Empowering Women in Fintech: A Conversation with PayTech Women on B2B Vault Podcast
Welcome back to another exciting Street Smarts Edition of the B2B Vault Podcast, proudly sponsored by Nationwide Payment Systems! Today’s episode is all about empowering women in the payments and fintech industry.
Host Allen Kopelman sat down with Dana Sills and Jules Ferguson from PayTech Women to dive into important topics including professional networking, embedded finance, artificial intelligence, the evolving fintech landscape, and how authentic relationships are driving real growth in today’s payment ecosystem.
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Meet Our Guests: Dana Sills and Jules Ferguson
Dana Sills is a seasoned payments industry veteran with expertise in relationship management, project management, and product development. She’s currently the Chair of the Atlanta Chapter of PayTech Women and passionate about mentoring and giving back to the community.
Jules Ferguson is the Business Development Coordinator for PayTech Women and a key figure in growing the nonprofit’s network nationwide. Her background in banking and deep commitment to financial inclusion shines through in her work supporting women in fintech.
💬 Dana: “PayTech Women gives women a place to cultivate skills, build networks, and mentor the next generation in a rapidly evolving industry.”
What is PayTech Women?
PayTech Women is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the payments and fintech space. Founded over 20 years ago, it has grown from a handful of women networking at trade shows into a vibrant community with over 6,500 members across 16 U.S. chapters—and growing internationally!
Their mission? Education, mentoring, and authentic connections that help women at all career stages succeed in a fast-paced, evolving industry.
Interested in joining? Visit paytechwomen.org.
Key Topics Discussed in This Episode
- The Importance of Networking in Fintech
Networking isn’t just for job hunting, it’s about learning, mentorship, and opening doors. Organizations like PayTech Women provide opportunities outside traditional conferences and trade shows, especially at the regional level.
💬 Allen: “Relationships are everything. Some of my first contacts in the industry from over 20 years ago are still part of my network today.”
- How AI is Transforming Payments
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hottest buzzword in fintech—but what’s the real impact?
- Dana emphasized AI’s role in streamlining data management and improving business intelligence.
- Allen shared examples of AI in POS systems, such as smart FAQs that improve customer support.
- Jules stressed that AI must enhance customer experience without replacing authentic human connection.
The consensus? AI is a powerful tool, but human relationships still drive the payments business.
- The Rise of Embedded Finance and Fintech Innovation
Embedded finance—banking, lending, and payments integrated directly into non-financial platforms—is changing the industry landscape.
- Dana noted that embedded finance creates new opportunities for small businesses to manage operations more efficiently.
- Jules shared a global perspective, emphasizing how digital payments are transforming unbanked communities and increasing access to financial services.
Fintech is no longer about selling terminals—it’s about delivering integrated solutions.
- How the ISO Community is Adapting
Allen also discussed trends affecting the ISO and agent community:
- The shift from traditional banks to fintech-led merchant services.
- Challenges from private equity-backed acquisitions.
- The need for ISOs to embrace technology partnerships instead of relying solely on equipment sales.
💬 Allen: “Software is the new ISO. Verticalized, tech-driven solutions are leading the future of merchant services.”
Final Thoughts: Why Organizations Like PayTech Women Matter
The fintech and payments space is growing at breakneck speed, and building strong, diverse communities is more important than ever. PayTech Women is leading the way by helping women (and men!) succeed through education, mentoring, and professional development.
💬 Dana: “If you’re looking for your next career move, mentorship, or a way to supercharge your skills—PayTech Women is the place to be.”
💬 Jules: “It’s about building trust, authentic connections, and growing personally and professionally in the fintech space.”
Learn More and Get Involved!
- Join PayTech Women: paytechwomen.org
- Connect with Dana Sills: Dana on LinkedIn
- Connect with Jules Ferguson: Jules on LinkedIn
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🎙️ B2B Vault – The Biz-to-Biz Podcast: Powered by Nationwide Payment Systems, bringing you street-smart insights into fintech, payments, and small business tech solutions.
Peace out. Carpe Diem. Thanks for listening!
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is PayTech Women?
What is PayTech Women?
PayTech Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the payments and fintech industries. It provides networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to help women succeed in a rapidly evolving field.
Who can join PayTech Women?
Membership is open to women and allies working in payments, fintech, and related industries. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, PayTech Women offers resources to help you grow.
What benefits do members receive?
Members gain access to:
- Networking events at local, national, and international levels.
- Mentorship programs to support career growth.
- Educational webinars and leadership development sessions.
- Industry insights and exclusive job opportunities.
How can I get involved?
You can:
- Become a member by signing up on their website.
- Attend events hosted by local chapters.
- Volunteer for leadership roles or mentorship programs.
- Follow PayTech Women on social media for updates.
Where can I learn more?
Visit the official PayTech Women website for details on membership, events, and initiatives.
