Women’s History Month | Ronda Cepeda
AFSA is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry.
What has been the most important lesson?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career in auto finance and fraud prevention is that relationships and trust are the foundation of everything we do. Technology and analytics play a critical role in our industry, but it’s the people behind the work, collaborating, solving problems, and supporting one another that truly move the industry forward.
Early in my career, I was fortunate to work alongside leaders who encouraged me to speak up, ask questions, and trust my perspective, even when I was one of the few women in the room. That encouragement helped shape the confidence I carry into the work I do today with lenders, dealers, and partners across the industry.
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be simple: don’t wait for permission to lead. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who believe in lifting others up.
Auto finance has long been a relationship-driven industry, and I’m proud to see more women stepping into leadership roles and supporting one another along the way. The more we share our experiences and open doors for the next generation, the stronger our industry becomes.
March 10th, 2026
Get The News You Need
Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive all the most important industry news and updates every weekday morning.
Recent Posts
- Don’t Let Debt Relief Compound a Problem
- Maryland Coerced Debt Bill
- Oregon DIDMCA Opt-Out Veto Letter
- AFSA Supports Eliminating Fraud in CFPB’s Complaint Database
- FICO Data: A Tale of Two Borrowers