Be inspired by women making waves in the LATAM payments industry and beyond. Join us at the 2025 Symposium! Our theme for this year is "Creativity is the Mother of Innovation".
Our keynotes, panels, and break-out sessions will help strengthen your skills while keeping you on top of industry trends. Hear from women leaders on a variety of subjects including current payments issues and initiatives, fintech, and leadership. You'll also have the opportunity to network with women at all levels and with diverse backgrounds in payment and fintech. This is a must-attend event for any woman who's serious about accelerating her career in the payments industry.
The Women in Payments symposium is a unique event that provides perspectives from key women leaders and allies in payments and includes topics impacting all aspects of the payments ecosystem. The format includes keynote addresses, executive panel discussions, career development breakout sessions and networking breaks. This forum is an unparalleled opportunity that is empowering, current and immediately relevant to any woman pursuing a career in payments.
Director of Solution Consulting, LATAM at ACI Worldwide
Lucy Yuriko Hirota Takeuche
Director of Small Business at Scotiabank
Alhambra Ballroom
08:00 - 08:40REGISTATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST
10:10 - 10:40NETWORKING BREAK
14:10 - 14:50VISA SPONSORED NETWORKING SESSION
Discover the power of positive relationships at our networking session, designed to unite and empower women through industry connections. The session will feature an interactive Ambition Board Workshop, designed to empower, and inspire through the sharing of personal ambitions. The aim is to foster self-belief and belonging as attendees create profound connections with like-minded women, exchanging contact details and building a supportive network that extends beyond the symposium. Join us in an atmosphere of camaraderie, empowerment, and inspiration. Together, we can inspire change, foster inclusion, and empower each other to reach new heights.
Male allyship in Latin America is vital for advancing gender equality and dismantling systemic patriarchy. Across the region, men are increasingly stepping up as advocates - challenging traditional gender norms and supporting women's rights. By engaging in conversations about machismo, promoting respectful behaviour, and advocating for policies that promote gender equity, male allies can help reshape cultural attitudes. Their involvement in supporting equal opportunities in the workplace, and amplifying women's voices is crucial. Join our panel of leaders as they share firsthand insights on how allyship has created more inclusive workplaces and contributed to the success of women in payments.
Eva Hughes
Senior Vice President of Issuer Solutions, LATAM at Fiserv
Haical Besil
CFO for Payments in LATAM & Head of Business Transformation at JPMorganChase
Isabel Sica Longhi
Public Policy and Regulatory Director for LATAM of Ripple
12:15 - 13:30NETWORKING LUNCH
13:30 - 14:00AI REGULATION: NAVIGATING AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
As artificial intelligence transforms industries across Latin America, regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving to address ethical, legal, and economic challenges. This session explores AI governance across key LATAM jurisdictions, examining policies on data protection, bias mitigation, and accountability. Hear from industry experts as they discuss regional trends, compliance considerations, and the impact of global regulations on local markets. Gain valuable insights into navigating this complex regulatory landscape —ensuring responsible AI adoption while driving innovation across Latin America’s dynamic and diverse economies.
Annali Duarte
Head of Global Payments Solutions LaTam at Bank of America
Tania Rivera
Head of Digital Channels, Global Payments Solutions at HSBC Mexico
Driss Temsamani
Americas Head of Digital, Treasury & Trade Solution at Citi
16:10 - 16:40A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP IN FINANCE: BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING
This engaging panel brings together senior financial industry leaders who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of finance. The discussion will explore the evolving leadership landscape, focusing on challenges and opportunities, particularly in driving innovation. Panellists will share firsthand insights on overcoming obstacles, fostering inclusion, and navigating career growth in a rapidly changing sector. Designed to empower women professionals, this session will provide actionable strategies for career advancement and leadership development, inspiring the next generation to take charge and make an impact in the financial industry.
Ana Paula Kagueyama
Head of Global Customer Service at Paypal
Silvana Hernandez
Executive Vice President, Core Payments, LAC at Mastercard
Thayde Olarte
Senior Vice President, Retail & Digital Business at Scotiabank
16:40 - 17:10CLOSING KEYNOTE FIRESIDE
Bettina Garcia
Head of Payments Sales at JPMorganChase
Rene Salazar
Head of LATAM Expansion, Incubation and Partnerships at Stripe
Join a panel of accomplished leaders with over 100 years of combined expertise in financial services and payments for an inspiring discussion on leadership success. They will share personal journeys, career-defining moments, and the strategies used to overcome challenges and lead with impact. Gain valuable insights on navigating difficult discussions with empathy and strategy, turning obstacles into opportunities. Designed to empower and inspire the next generation, this session offers practical lessons to help you excel in your career and leadership journey.
Kevin Olsen
SVP Innovation and Strategy at Pidgin and The Payments Professor
Kathryn Vazquez Kmiotek
Founder & Principal of Kmiotek Advisors & Consulting
Kristi Straw
Founder & Chief Empathy Officer of Lighthouse Leadership Consultants
11:30 - 12:10THE NEED FOR SPEED: INSTANT PAYMENTS ACROSS THE AMERICAS
In today's fast-paced financial environment, the speed of payments is under the spotlight, driven by evolving regulations and technological advancements. This session delves into the current landscape of instant payments, focusing on regulatory changes that are accelerating or hindering payment processes across Latin America. Differences in regulations, such as Brazil's PIX system, Mexico's SPEI, and Argentina's CBU, highlight the region's diverse approaches. Industry experts will discuss compliance requirements, security measures, and interoperability needs. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming regional regulatory hurdles and leveraging opportunities for faster, more secure transactions.
Gretchen Rodriguez
Head of Payments at TD
Sonia Gomez
Director of Solution Consulting, LATAM at ACI Worldwide
Maíra Oltra
Global Director of Legal, Tax, Regulatory and Corporate at EBANX
Anastasia
10:40 - 11:20CREATING A BLUEPRINT FOR EVERLASTING CUSTOMER LOYALTY
For financial institutions, securing customer loyalty is about more than just acquisition —it’s about building lasting relationships. This session explores how to create value at every stage of the customer journey, integrating lifecycle management with innovative loyalty strategies to transform engagement into enduring relationships and profitability. Attendees will leave with an essential blueprint for winning and retaining customers for life, ensuring sustained growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Ana Paula Lapa
Senior Vice President, Consumer Acquisition and Engagement, Latin America at Mastercard
Beatriz A Bravo
LatAm Strategy & Operations Manager at Paysend
11:30 - 12:10EMBRACING PRIVACY-ENHANCING TECH FOR FRAUD PREVENTION
Latin America has been at the forefront of adopting biometrics to enhance security, yet fraud remains a significant challenge. While document verification at account opening is a key focus, other points in the user lifecycle remain vulnerable. In this session, we will explore how leading banks in the region are addressing these challenges by leveraging privacy-enhancing technologies. Topics will include managing blocklists, preventing duplicate identities, and streamlining account recovery —all within a holistic fraud prevention framework designed to strengthen security across the entire customer journey.
Frances Zelazny
CEO of Anonybit
Kimberly Sutherland
Global Head of Fraud & Identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions
14:10 - 14:50REDEFINING SUCCESS: LEADING ON YOUR OWN TERMS
This fireside chat challenges the myth of "having it all" and explores how to redefine success on your own terms. The discussion will highlight how embracing creativity, adaptability, and personal strengths can shape leadership and career growth. It will also examine how experiences like motherhood foster empathy, active listening, and innovation—key skills for leading impactful teams. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging creativity to build their brand, expand networks, and drive industry change. This session will inspire professionals to embrace their unique leadership styles and create a lasting influence in their fields.
Krystal Chigbu Maka
Attorney at Beauty, Brains and Babies
Natalia Escobar
Marketing Director of PayU GPO
Milay Gonzalez
Senior Director, Support Services of Spreedly
15:00 - 15:40FASTER, SMARTER, SAFER: THE NEXT ERA OF PAYMENTS
Join us for an engaging fireside chat on the future of payments in Latin America. This session will explore the revolutionary technologies transforming financial transactions, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and advanced security measures. The discussion will focus on how these innovations enhance efficiency and trust, particularly within the Latin American landscape. Industry experts will discuss the implications for businesses and consumers, addressing both opportunities and challenges in adopting these technologies. Attendees will gain valuable insights into optimizing operations, improving customer experiences, and protecting financial data in an increasingly digital landscape.
Octavia Figueroa
Senior Vice President, Product Management and Direct Clearing at BNY
Marcelo Moussalli
Head of Global Payments Solutions, Product at Bank of America
Isabel Sica Longhi
Public Policy and Regulatory Director for LATAM of Ripple
This workshop offers an introductory overview of quantum and cloud computing, exploring their fundamental concepts, potential applications, and transformative impact on industries. Participants will gain a basic understanding of quantum computing principles, including qubits and superposition, alongside cloud computing models such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. The session will also highlight how these technologies are converging to drive innovation in fields like data processing, security, and AI. Attendees will leave with a foundational understanding of quantum and cloud computing, empowering them to explore future opportunities in these rapidly evolving technologies.
Romina Yalovetzky
Quantum Computing Researcher at JPMorganChase
Germana Cruz
CEO & Head of Financial Institutions, LatAm at Standard Chartered
11:30 - 12:10MENTORS, SPONSORS, & MENTEES: UNLOCKING CAREER GROWTH
This workshop explores mentorship as a powerful career development tool, highlighting how both mentors and mentees benefit from shared experiences. Participants will learn the structure and benefits of mentoring programs, the distinct roles of mentors and sponsors, and the importance of both at different career stages. Key topics include strategies for career growth, finding and becoming a mentor or sponsor, and the value of being a mentee. Attendees will gain practical insights into building strong professional relationships and advancing their careers in today’s evolving professional landscape.
Marcia Comin
Regional Human Resources Director for Latin America of ACI Worldwide
Melissa Johnson
VP of Commercial for Americas and EMEA at EBANX
Vanessa Quintero
Commercialization Manager for Latin America at JPMorganChase
Vania Rosales
Senior Consultant at Actualize Consulting
14:10 - 14:50MAXIMIZING CUSTOMER VALUE WITH DATA ANALYTICS
Discover how AI-driven insights and advanced analytics are transforming customer behaviour and boosting profitability in the credit card industry. This workshop will explore strategies to enhance engagement, optimize risk management, and increase loyalty —directly impacting the bottom line. Industry experts will discuss innovations in credit scoring, spending insights, and AI-powered fraud prevention, as well as the role of strategic partnerships in delivering customer-centric solutions. Attendees will gain practical strategies to drive sustainable growth, improve retention, and stay competitive in an evolving financial landscape shaped by AI and data intelligence.
Saraí Baeza
Director, Payments Lifecycle, International Banking of Scotiabank
Teresita Meza Quintanilla
Director Client Service Manager of HSBC Mexico
15:00 - 15:40FROM DOER TO LEADER: LEADING WITH TRUST
Explore the transformation required to evolve from a high-performing executor to an inspiring and effective leader, discussing the challenges and opportunities of leading diverse teams of professionals. With a focus on building trust while implementing innovative management practices, valuable insights will be gained on creating an inclusive work environment with accessibility and respect at the forefront.
Elisabete Marchesini
Brazil Head of Corporate & eCommerce Sales, Payments at JPMorganChase
Camila Ferreira
Finance Manager at Samarco
Cilla Sayd
Head of Cash Management and Payment Americas at Siemens Capital LLC
15:50 - 16:05PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF AI AND MACHINE LEARNING IN PAYMENTS
In this session, we’ll explore the ways in which Bank of America uses innovative technology to meet and anticipate the needs of its clients and employees. AI and machine learning are embedded today across the company’s business lines and areas including global technology, operations, and training and are having a transformative effect on employee efficiency and how clients make decisions to drive business growth
Liba Saiovici
International Strategy & Innovation Lead, Global Payment Solutions at Bank of America
Majorca
14:10 - 14:50VISA SPONSORED NETWORKING SESSION
Speakers
Saraí Baeza
Director, Payments Lifecycle, International Banking of Scotiabank
Call the Toll-Free Reservations number at 855-311-6903. Daily between 9:00am โ 5:00pm EST and reference the group as "Women in Payments LATAM Symposium" for a group rate. Note that calling after hours connects to a third-party call center who do not have access to group room blocks.
Deposits
All rooms require the deposit of the first night's stay and tax upon booking. Rooms are subject to a 72-hour cancelation policy. Failure to show or cancelation within three (3) days of check-in will be assessed the deposit. Guest room accommodations are subject to a 13% tax and $23 nightly room resort fee.
$10 Resort Fee
Women In Payments LATAM Symposium contracted a $10 nightly room resort fee. Kindly note the e-confirmations are generic and are unable to be modified and will reflect the hotel's standard $23 nightly room resort fee. This group is set up for the $10 Resort Fee as contracted but wanted you to be aware of the generic e-confirmation.
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
GLOBAL PLATINUM
GLOBAL INNOVATION
GLOBAL EXCELLENCE
GLOBAL CHAMPION
GLOBAL GOLD
GLOBAL SIGNATURE NETWORKING
GLOBAL BRONZE
AMERICAS GOLD, REGIONAL WELCOME AND AWARDS SPONSOR