As Kirsten Hawkins reflects on her accomplishments within the industry, she is most proud to be selected as one of the top women in equipment finance by Monitor, an honor that she will cherish and celebrate with gratitude and pride.
Hawkins attended the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Women’s Leadership Forum for the first time in 2021. She distinctly remembers leaving the event feeling incredibly inspired by women leaders in the industry. Like those women, Hawkins aspires to make a significant impact on the industry and set an example of leadership for other young, up-and-coming women. She feels that being selected for Monitor’s women’s list brings her one step closer to becoming an influential leader in the industry.
Hawkins spoke on her first panel at the Women’s Leadership Forum. The room was full of leaders looking to her for advice on work-life balance and how to avoid burnout. Despite it being nerve-wracking to share her story, that experience was a significant moment in her career.
“I’ve known Kirsten since our marketing team consisted solely of her. She was a one-woman powerhouse when I started my career at SCJ. To this day I question her: ‘How did you manage it all on your own?’” Laura Reed, marketing and business development of SCJ Commercial Financial Services, says. “During my time at SCJ and working alongside her, I’ve had the opportunity to witness her remarkable ability to transform the branding of the company. Not only has she maintained our presence on the map, but she has also been an innovative leader to me and the other members of the team.”
Hawkin’s professional mission is to provide the marketing team with the resources and opportunities to improve every day, on both a personal and professional level. She aims to teach her team the importance of work-life balance through compassion and empathy while also teaching them that hard work and dedication creates beautiful and meaningful work.
“As the director of marketing, Kirsten has welcomed new ideas, ways to be involved within our community and how to empower others. She has forged strong connections within the equipment finance and leasing niche,” Reed says. “On the sales side, she shares her expertise with our business partners. She aims to find a solution, whether it’s the services we offer in the debt buying space or pointing them in the direction of other industry leaders that may be a better fit for their specific needs.”
Outside of SCJ, Hawkins is involved in a handful of committees. She serves on the ELFA Women’s Council and multiple of the National Equipment Finance Association’s committees, including the membership, rising professionals, marketing and women’s committees. She is also involved in the women’s leadership forum and women’s spotlight subcommittees.
“SCJ would not be where it is today without the efforts, empathy and creativity Kirsten has brought to the table,” Reed says. “Aside from her internal leadership, she has been a mentor to me outside of work, providing me advice on how to be an influential woman in any space. I am extremely proud of her accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for her.”
“Never stop learning and just be yourself. Jumping into a new industry comes with initial feelings of fear, doubt and an array of challenges. If you give yourself grace, you can knock on any door of opportunity. Be yourself, persevere through the ‘tough’ and lean on those around you.”