This year’s Pathways for Women Conference welcomed more than 300 attendees for two days filled with education, engagement, and empowerment.
Highlighting the power of women in business, the 2025 event featured even more networking and learning opportunities, plus compelling content to inspire attendees to become the best versions of themselves by:
- Engaging with today’s top industry leaders and learning how they’re blazing new trails.
- Discovering strategies to refine networking skills and to foster more meaningful professional connections.
- Getting actionable insights to help encourage growth and empowerment for our own financial journeys.
- Finding out how to self-advocate for our physical and behavioral health.
‘This Is Something That Can’t Be Missed’
Jessica Chumak, Heather Ramirez, Marilyn Hernandez, and Amelia Herrera-Robles
About two-thirds of this year’s attendees were first-time Pathways participants, including Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS) communications, stakeholder, and investment team members who were encouraged by a returning attendee.
“It’s imperative for us to be here, not only to learn and grow, but to represent our organization,” said Amelia Herrera-Robles. “CalPERS has a statewide perspective, and it’s an opportunity for us to learn from other organizations in the industry. But more so, the programming and the agenda are excellent — invigorating and empowering!”
“As an emerging manager, this is a great opportunity for me to connect with other women with a trajectory in management,” said Marilyn Hernandez. “I’m fortunate to be here and learn from their experience.”
“It feels empowering, not just to be here with my colleagues, but to be here with all of the females and allies, to hear their stories, and know that we can do it,” added Heather Ramirez.
“I really enjoyed taking actionable items from the speakers in terms of networking and financial development,” said Jessica Chumak. “The panelists are providing insight that we can take back to work and act upon and inspire other people.”
“We’ve had a wonderful experience, and we’re going to go back to our organization and amplify the message,” summed up Herrera-Robles. “This is something that can’t be missed!”
Mary-Joy Coburn
Returning attendee Mary-Joy Coburn of Orange County Employees’ Retirement System was the one who encouraged LACERS team members to join her at Pathways after her previous experience seeing so many women come together across industries.
“A lot of the women who spoke touched my heart,” she said. “Being a minority woman, I know how hard it can be to climb up the ladder, and it’s so good to be in a room with others who have experienced the same thing, so you don’t feel so alone.
“If there’s one conference you should attend as a woman, a minority, and with a heart for service who also wants to serve the community, this is definitely the one for you.”
Alexa Bagamian and Brenda McLean
Longtime CalSTRS employee and CalPERS member Brenda McLean, and Alexa Bagamian of Tech Wildcatters, enjoyed connecting with women from different professions and fields.
“I was so encouraged by listening to all the different speakers, and I love that we’re empowering each other,” said McLean. “I am going to take away having confidence in yourself, staying positive, being true to who you are, and empowering each other.”
“It’s really important to me not only to empower women, but to be empowered by other women,” added Bagamian. “I love talking to women in a lot of different industries, and hope as I grow in my career to give back and become a mentor.”
Sylvia Abadeer
Sylvia Abadeer had participated in similar events in the past as a private-sector employee. But now as a new public employee and CalPERS member, she was excited to discover Pathways.
“This is a great forum for connecting so many female leaders — I’ve been introducing myself to others and I’m already connecting with them on LinkedIn,” said Abadeer, who recently joined Victor Valley Transit Authority as a human resources professional.
“I like to be a resource and add value where I can while learning from others — other generations, thought leaders, and individual contributors,” she said. “I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with my co-workers.”
Join Us at the Next Pathways for Women Conference
Whether you want to strengthen your financial health, chart your professional future, or support women’s advancement in leadership, we invite you to join us at the next Pathways for Women Conference. Watch for more information, and thanks to all who attended and participated this year.