The Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ IBAT Education Foundation will host the 2025 Women in Community Banking Conference, October 22 and 23 in Fort Worth. A forum for women at all levels of the community banking industry to come together to share, learn and grow from one another’s experiences, the event will feature deep dives into areas of banking such as accounting, legal, compliance and employment while touching on the hard-hitting topics of leadership and regulatory through robust panel discussions.
The conference schedule includes an opening reception and network happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 22 (with the rest of that evening open). The following day will feature a keynote address, leadership panel discussion, compliance, legal and accounting updates, regulatory panel discussion and networking luncheon. Speakers and presenters will include Darlene Ellison, Veritex Community Bank; Apryl Salazar, IBAT/Compliance Select; Jacque Kruppa, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP; and Beth Whitaker, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP.
In her keynote address, “Overcoming Obstacles,” Ellison, senior vice president/Lakewood market leader at Dallas-based Veritex Community Bank, will tap into personal stories to help attendees navigate change, pivots and transitions, both personally and professionally. Ellison is a Dallas native with more than 37 years of experience in psychology, finance and community leadership. A nationally recognized author and child advocacy speaker, she’s appeared on Oprah, 20/20 and Dateline. She has founded five award-winning Women in Business groups across Texas and created an internship program for future women leaders. Ellison has been honored by Forbes, the Dallas Business Journal and SMU Cox for her impactful work in business and mentorship.
IBAT is partnering with the nonprofit organization Girls Inc. of Tarrant County for the 2025 Women in Community Banking Conference. Girls Inc. empowers girls in grades six to 12 to discover their strengths, embrace their voices and achieve their full potential through mentorship, education and a powerful sense of sisterhood. Their work touches the lives of nearly 17,000 young women each year—helping to shape the confident leaders of tomorrow. Conference attendees are invited to support the nonprofit’s mission by bringing items from the Girls Inc. Wish List or by purchasing directly from its Amazon Wish List.
Registration for the Women in Community Banking Conference is $150. Click here to register for the conference.
Accommodations for the Women in Community Banking Conference have been arranged with SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, 2315 N. Main St. in Fort Worth. The discounted rate is $229 (plus taxes and fees), available until September 26. Self parking $15 daily and valet parking $20 daily. Click here to reserve accommodations at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards.
