MPC Interviews Wendy Holliday of PayTech Women
Please state your name, title, company, and email address to provide to prospective partners and customers interested in receiving more information.
Wendy Holliday, M.Ed., CAE
CEO
PayTech Women
www.paytechwomen.org
wholliday@paytechwomen.org
How are you different than other brands in your space?
PayTech Women (PTW) stands apart because we are more than just a network; we are a dynamic force advocating for diversity and inclusion at all levels within the payments and fintech industry. While many organizations focus on women’s professional development, PTW uniquely targets the specific challenges faced in payments and fintech – a fast-paced, evolving space. Our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where women thrive, combined with the tangible benefits of mentorship, coaching and leadership development, makes us a trusted partner to both individuals and corporate partners alike.
How would you describe your value proposition to prospective customers and channel partners?
For members, PTW offers an invaluable community and a wealth of resources designed to support their growth, whether they’re just starting their career or are already senior leaders. Our members gain access to top-tier industry events, significant education and networking opportunities that connect them with leaders in the payments space. For corporate partners, our value lies in our ability to reach a highly engaged, diverse professional pipeline. By investing in PTW, organizations demonstrate their commitment to DEI, while also reaping the benefits of attracting, retaining and promoting women who are equipped to lead in this rapidly evolving sector.
What recent challenges have your company’s leadership faced and how did you overcome them?
Like many organizations, we faced the challenge of adapting to a post-pandemic world. The shift to virtual events and remote collaboration presented both logistical and engagement opportunities. However, our leadership embraced the change by enhancing member benefits and focusing on helping in each phase of our members’ careers. Members responded with pre-pandemic membership levels of 1,325 compared to current membership levels of 6,187, a 367% increase in membership. Our signature event, the PayTech Women Leadership Summit, saw similar growth – from 218 attendees pre-pandemic to an expected 700 attendees in 2024 – a 221% increase in attendance.
What recent milestone have you achieved and why is it significant?
We are on the cusp of our 20th anniversary – a monumental milestone for PayTech Women. As the only non-profit primarily serving gender equity in our industry, it reflects two decades of dedication to empowering women in the payments industry. The growth of our membership to more than 6,000 individuals across 250 companies speaks volumes. This achievement is significant because it highlights our staying power in a fast-evolving industry. As we look to the future, this milestone affirms our commitment to leading the charge for DEI, fostering professional development and expanding our reach in ways that continuously evolve with the needs of our members.
What near-term opportunities will 2024 bring for PayTech Women?
2024 is shaping up to be a year of tremendous opportunity. We are focused on expanding our global footprint and creating more localized chapters and international forums to better serve our growing membership. Additionally, we plan to launch new initiatives aimed at addressing the growing intersection of technology and financial services, particularly around AI and digital payments.
We’re also committed to increasing the diversity of our membership base by attracting not only more women but also those from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as our male advocates. No one does anything great alone – it takes our entire membership to see the fulfillment of our vision – “A world where a women’s potential is as unlimited as her ambition.”
Our goal is to ensure that PTW remains a hub for innovation, inclusion and leadership development in the payments and fintech sectors.
What’s a key trend for your industry in 2024, and why do you think it’s important?
One of the most significant trends in 2024 will be the continued rise of AI and automation in the payments and fintech industries. As these technologies reshape how financial services are delivered, it’s critical for professionals – especially women – to have a seat at the table as these innovations evolve. AI is transforming everything, from fraud detection to personalized financial experiences, and with it comes a growing demand for new skills and leadership. This trend is important because it creates both opportunities and challenges for companies and individuals alike. At PayTech Women, we’re committed to helping our members stay ahead by providing the education, tools and networking necessary to navigate and lead in this increasingly digital world.