As a primarily women-run organization, CFCFA considers March 8 a special date on the calendar. It’s when we and so many others recognize International Women’s Day. This year, our team was proud to participate in two empowering local events inspired by the celebration.
CFCFA President Patty Huddle was invited to participate on a panel of women as part of Accenture’s Women’s Employee Resource Group event. She was proud to share experiences with an audience of 130 alongside peers including Kathy McDermott of Wendys. Suzan Kunta of the Lincoln Theater, Emmy award winning journalist Angela An, and Karla Bedner of Accenture. This was the 19th year Accenture has hosted conversations that advance gender equality and women’s rights. Special thanks to Abby Carleton for the invitation.
Because she participated in the Accenture panel, Huddle had to decline participation on the MODE Women in Economic Development panel. Instead, CFCFA Vice President Rose Roman, General Counsel Kaitlyn Geiger, and Director of Administration and Operations Leah Ferron attended the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange (MODE) annual meeting. The panel included a powerhouse panel of women in economic development, including CFCFA Board Member Darnita Bradley and former President Jean Carter Ryan. The panel was moderated by Jackie Russell, Director of Economic Development for the City of Whitehall.
In addition to this activity, CFCFA ESID Manager and Project Coordinator, Matt Lima, attended the Annual Conference hosted by the National Association of C-PACE Program Administrators. The event brought together program leaders, lenders, service providers, and partners from across the country, all focused on the evolving commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing programs. Matt didn’t have to travel far: it was hosted right here in Columbus at the offices of Bricker Graydon Wyatt.