For Our Members

  • President Update

    It is my pleasure to serve as your President for the 2020-2021 Program year.  We started off with our first Board Meeting in March.  Our team is truly dedicated to providing you with a world-class membership experience.  Additionally, I was delighted to host a member dine around at my home.  I look forward to many more wonderful opportunities to collaborate and network.

    As General Counsel of Odyssey Media, I serve on our COVID-19 Task Force. This pandemic has created a new normal that necessitates change of our current plans. Effective immediately, I have cancelled in person gatherings for IWF-DC. This decision will be revisited monthly as we track the progression of the virus.  As for meetings, we shall conduct all of our business by Zoom or teleconference meetings. This ensures the safest method for our members to communicate.  I invite all of you to follow our LinkedIn page for updates and events news and photos.  The picture of the amazing members who attended the “Meet the President” dine around is there for you to see.

    Finally, we have opportunities for you to participate in our Forum. From Programs to Nominations, to Communications to Sponsorship, we would love to have your active engagement in IWF-DC.  Please reach out to me or Krista and we will find just the right task for your enthusiasm.  I have learned to never turn away offers to help.  Similarly, it is time to look for new members and Fellows for the Foundation.  Please look out for the deadlines and submit the names of women who will continue our legacy of excellence.  Also, let’s help our Leadership Foundation Chair Diane Groomes with outreach to corporations or other entities willing to sponsor candidates for our outstanding Fellows program.  Feel free to reach out to her directly.

    The IWF-DC Program year is off to a great start with so much more to come.  Check our website’s News for the “Ways to Stay Connected” section with links to our social media and members sharing their news.  Let’s find ways to support each other during these challenging times. (Check out i Ricchi’s Food Club or Ris-To-Go for great meal options).

    We appreciate your membership.

    Kim

  • Cheryl Heller

    New Member

    Cheryl is Managing Principal of Pillar One Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specializing in Finance and HR consulting. She focuses on helping start-ups and companies in transition ensure they have a robust financial infrastructure.

    Cheryl has built her career by leading organizations through financial, operational and cultural transformations. She has deep knowledge and expertise in finance but at the same time, understands the importance of corporate culture and the impact it has on the ability to achieve strategic objectives. She has experience creating and overseeing complex, cross-functional programs to ensure the successful execution of corporate objectives. Her experiences across organizations from Strategy to Finance to Operations to Human Resources make her a valuable advisor with a diverse set of experiences on which to draw.

    Cheryl is currently Managing Principal of Pillar One Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specializing in Finance and HR consulting. She focuses on helping start-ups and companies in transition ensure they have a robust financial infrastructure. Additionally, Cheryl is a member of the Leadership Foundry Class of 2019.
    Previously, she led cultural and financial transformation efforts across the Retail Bank of Capital One. The culture transformation led the Retail Bank to be a more adaptive, inclusive and customer-centric organization. The financial transformation led the Retail Bank to shed 20% of its operating expenses over a 3-year period. Prior to that, Cheryl was CFO of the Retail Bank, managing a P&L of over $2.5B in revenue.
    Cheryl spent 20 years at Capital One where she held positions with increasing responsibilities including various finance, operations, and mergers and acquisitions roles. Prior to Capital One, Cheryl spent time in the insurance industry and in public accounting where she focused on regional banks and real estate partnerships. Cheryl has used her finance and operations expertise as a Board member for organizations such as The Holton-Arms School and the Junior League of Washington.
    Cheryl has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree from the University of Hartford. She is a Certified Public Accountant (state of Connecticut) and holds a Professional Masters in Banking Certificate from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University and a Real Estate License in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Additionally, Cheryl is a member of the Leadership Foundry Class of 2019.

Who Makes Up IWFDC?

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About Membership

Membership is by invitation only, and prospective members are nominated by existing members. Invitation for membership is extended to those women who have achieved success in their chosen field and whose interests are aligned with the objectives of the Forum. A prospective member is recognized as a leader in her field both inside and outside her own organization. The Forum strives for diversity of membership in many areas including field of expertise, ethnicity, age, and public, private and non-profit companies and organizations.