Women have been essential contributors to the banking sector for decades, and their representation in leadership has progressively grown over the years to match their contributions. Women are rewriting the narrative of banking—one bold step, one innovative idea, and one leadership role at a time.
At Alkami, our Women in Banking initiative aims to amplify the voices of women, foster meaningful connections, and open doors to growth. This isn’t just an internal initiative—it’s a grass-roots movement that started with our customers and is grounded in community, inclusion, and professional development.
When women lead, financial institutions thrive. Organizations with diverse leadership aren’t just checking boxes—they’re outperforming their peers. A McKinsey report found that companies with the most diverse leadership teams are 27% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than their peers. Why? Because different perspectives breed better solutions.
Underscoring the urgency of fostering greater equity, women’s share of c-suite level positions continues to climb and is expected to reach almost 22% by 2031*. The banking industry doesn’t just need women at the table—it would benefit from them defining strategy, developing digital banking solutions, and setting the vision.
In 2023, a meaningful conversation between women at an industry event sparked the idea to capture that unique feeling of empowerment and connection. This led to the creation of the Women in Banking session at Alkami Co:lab. Born from a simple but transformative idea, that spark ignited a movement—a space where stories are shared, connections are built, and growth is inevitable. Over the years, the program has evolved into what it is today, a year-round program accessible to all.
Our program is built on three core pillars:
Creating pathways for women in leadership helps financial institutions reflect the diversity of their customer and member base, resulting in stronger, more inclusive decision-making. The benefits extend far beyond the boardroom:
And let’s not forget the power of allyship. We know that change doesn’t happen in isolation. Many of the women we’ve spoken with have talked about the importance of male allies. Those who believed in them, provided mentorship, and opened doors for them in their career journeys. At Alkami, Women in Banking isn’t just for women, it’s for everyone who champions equity and creates workplaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
Alkami’s Women in Banking program isn’t a singular event—it’s about shaping the future. From in-person networking events to highlighting stories that celebrate growth and achievement, we’re building a platform where voices are amplified, advice is shared, and change becomes inevitable.
One of our most impactful initiatives? Showcasing leaders who are challenging the status quo, shining a light on their experiences, innovating, and driving business results. Whether it’s a Chief Experience Officer sharing her journey or a mid-level manager inspiring others with her resilience, these stories prove that progress is possible.
Women in banking isn’t only about the C-Suite, it’s about fostering development across all levels of the organization – from the teller window to the board room. Investing in employee development and middle management establishes a trajectory for future leaders. Younger generations, particularly millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z), are driving a cultural shift in workplace values. For these groups, diversity isn’t just a preference—it’s a priority. Research from Glassdoor shows that 76% of employees and job seekers consider diversity an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers. This is especially true for Gen Z, who overwhelmingly value inclusivity and equity in the workplace.
Financial institutions that actively support women and diversity in leadership roles are better positioned to attract this talent pool – unlocking potential and creating stronger, more innovative financial institutions. By fostering environments where everyone thrives, professional development opportunities are available and equity is embraced, financial institutions send a clear signal to younger generations: this is a place where you can make an impact, grow, and belong.
At Alkami, we’re honored to be part of this journey, creating spaces where women can lead, thrive, and shine. Because when women rise, we all rise.
