About
“If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.”…
Articles by Stephanie
-
Former Students With Defaulted Federal Loans Are Missing Out on a Key CARES Act Benefit
Former Students With Defaulted Federal Loans Are Missing Out on a Key CARES Act Benefit
The US Department of Education (ED) in implementing the President’s executive order of August 21, 2020, has clarified…
1 Comment -
$138,00 Starting Salary for New Grads?
$138,00 Starting Salary for New Grads?
I wrote this article, published on Forbes.com, in 2011.
6 Comments -
Where is the Schoolhouse Rock for today's generation?
Where is the Schoolhouse Rock for today's generation?
First, a bit of context: I submitted this yesterday to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection in response to its…
3 Comments
Activity
19K followers
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisWhat a waste of amazing talent. Nobody should have to spend their time and energy fighting such a battle. Shame on this female led behemoth. Jane Fraser, you should be leading by example! I was honored to invite Julia C. Carreon to be a speaker at my final Women in Consumer Finance event, last November in Charlotte. As expected, she was inspiring and passionate. While Charlotte isn’t the Citi HQ, it is the center of many huge national banks…most of whom found it politically inconvenient to participate. What a shame. So many women lost out on a life-changing professional (and personal) development experience, and their employers lost out on the opportunity to provide it for them with zero travel expense.Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisToday I filed a lawsuit against Citibank. My lawyer spent 14 months trying to resolve this matter privately but Citi’s lawyer said he welcomed a public match. It’s a life-altering decision to come forward, one no woman takes lightly. But what happened during my three years at Citi, culminating in May, 2024, tapped into something non-negotiable that I’ve held deep inside since I was 7 years old: truth is worth defending, even when it costs you. Thank you Akila Quinio of Financial Times for letting me tell my story. Citi's weaponized HR department has, in my opinion, taken the careers of far too many talented women. Ardith Lindsey’s lawsuit makes this powerfully clear - she knew before we did and was silenced. Here’s what’s next for me: When someone files a lawsuit, they’re expected to disappear. Society has allowed powerful institutions to push the narrative that anyone who advocates for truth is unemployable & should accept being sidelined. It’s an absurd, outdated notion. It’s not 1692 or even 1968. And as Gisele Pelicot so artfully said, it’s time for shame to change sides. I love the WM business & was fortunate to spend 20 yrs at a place where my contributions were valued & my career supported by a longtime boss and colleagues who were lovely. Not every firm on Wall Street is noxious ofc but, unmistakably, culture across multiple sectors is devolving. The next chapter of my career will be about helping organizations thrive at innovation, which is only possible in workplaces where bias doesn’t dictate who gets heard. The next generation of clients, employees & leaders are counting on us to get this right. Firms that care sincerely about teamwork will thrive. Those that don’t will disappear. I've also co-authored a book with Shannon Nutter, Walking on Broken Glass, Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling, out in Sept. Something I learned through this process is we have a long way to go before gender equality is anything more than an aspiration, so we will work on starting the next feminist movement, which is more needed than ever after the events of the past year w/ the current administration. By chance of fate (er, more likely Citi mistook me for a 'good girl'*), I was not silenced by an NDA. I built a beautiful life from the ashes of an impossible childhood & will rebuild better now because the The Universe has given me a gift to make a meaningful difference in society bc of my experience. If you’re a member of the media & would like to discuss why now is an inflection point for women to challenge outdated power structures & what it means to the future of innovation, please reach out. *Our book discusses what "Good Girl" conditioning is: https://lnkd.in/gmqYwwc3. And Michelle Minnikin has written an entire book on it: Good Girl Deprograming. (Link to story in comments.)
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisLast Monday, I announced my retirement to a room of 400 women. It was bittersweet, but full of all the love you'd hope to receive in such a moment. Eight years ago, I co-founded Women in Consumer Finance to provide what I didn't have — a place where I truly felt I belonged and guidance on how to advance my career. Over the past 8 years, more than 2,000 women from over 300 organizations have experienced the magic that is WCF. It wasn't magic because of me; it was magic because of the way this community has shown up year after year, with an open heart and a true desire to support other women. You can see it in the photos. We've learned. We've laughed. We've cried. We've built confidence we didn't know we had. And we have built a sisterhood that supports one another through thick and thin, success and failure. It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to lead this community, and I will cherish the hundreds of notes I've received over the years sharing how WCF has changed your careers and your lives. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have been the heart and soul of the community, and who have helped me along the way (there are SO many — I'll list you in the comments). But most especially, Lisa Rozzelle. My sister-in-crime, with whom I have laughed and cried, and who has made every day of the last two years an absolute pleasure. I plan to continue as board chair for LIFT-DC, and I’ve shared that my mom and I have the crazy idea to write a mother-daughter memoir. Of course, I plan to spend time with Mark Eidelman, family, and friends -- especially those besties from earlier times in my life who don’t live near me! And after a hiatus, I’ll continue to post here and publish my newsletter, sharing the hard-earned career advice I've gained. (Here's a quick photo trip down memory lane, from WCF #8 (this past week) back to WCF #1, in December, 2018.)
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisOn Tuesday in Charlotte, we celebrated the 2025 class of winners of the Women in Consumer Finance awards. And wow, it was a magical night. Please join us in congratulating these accomplished women! Cultural Innovation - Sylvia Dixon Business Development - Misty Carson Customer Impact - Maggie Foster Risk & Regulatory Intelligence - Angie Erwin, CRCP Operational Excellence - Shelby Morlock Legal Luminary - Leslie Bender Visionary Leader - Bekah Luebcke, CRCP Rising Leader - Chloe Sok And, the 2025 Cassandra Hurst Legacy of Leadership Award went to Sara Woggerman, CRCP Cassandra was a vibrant and beloved member of our community, who we lost unexpectedly in the spring of 2024. Her Team 2 family from WCF 2023—where she served as a dedicated Team Leader—wanted to ensure her light and legacy would continue. It was through their heartfelt proposal that the Cassandra Hurst Legacy of Leadership Award was created in her memory.
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisHello, Charlotte! Thanks for this gorgeous welcome to Women in Consumer Finance. It’s been a year since we gathered in Ft. Worth. We have such an incredible experience planned for the 400 amazing women here with us. Be prepared to be blown away!
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisArrived in Charlotte without much drama, only about 30 minutes late. TSA in Baltimore was no problem. Ladies, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Queen City. Let’s go!!! Lisa Rozzelle
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared this“I don’t know what I’m doing.” I remember thinking that -- a lot -- in 2013. That’s when I decided to launch the Consumer Relations Consortium (an industry leadership and advocacy group). I had zero visibility. No credibility in regulatory affairs. And I was surrounded by industry leaders who’d been doing this for decades. So why would THEY follow ME? I kept expecting someone to stand up and say: “Wait… who put her in charge?” But they didn’t. Instead, they listened. They followed my lead. And eventually—they thanked me. Here’s what I learned: People don’t follow you because you’re the expert. They follow you when you’re clear about the problem, courageous about the vision, and relentless about showing up. 💡The truth is, every bold thing I’ve ever done started with a voice in my head whispering, “You don’t belong here.” But I acted anyway. Not because I had all the answers. Because I was willing to find them (with others). That’s the mindset at Women in Consumer Finance, my latest industry community. Not “fake it till you make it.” But “build it while you become it.” ✨You don’t need to know it all. You just need to start. What have you been putting off? ____________________ ♻ Repost to remind another woman that leadership isn't about certainty—it’s about showing up. 👉Follow Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more stories and strategies to lead with connection and confidence. 📫 Subscribe to my free newsletter, The Career Edit, for more stories and tools to grow visibility and advance your career: https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisMost people think being an ally means being supportive. These men know it means using their influence. 👏 Support is about encouragement. 💪 Allyship is about advocacy and action. → It's recommending her for the role when she's not in the room → It's challenging bias even when it's uncomfortable → It's sharing power, not just expressing support These men understand the difference. They don't just cheer for women - they clear the path. How? They use their positions to create opportunities. They speak up when it matters most, and demonstrate a commitment to leveling the playing field. Their allyship creates real change that benefits everyone. Let's have a round of applause for the 2025 Women in Consumer Finance Industry Ally award finalists! 🏆🏆🏆🏆 Ralph Liberio Brice Smith Aron T. Daniel Fallon Mike Janakes Adam Parks Vincent Iacono Jacob R. David Weimer Robert Winters Matthew Wratten 🏆🏆🏆🏆 Final call to celebrate all of our winners in Charlotte, November 10-12! The LAST DAY TO SIGN UP is October 31. https://lnkd.in/e7cJ7_6U Thanks to our 2025 award sponsors: ARM Compliance Business Solutions and Crown Asset Management, LLC ♻ Repost to recognize these male allies with your network.
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisMany women step into P&L roles thinking, "I'm not ready. I don't have the degree." They believe there was a magic formula everyone else learned in school that they missed. A subscriber wrote to me last week after landing a new GM role: “I was clear in the interview about what I bring—and where I’ll need support, especially budgeting and strategic planning. They hired me anyway. But I still feel like a fraud.” I’ve heard this story so many times it could be a case study. The pattern is clear: It’s not about talent. It’s about exposure. Women (especially those from non-financial tracks) are often trusted to carry out strategy, but rarely invited to shape it. So when we finally land the seat at the table? We read the gap as a flaw. We assume there’s a secret playbook everyone else got. There isn’t. Budgeting, strategy, and P&L aren’t mysteries. They’re just step-by-step processes—much simpler once you’ve seen inside. You’re not unqualified. You just haven’t had the exposure. And you can change that. Here’s how: 🎓 Take a short course. Just a few hours can break down what feels like a secret you’ve missed. Here’s a place to start: Budgeting → https://lnkd.in/eW3qN7kz Strategy → https://lnkd.in/ey342y3Y Finance → https://lnkd.in/e5Gd8xE4 📊 Get your hands in the numbers. Review past budgets. Sit in on finance reviews. Offer to help with the next planning cycle. Because numbers only get less scary once you’re in them. ❓ Ask the “dumb” questions early. What drives margin? What assumptions are built into the plan? The best strategists aren’t the smartest. They’re the most curious. 🤝 Find your financial fluency buddy. Someone in finance who’ll walk you through scenarios. You bring context. They bring modeling. Both of you learn. 🧩 Reframe what strategy looks like. Have you ever turned vague goals into detailed plans? Balanced competing priorities? Reorganized a team mid-cycle to hit targets? You’ve already done the hard parts of strategy. These are some of the easiest skills to learn. Just drop the story that you need an MBA. 👇 Please share: What made budgeting and strategy click for you? ♻️ Repost to help more women see that budgeting and strategy aren’t secrets—they’re skills anyone can learn. 👉 Follow me, Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more practical ways to grow confidence and impact as a leader.
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) shared thisI'm about to be 59. My kids are college juniors. I've completely changed my perspective on what's next. Yesterday, I heard Jane Fonda on Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast "Wiser Than Me" (I highly recommend, btw!) explain something that stopped me cold. She did a "life review" the year before turning 60. Apparently, this is a thing. Here's how Jane thinks of her 3 acts: ➤ Act 1: Age 0-30 (learning who you are) ➤ Act 2: Age 30-60 (peak productivity/responsibility years) ➤ Act 3: Age 60-90 (designing what matters most) I'm looking forward to doing a full review during my soon-to-be 59th year. But here's a quick take on my Act 2: 1. I spent 25 years being who others needed ➤ The devoted mom, partner, employee and boss 2. My biggest risks happened accidentally ➤ Career pivots came from circumstance, not choice 3. I dimmed my ambitions during active parenting ➤ Told myself "maybe later" for 18 years 4. My friendships looked like a series of interruptions ➤ Conversations centered on logistics and kids 5. I stopped investing in my own growth ➤ Every development dollar went to their activities 6. I became someone who asks permission ➤ "Can I..." became my default phrase 7. I forgot what I enjoy doing vs. what I felt I should do ➤ When did obligation replace genuine interest? The most surprising realization? I'm okay with my kids moving on. I'm excited to learn who I am without them. Jane's right. Act 3 isn't about decline. It's about designing a life around what you've learned matters most. What's one thing you lost touch with during your "peak responsibility years" that you're ready to rediscover? ________________________ ♻ Repost if you're also approaching a major life transition and ready to be intentional about what's next. 👉Follow me, Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) and subscribe to my free newsletter, The Career Edit, for more about crafting your journey with intention. (https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0) 📩DM me "LIFE REVIEW" for a life review blueprint. You can join me in the journey!
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) commented on a post
3w
Absolutely well deserved Rebekah Luebcke, CRCP
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) liked thisTwo unforgettable days in Nashville last week with our network partners at our Supplier Summit brought key insights and some unique experiences! Thank you Music City! TRAKAmerica KnovaOne Millennium Capital and Recovery Corporation National Creditors Bar Association Blue Mantis Cliff Goldmacher Christopher J Moyer SrStephanie Eidelman (Meisel) liked thisWe are elated to look back on these two days and share the full experience with you all. #TRAKAmerica #Millennium #KnovaOne #NCBAClientSummit #Nashville #IndustryLeadership #RoundtableDiscussions #BlueMantis #CliffGoldmacher
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisStephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on this🌟 Congratulations to our 2025 Q4 WoDR Rockstar — Kacey Rask, MBA! 🌟 Kacey has been selected as the Women of Debt Relief Q4 Rockstar Award recipient for her outstanding leadership, sales excellence, and commitment to uplifting those around her. In an industry often focused on numbers, Kacey stands out for the way she supports and mentors others, sharing best practices and encouraging her colleagues to reach their full potential. Her nomination by Brooke Teal captured her impact perfectly: "In the highly demanding collections industry, Kacey stands out not only for her exceptional sales achievements but also for her unwavering dedication to the people around her." Kacey truly embodies the spirit of the WoDR Rockstar Award — recognizing women who lead, mentor, and lift others up while making our industry stronger. 💜 Join us in celebrating Kacey’s well-deserved recognition! #WomenOfDebtRelief #RockstarAward #WomenInLeadership #Mentorship #DebtReliefIndustry #Leadership #Community
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisStephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisWallStreetDiscriminates now hosts over 170 raw, devastating stories—mostly about Citi. Horrific tales in “professional” environments reveal key themes; I stand with all of you. To the woman behind story 152: Your vulnerability is seen. She wrote, “Citi’s HR tactics are so inhumane I considered taking my own life. It’s been almost six years and I will never be the same. It’s hard to describe and impossible to understand if you haven’t lived its unique horror. I don’t know how the board lets this go on. It’s a disgrace.” Citi and its Board are led by the only female CEO of a global Wall Street bank. Let that sink in. Now, Financial Times' Akila Quinio has exposed Citi’s CSIS team, reporting that is drawing global attention. The dam is breaking, and women are coming forward to describe the toxicity Citi has spent years burying. Thanks to the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, my case is in open court—no forced arbitration or enforceable NDA, no more hiding Citi's realities. Before this act, NDAs silenced women. My case is progressing. I won’t be silenced. Keep the spotlight blazing. We have our voices and now this community. Citi can't hide anymore. More revelations ahead; stay tuned.
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisStephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisNEW: Julia C. Carreon, the former Citi managing director who is suing the bank over claims she was sexually harassed by a senior executive, has called for her case to be heard in a New York court after the bank filed for a closed door arbitration in Texas. Carreon said Citi’s request to move the dispute was part of a “public relations blitz” in which it “selectively quotes portions” of emails that paint her relationship with its wealth boss Andy Sieg as “cordial”, according to fresh court documents. Citi has previously said Carreon’s case has “no merit”. Story with Paul Clarke. https://lnkd.in/ee2M2zznFormer Citigroup exec Carreon files to keep sexual harassment claim in New YorkFormer Citigroup exec Carreon files to keep sexual harassment claim in New York
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisCongratulations to a phenomenal leader who also happens to be my dear friend and colleague. Bekah Luebcke, CRCP has been selected as a finalist for the Wednesday Women: A Seat at the Table Award. She is a steady, intentional and deeply impactful leader who creates space for everyone around her to succeed and that’s what sets her apart; how she shows up for people. #intentionalleadership #liftingwhileweriseStephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisWho’s ready for round two? Our special series —- A Seat at the Table: COO —- continues! 🔥 We've teamed up with Chili Piper to spotlight the next generation of operations leaders by featuring 8 remarkable women who were: 👉 Nominated by COOs and senior leaders who *know* what it takes to get (and keep) a seat at the leadership table and deeply respect their work 👉 And selected by a panel of leaders for their proven experience and leadership potential Today, here are 4 more amazing ops leaders who’ve got what it takes to become a COO - experience, knowledge, results, confidence, guts, and even personality. 💥 Bekah Luebcke, CRCP - nominated by Lisa Rozzelle A resourceful and creative leader with over 20 years of experience in the ARM industry. “Her drive for greatness is relentless, and she ensures with every step forward that she lifts while she rises.” 💥 Holly Snider - nominated by Kim Hackmann She’s an exceptional up-and-coming COO who started her own fractional operations business. “She brings clarity, steadiness, and structure to every environment and has the ability to bring order to startup chaos!” 💥 Courtney Sylvester - nominated by Jasmine Chung She’s a natural problem-solver with a mind built for automation, AI, and “connecting dots most people don’t even realize are on the table.” She brings a healthy dose of skepticism, the kind that keeps everyone sharp, and she’s adamant that silos need to disappear if we want the business actually to move forward. 💥 Rachel Nazhand - nominated by Leslie Greenwood She’s a 5x high-growth operator, public speaker, experienced operations professional with a rich background working in small businesses, Series A to Series C start-ups, and corporate environments. “If I could take 10% of her operational brain, I'd be 500x better.” Let’s give a round of applause for these brilliant women 👏 As well as the visibility they’ve earned. 💜 Drop your congratulations. 💜 Tag other amazing operations leaders to help celebrate. 💜 Go follow them. ------ A special thanks to our series partner Chili Piper and the vision of their cofounder & CEO Alina Vandenberghe 🌶️ for this series. Chili Piper is transforming how pipeline gets built—and we’re proud to partner with them to spotlight women who are transforming what leadership looks like. #wednesdaywomen #womeninops #leadership #womenleaders #futureCOO
-
Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisStephanie Eidelman (Meisel) reacted on thisIf you’ve wondered why I haven’t been as present here on LinkedIn recently, it’s because I’ve been busy! I am excited and proud to announce my very first published work! I Am A Beautiful Butterfly: An affirmation coloring book for children ages 4-8. This coloring activity book is an easy way to encourage creativity while sparking meaningful conversation. It teaches empathy, kindness, and self-esteem. And the activities are fun to revisit as your child grows. It is never too early to learn self-love. I would really appreciate your support. Please share with your network and repost for increased reach. Its a great gift idea for the children in your life. I invite you to get your copy using the link in comments. And if you do purchase a copy, I would love it if you could also leave an Amazon review to boost visibility. #childrensbooks #kidscoloringbook #kidsactivities #affirmation #ConfidentKids
Experience & Education
-
Women in Consumer Finance
View Stephanie’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
or
Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
-
Board Chair
LIFT, Inc.
- Present 4 years 10 months
Poverty Alleviation
LIFT's mission is to break the cycle of poverty by investing in parents. Their unique one-on-one coaching program empowers parents to set and achieve goals that put families on the path toward economic mobility – such as going back to school, improving credit, eliminating debt, or securing a living wage. In addition to coaching, LIFT parents also receive direct cash infusions to reinvest in their families and goals.
LIFT partners with colleges, governments, and health systems to deliver…LIFT's mission is to break the cycle of poverty by investing in parents. Their unique one-on-one coaching program empowers parents to set and achieve goals that put families on the path toward economic mobility – such as going back to school, improving credit, eliminating debt, or securing a living wage. In addition to coaching, LIFT parents also receive direct cash infusions to reinvest in their families and goals.
LIFT partners with colleges, governments, and health systems to deliver its services nationwide and operates sites in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at whywelift.org
I chair the board of Lift-DC
Honors & Awards
-
Top Women in Media and Adtech - Change-Maker
AdExchanger, AdMonsters and Folio
AdExchanger, AdMonsters and Folio together present the 2022 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Awards to recognize professional women for their excellence, influence and impact. The Change-Makers category recognizes women who’ve successfully altered the course of their brands or the industry for the better.
https://www.admonsters.com/events/2022-top-women-in-media/ -
Top Women in Media - Entrepreneurs
Folio
The annual Folio: Top Women in Media Awards celebrates the creativity and accomplishments of our female colleagues, sometimes against a glass ceiling, other times against the grain. Each class of honorees have fearlessly moved their teams, brands, and companies forward, made strides in their respective markets, and created lasting impressions on their colleagues.
-
Trailblazer Award
Members of the Consumer Relations Consortium
The inaugural Trailblazer Award was created by the members of the Consumer Relations Consortium (CRC) and awarded for success achieved through clear vision and tireless effort to advance the interests of the CRC and the collection industry.
-
Don Kramer Award
NCBA - The National Creditors Bar Association
Named in honor of NARCA founder Don Kramer, the Don Kramer Award is presented to someone whose efforts have made a substantial and lasting impact for the benefit of the credit and legal collection community.
-
Volunteer of the Year
SIPA - Specialized Information Publishers Association
Organizations
-
Women Presidents Organization
member
- -
Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)
Board Member, SIPA division
- -
Vistage
Member
-
Recommendations received
9 people have recommended Stephanie
Join now to viewOther similar profiles
Explore more posts
Explore top content on LinkedIn
Find curated posts and insights for relevant topics all in one place.
View top content