Beyond Finance Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer Yolanda Schufford spoke on a fireside chat panel recently. The event was at the Women in Consumer Finance Conference, a three-day conference hosted in Palm Springs, Calif.
More than 400 women in consumer finance nationwide. This year’s event focused on mental wellness, career advancement, work culture, and other personal and professional growth areas. The format of workshops, panel discussions, networking mixers and storytelling offered a unique experience for attendees.
During her chat, Yolanda reflected on nearly two decades of being a double minority in the consumer finance industry. She shared a history-making moment as the first African American woman promoted to vice president at a company where she previously worked.
“In any situation, I always believe I belong, whether someone makes me feel comfortable at the table or not,” said Yolanda. “My confidence comes from self-motivation. I don’t allow others to define my greatness. I know from within.”
Throughout her career, Yolanda has used her platform and passion to advance in title and workmanship.
“It can be easy to get discouraged or face imposter syndrome, but ensuring you know your worth and trusting your knowledge will always steer you right,” Yolanda said.
Yolanda strongly believes in mentorship and helping women reach their career potential. She left words of wisdom and motivation to all women navigating the industry and leading the charge: You always belong. Believe it, own it and be it.
Yolanda has been with Beyond’s executive team since 2020 and manages the internal and external communications outreach. Yolanda oversees our legislative activities, working with our lobbyists in key states and federally. Along with sustaining our Beyond PAC, this maintains our strong, imperative presence in government affairs in the debt resolution industry.
She also serves as a board member for the American Association for Debt Resolution, a leading trade group within the industry and Women of Debt Relief, a nonprofit organization that helps facilitate networking and continued education for women in financial services. Most recently, Yolanda was named by Ragan Communications as one of the top communicators in the country. She will accept her honor at a February event in New York City.