Empowering Women, Elevating Community Banking

October 22-23, 2025  | Fort Worth

Join us for a day of inspiration, insight and connection at the Women in Community Banking Conference—a dynamic, one-day event created by women, for women in Texas community banking. Whether you're just getting started or have decades under your belt, this is your space to learn from real stories, share your own and walk away energized for what’s next.

Hosted by the IBAT Education Foundation, this annual tradition dives deep into the topics that matter most—accounting, legal, compliance, employment and more—paired with powerful conversations on leadership, regulation and the unique challenges women face in the industry.

Come ready to grow your network, amplify your voice and celebrate the powerful community of women shaping the future of Texas community banking.

IBAT Member (Women Only): $150
 

                            

Keynote Speaker

Overcoming Obstacles
When life gives you lemons, grab some vodka and make spiked lemonade. Join us for an inspiring session with Darlene Ellison, Senior Vice President Community Bank Lender at Veritex Bank, as she uses personal stories to help us navigate change, pivots and transitions, both personally and professionally. 

Darlene is a Dallas native with 37+ years in psychology, finance and community leadership. As SVP and Lakewood Market Leader at Veritex Community Bank, she’s known for her strategic, relationship-driven business development. A nationally recognized author and child advocacy speaker, she’s appeared on Oprah, 20/20 and Dateline. Darlene founded five award-winning Women in Business groups across Texas and created an internship program for future women leaders. She’s been honored by Forbes, the Dallas Business Journal and SMU Cox for her impactful work in business and mentorship.

           

Schedule Preview

Wednesday, October 22
5:00-7:00 p.m. Networking Happy Hour
7:00 p.m.  Dinner on Your Own
Thursday, October 23
8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
8:30 a.m.
 Opening Remarks
8:45-9:45 a.m. Leadership Panel Discussion
9:45-10:00 a.m. Break
10:00-11:00 a.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2 Tracks):
  • Compliance Update: Apryl Salazar, IBAT, Compliance Select
  • Accounting Update
11:00-11:15 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m.  Keynote Speaker: Darlene Ellison, Veritex Bank
12:00 p.m. Networking Lunch 
1:00-2:00 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2 Tracks):
  • Legal Update: Jacque Kruppa, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and Beth Whitaker, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  • Navigating the Earnings Challenge
2:00-2:15 p.m. Break
2:15-3:15 p.m. Regulatory Panel
3:30 p.m. Adjourn

EVENT SPONSORS

 

 Diamond Sponsors
 
           
 Gold Sponsors
 
                             
 Silver Sponsors
 
Alliance Funding Group
CP Insurance Associates
 Bronze Sponsors
 
Digital Onboarding, Inc.
HC3
Strunk LLC