is fascinating and powerful! To close out this year’s Women in Banking Conference, body language expert Tracie Brown delivered a captivating session on spotting deception through subtle gestures, facial cues and micro-expressions — game-changing insights for anyone in banking and finance!
Breakout Sessions
- Creating Value: Your Secret Ingredient to Success — Robb Rempel, Haberfeld
- Bank Teller to CEO: How You Can Achieve an Extraordinary Career in Banking — Joe Micallef
- Read the Room, Lead the Room: The Power of EQ — Dr. Emily Lehning
Thank You to the KBA 2025 Women in Banking Conference Planning Committee!
- Kaylene Plummer, Chairwoman, Farmers State Bank, Westmoreland
- Carmelita Taylor, Vice-Chairwoman, Astra Bank, Abilene
- Darla Braun, Bank of Hays, Hays
- Russell Bonitatibus, Lyon County State Bank, Emporia
- Kristie Henry, United Bank & Trust, Marysville
- Susan Rash, Community National Bank, Seneca
- Susie Roberts, Bank of Labor, Lenexa
- Dena Flach, Stockgrowers State Bank, Maple Hill
- Kathy Spain, Capitol Federal Savings, Topeka
- Jan Endicott, Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland
- Shanda Chambers, FirstOak Bank, Independence
