By Brittany Bailey, Communications Specialist, CDIA
Success doesn’t follow a single path. Careers evolve, priorities change, unexpected opportunities arise, and the definition of achievement can look very different at one stage of life than another. In an industry as dynamic as consumer data, the ability to adapt, challenge conventional thinking and lead with authenticity is more important than ever. Those themes were at the center of CDIA’s Women in Consumer Data Fall Forum, where women from across the industry came together to share experiences, exchange ideas and explore what it means to define success on their own terms.
Held under the theme “Women Defining Success on Their Own Terms,” the forum offered more than an opportunity to celebrate professional accomplishments. It created space for honest conversations about the realities of career growth, leadership, family responsibilities and life’s transitions. Through interactive Success Strategies Roundtables, attendees challenged common assumptions about what it takes to advance professionally. Discussions touched on everything from taking career risks and navigating setbacks to the idea that a successful career must follow a predetermined path. One message emerged consistently: success is not about checking every box or following someone else’s definition of achievement. It is about understanding your values, recognizing your strengths and having the confidence to make decisions that reflect them.
That perspective carried into a conversation with Dara Duguay, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Builders Alliance, and Jennifer Sarvadi, Partner at Hudson Cook. Sharing their own career journeys, both speakers offered personal reflections on how their definitions of success evolved over time. They discussed the influence of mentors, the importance of advocating for yourself and the realization that professional progress does not always mean following the traditional path of promotions and titles. For some, success means creating meaningful change and making a difference. For others, it means redefining priorities as family responsibilities and personal circumstances evolve. Their experiences reinforced an important lesson: there is no need to wait for someone else to recognize your potential or give you permission to pursue a different path. Sometimes, the most important step is simply asking for the opportunity.
The conversations also highlighted how these lessons extend beyond individual careers. Strong leadership is not defined by having every answer or making everyone happy. It requires the confidence to make difficult decisions, the humility to acknowledge when something isn’t working and the willingness to keep learning. Attendees explored the balance between being approachable and authoritative, recognizing that empathy, communication and the ability to build relationships are valuable leadership strengths.
These qualities matter in any organization, but they are particularly important in an industry navigating rapid technological, regulatory and consumer-driven change.
That broader challenge took center stage during a discussion on emerging consumer reporting issues featuring Shereefat Balogun, Assistant Commissioner in the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation for the State of Maryland; Kim Phan, Partner at Troutman Pepper Locke; and Erin Jeweler, Senior Associate General Counsel – SVP at Truist. The panel examined an evolving regulatory environment, including shifting federal priorities, increased state activity, artificial intelligence, data governance, identity theft and fraud, and consumer trust. As technology creates new opportunities to analyze information and identify patterns, the panel explored how organizations can use data responsibly to strengthen compliance and better understand consumer concerns. These conversations underscored that innovation must go hand in hand with accountability. Behind every data point is a consumer, and the decisions organizations make about how information is collected, evaluated and used can have meaningful consequences in people’s everyday financial lives.
The forum concluded with remarks from Melissa Baal Guidorizzi, Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, followed by an opportunity for attendees to continue conversations and build connections during a networking reception. CDIA extends its appreciation to Davis Wright Tremaine for sponsoring the forum and supporting opportunities for women across the consumer data industry.
Ultimately, the conversations throughout the day reinforced a simple but important idea: progress happens when people are willing to question assumptions, share different perspectives and create opportunities for others to succeed. Whether navigating a career transition, leading a team or helping shape the future of consumer reporting, the ability to remain curious, adaptable and committed to continuous improvement benefits everyone. A stronger, more innovative consumer data industry depends not only on the information it uses, but also on the people and perspectives driving it forward. CDIA looks forward to continuing these conversations at the next Women in Consumer Data Forum, taking place April 13–15, 2027, alongside CDIA Connect in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.