upcoming event

Women in Export Finance: Leadership, Experience and Perspectives Webinar

Jun 3, 2026
Online
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Women in Export Finance: Leadership, Experience and Perspectives Webinar

An interactive discussion bringing together professionals across the export finance community to explore leadership, mentorship, inclusion, and women’s career experiences.

This 1,5 - hour webinar will take place via Teams on 1 pm BST (London), Wednesday, 3th June 2026


The session will feature perspectives from international organisations, academia, and senior industry leaders, covering topics such as:

  • Global initiatives advancing gender equality in the workplace
  • The impact of family planning and workplace challenges on women’s careers
  • The role of mentorship in supporting and elevating women across ECAs
  • Personal leadership journeys, lessons learned, and reflections from senior professionals in export finance
  • Building stronger networks and future collaboration opportunities across the industry

Through expert insights and personal experiences, the webinar aims to encourage meaningful dialogue and contribute to a more inclusive future for the export finance community.

The session is open to both women and men across the industry. Non-BU members are also welcome to join. 

Through expert insights and personal experiences, the webinar aims to encourage meaningful dialogue and contribute to a more inclusive future for the export finance community. 

Non-BU members from the export finance industry are also welcome to join by requesting an invitation code from the Berne Union Secretariat

This webinar is free of charge. 

Please contact Didem Bayseferogullari at the Berne Union Secretariat for any queries.

Agenda

Women in Export Finance: Leadership, Experience and Perspectives Webinar

 Wednesday, 03 June 2026

 13:00 - 13:05

1. Opening Remarks

Kate Parker

Director of International & Export Credit Agency Relations

EDC

Didem Bayseferogullari

Senior Manager

BERNE UNION

 13:05 - 13:15

2. Gender Equality in the Workplace: Global Perspectives and UN Initiatives

Şebnem Şener

Director, Strategic Plan Implementation and Integration, Executive Office

undp

 13:15 - 13:30

3. The Impact of Family Planning Challenges on Women's Careers

Serena Sohrab

Affiliate Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour

London Business School

Dr. Serena Sohrab is an award-winning behavioural scientist and educator with over 15 years of experience in designing and delivering evidence-based management training programs on both sides of the Atlantic. Her versatile, learner-cantered approach is informed by her experience training diverse audiences. Dr. Sohrab's research focuses on unravelling the complexities of women's advancement in organizations and society. At her Infertility and Work Lab, she and her team examine the impact of family planning challenges on women's careers. Her influential work has been published in prestigious outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Journal of Organizational Behaviour and has been used by advocacy groups to drive policy change.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Sohrab has led several non-profit initiatives focused on women's advancement. She excels at engaging diverse stakeholders, aligning priorities, and setting strategic frameworks for change and growth. With a comprehensive understanding of economic drivers, political sensitivities, and cultural nuances, Dr. Sohrab consistently delivers sustainable, positive outcomes in her work.

Currently, Dr. Sohrab serves as an Affiliate Teaching Faculty in Organisational Behaviour at London Business School and holds a position as a tenured Associate Professor at Ontario Tech University in Canada. Dr. Sohrab earned her Ph.D. from the Schulich School of Business in Canada, solidifying her foundation in behavioural science and organizational studies.

 13:30 - 13:45

4. The Power of Mentorship: Supporting, Retaining and Elevating Women

Edna Schoene

Member of the Board, Head of ECA

EULER HERMES

Didem Bayseferogullari

Senior Manager

BERNE UNION

 13:45 - 14:20

5. Personal Journeys, Challenges and Lessons from Export Finance

Kate Parker | Moderator

Director of International & Export Credit Agency Relations

EDC

Michal Ron

Chief International Officer

sace

Alla Batistella

Head of Export Credit Agency Financing, Director

Lloyds Banking Group

Silvia Gavornikova 

Head of Export Credits and Competition Division

OECD

Zheng ZHAO

General Manager, International Department

SINOSURE

 14:20 - 14:30

6. Building a Stronger Network for the Future

Aida Topcagic

EMEA Head of Infrastructure and Export Finance Legal

HSBC

 14:30

7. Closing Remarks

Kate Parker

Director of International & Export Credit Agency Relations

EDC

Didem Bayseferogullari

Senior Manager

BERNE UNION