SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – May 11, 2026 – The Network of Women (“NOW”) Employee Resource Group (“ERG”) at Pathward®, N.A. (“Pathward”) announced the winner of Pathward’s 2026 Empowering Women Award, and this year’s recipient is Karla Cotton. A member of the team for nearly two decades, her current role at Pathward is Vice President of Partner Engagement.
NOW created the Empowering Women Award to recognize employees like Cotton who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to embodying NOW’s mission. These individuals spend their time empowering women and future generations. They go the extra mile to create a safe space for others, encourage community, and develop others. The ERG gathers nominations from employees, then selects a winner every year.
When asked what she thinks led to her nomination, Cotton said that relationships are important to her and to building trust.
“I get to know people for who they are outside of work, and I think that's important,” she said. “When I look back at my career at Pathward and the people who have shaped me, there have been a lot of teams that have done that and have pushed me to grow. I think that's what I try to do for others – to be there, so they understand that I can help them, but they have a voice they need to find as well.”
She said that being empathetic and leading by example are ways she hopes to pass the spirit of empowerment on to others, “Empowering women is about showing what's possible and not just saying it. I grew up playing competitive golf and had the opportunity to do that at the University of Iowa. That shaped my mindset around setting goals and my confidence and understanding of how important that is.”
Here is what some of Cotton’s colleagues had to say about her:
“Over the past five years of working closely with Karla, she has had a profound and lasting impact on my professional growth, confidence, and understanding of the payments industry. What sets Karla apart is the way she consistently makes me feel seen, supported, and valued. No matter how full her plate is, she never makes me feel like an inconvenience. Instead, she approaches every conversation with intention and presence, making me feel like her number one priority in that moment—even though I know she carries many other responsibilities. That level of respect and care is rare and deeply empowering.”
“Karla is a patient and exceptional leader who truly leads by example. She consistently shows up, supports not only our team, but all teams, and helps us see better ways to be successful. As a mentor and leader, she brings clarity, confidence, and care—and as a human, she is thoughtful, present, and dependable when it matters most!"
As the winner of Pathward’s Empowering Women Award, Cotton directed a $1,500 donation to First Tee South Dakota where she serves on the board of directors. First Tee South Dakota is a youth development organization that integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum to create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience among kids.
NOW aims to empower women throughout Pathward and to encourage inclusion in the workplace and in our communities. The group, which is open to all employees, boasts more than 200 members. ERGs are one way that Pathward facilitates intentional connections for employees so they can have a sense of belonging.
Learn more about Pathward’s ERGs and more in the 2025 Impact Report.
