Women in Leadership Philadelphia
About Women in Leadership
Women in Leadership promotes diversity and inclusion by welcoming all employees to participate in building strong relationships to spark collaboration, foster relationships, support personal and professional development, and encourage volunteerism.
Women in Leadership also supports the People’s United Bank’s Guiding Principles to promote growth and performance by leveraging women in leadership to:
About Women in Leadership
Women in Leadership promotes diversity and inclusion by welcoming all employees to participate in building strong relationships to spark collaboration, foster relationships, support personal and professional development, and encourage volunteerism.
Women in Leadership also supports the People’s United Bank’s Guiding Principles to promote growth and performance by leveraging women in leadership to:
Attract, support, develop, promote, and retain women in our workforce (Succeed Together)
Build relationships and network with female clients and influencers in our markets (Care for Customers)
Foster collaboration across business lines to participate in community initiatives that benefit women (Community Partnership Matters)
Further endorse and reinforce our brand (Deliver Outstanding Results)
How It Works
- Inclusive organization implemented through regional chapters
- Employees become members of regional chapters
- Membership is open to all employees
- Regional chapters have a leadership team to coordinate and market events and communicate with members
- Local events range from professional development sessions with presentations from guest speakers, networking opportunities, community outreach activities and opportunities to learn, growth and contribute at any career level
Take the Imposter Syndrome Quiz
Do you suffer from Imposter Syndrome, that sneaking (and deflating) feeling that your accomplishments are really just due to luck or some other factor outside yourself? Here’s a quick self-assessment quiz from Jill Laufenberg, presenter Leading with Sincere Confidence, a virtual event from Women in Leadership.
Philadelphia Chapter Leaders
Donna Emhart – People’s United Bank SVP Corporate Banking
Ms. Emhart has been with People’s United Bank since 2018. She has nearly 30 years of experience in Commercial Banking. Prior to joining People’s United Bank, Ms. Emhart was a Relationship Manager with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. She began her banking career with Mellon Bank and went on to join the Wholesale Bank Credit Training Program with CoreStates/Philadelphia National Bank. After graduating from credit training, she worked in Large Corporate Banking managing and building a commercial loan portfolio and the cross sell of capital markets and traditional banking products. Over the course of her career, she has served a wide range of companies in terms of both size and industry. Ms. Emhart received her Bachelors degree from Millersville University.
Michelle Speranza – LEAF SVP, Chief Marketing Officer
Ms. Speranza has been with LEAF since 2005, where she leverages extensive expertise in creating results-driven marketing and public relations campaigns with a strong emphasis on brand building, lead generation and customer retention. A strategic leader with deep experience developing omnichannel campaigns for diverse target audiences, Michelle was a marketing professional for the Walt Disney Company prior to joining LEAF. A graduate of Gwynedd-Mercy College, Michelle is a former chair and current member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Communications Committee, she also serves on the Monitor Daily Editorial Board.
Sandra Graydus – LEAF SVP, Corporate Operations
Ms. Graydus has been with LEAF since 2012. She has over 30 years of experience in equipment leasing. Prior to joining LEAF, Ms. Graydus was a Director of Sales, Director of Operations and Director of Client Services for Canon Financial Services for 17 years. Prior to Canon she was in the remarketing department at Tokai Financial Services. Ms. Graydus received her Bachelors degree from West Chester University.
Other Regional Chapters
Women in Leadership has chapters throughout the Northeast, including:
Greater Bridgeport (CT)
Greater Boston (MA)
Brattleboro (VT)
Burlington-Williston (VT)
Greater Hartford (CT)
Long Island (NY)
Maine
New Hampshire
New York Metro
Westchester/Lower Fairfield County