19th Annual Women in Achievement Awards + Fireside Chat
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) (EST)
Description
Celebrate the Women in Achievement Awards and hear valuable insight from the honorees themselves!
The New York Institute of Credit Women's Division Committee Proudly Congratulates the Honorees of the 19th Annual Women in Achievement Awards
Honorable Lisa G. Beckerman, United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York, will be presented with the Annual Honorable Cecelia H. Goetz Award.
The Honorable Cecelia H. Goetz Award
The Honorable Cecelia H. Goetz, United States Bankruptcy Judge, E.D.N.Y. (1917-2004) was the first woman bankruptcy judge appointed in the Eastern District of New York. Judge Cecelia H. Goetz led a life that reflected a story of “firsts” and, in so doing, laid a foundation that enabled others to follow in her footsteps.
This award will be presented to Judge Beckerman by Chief Judge Martin Glenn, SDNY.
Lori Ross-Avedikian, Client Growth Segments Leader, Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo, will be presented with the Second Annual Sheila Smith Executive of the Year Award.
The Sheila Smith Executive of the Year Award
The NYIC Women’s Division Executive of the Year Award was renamed the Sheila Smith Executive of the Year Award in 2025. This award recognizes excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. The award is presented to those individuals who have achieved noteworthy success in business and who have assisted other women in achieving their goals. By acknowledging excellence in business, leadership, and a commitment to fostering the growth and success of other women in business, the NYIC Women’s Division hopes to inspire women to succeed and to help other women achieve success in business and in life.
This award will be presented by TBA
Athina Koutsoumadi, Managing Director at Forvis Mazars will be presented with the Annual Renaissance Award.
The Renaissance Award
The NYIC Women’s Division Renaissance Award recognizes discovery and exploration in the ever-changing business world. The award is presented to those individuals who have served as trailblazers in the business community by dedication to continued learning, community service, mentorship and developing new business and leadership opportunities for others.
This award will be presented by TBA
To get more information on the Women who have been honored in the past, see our Industry Awards page.
A Special Thank You to the Women's Division Co-Chairs: Jennifer Palmer and Stephanie Sweeney
Thinking of becoming a sponsor? Contact skuhns@instituteofcredit.org
Sponsors
Lanyard Sponsor
Early Bird Thru 12/31
$125 Corporate Members
$135 Individual/Future Leaders
$150 Non-Members
Pricing After 1/1
$150 Corporate Members
$165 Individual/Future Leaders
$200 Non-Members
Silver, Gold & Diamond Members can use their benefits. Email skuhns@instituteofcredit.org register. Benefits only available through December 31st.
Agenda
5:00PM - Guest arrival and Networking
5:45PM - Fireside Chat with Honorees + Awards Program
7:00PM - Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres & Networking
Event concludes by 8:00PM
Awards
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