The FWA is pleased to share that Carolyn Maloney will be honored with the 2026 Lifetime Public Service award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026.
We look forward to introducing additional honorees in the weeks ahead.
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) was elected to Congress in 1992, “Year of the Woman.” She was the first woman to represent her Congressional district and City Council district, and the first woman to chair the Government Reform and Oversight Committee and the Joint Economic Committee. She authored over 80 laws, including the 9-11 Health and Compensation Act, authorizing legislation to create the Smithsonian National Women’s Museum, landmark consumer protections against predatory banking and credit card practices, and the Corporate Transparency Act.
The Federal Historical Society commissioned a portrait of Congresswoman Maloney and held unveilings at the Cannon House Office Building on December 18, 2024, and the New York Athletic Club on June 10, 2025, to celebrate her 30 years of service in the House of Representatives.
Having left Congress in January 2023, Mrs. Maloney currently serves as:
- Eleanor Roosevelt Distinguished Leader-in-Residence at the Roosevelt House Institute for Public Policy, Hunter College (CUNY)
- Founder and President of ERA-Now, a non-profit advocating for recognizing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the US Constitution
- Advisory Board Member of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
- Founder of Sign4ERA.org
- Founder of DrivingtheVote.org
- Managing Director on the Board of the Metropolitan Opera
- Board Member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
- Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce for Manhattan
- Board Member of the Conservancy of Gracie Mansion
- Board Member of the National Organization for Women
- Board Member of the United Nations Development Committee
- President of the New York State Chapter of the National Organization for Women
- Former Chair of the ERA Coalition
- Member of the NY Women’s Forum
- Member of the Foreign Policy Institute
On October 8, 2026, the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala brought together generations of the Financial Women's Association community for an evening filled with stories, laughter, and a real sense of what makes this organization special. It was a great reminder of where we started and how far we have come! Guests walked the red carpet, queued up at the photo booth, and shared their FWA stories in on-camera interviews. Our live band kept the celebration going, and FWA President Albana Theka, MBA performed the FWA song. Our honorees gave us plenty to think about. Stephanie Ruhle spoke about risk and her transition from finance to television. Betsy Werley shared that she is now mentoring the daughter of one of her former mentees. Joan Shapiro Green recalled making laughter part of her theme as FWA President. Virginia Maloney and Jonathan Dambrot reflected on their courageous mothers and the influence those women had on their lives. Mary Barneby spoke about her FWA presidency and the responsibility to give back. Caroline Gundeck shared how hard work helped her reach an early career goal of $2 million in accounts. Steve Liesman gave the room one of its biggest laughs when he suggested the title of her future book: Buying Your Own Plaque. Carolyn Maloney discussed being the first woman to represent her City Council and congressional districts, as well as the first woman to chair the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Joint Economic Committee. She also spoke about the work she continues to fight for today. Thank you to Steve for guiding the evening with warmth and humor. We’re also grateful to FWA Past Presidents Hermina 'Nina' Batson, Simone G. Vinocour, and Karen Elinski, the entire 70th Anniversary Gala Committee, and the FWA staff for the months of work behind the celebration. Most of all, thank you to everyone who came out to support our mission. It was a full-circle evening and a fitting way for the FWA to go platinum. Relive the celebration through the Commemorative Gala Journal and explore our photo galleries: Photos from the Program • Reception Photos • Step & Repeat Photos • Photo Booth
The FWA is proud to announce Hillary Rodham Clinton as the recipient of the 2026 FWA Global Trailblazer & Visionary Award at the FWA’s 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. Secretary Clinton will join us virtually to accept the award and share remarks with guests during the Gala. We look forward to celebrating her extraordinary leadership and contributions with our community.
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Betsy Werley for her contributions to the FWA community. Betsy will receive the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Betsy and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Joan Shapiro Green for her contributions to the FWA community. Joan will receive the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Joan and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.
