Announcing Our 2026 Private Sector Woman of the Year

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026–2027 FWA Pacesetters Program! A cornerstone of FWA’s offerings since 2015, the Pacesetters Program continues to empower emerging women leaders, and this year we’re proud to welcome eight exceptional participants into the program. Open to employees of our partner organizations, this eight-month experience combines professional development, one-on-one coaching, and valuable networking opportunities. Throughout the program, participants will explore topics designed to build confidence and strengthen leadership skills, including: DISC styles and communication Imposter syndrome The power of “no” Strategic leadership Leading and managing change As an added benefit, each participant will also receive a complimentary one-year FWA membership. The program will run through June 2027. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our 2026–2027 Pacesetters. We can’t wait to see all they will accomplish! 

A Message from FWA President Albana Theka Every Friday morning, I get on the phone with my friend Marie Helene. We met through FWA more than six years ago, when we were both in career transitions. We started a weekly power hour: who to reach out to, what to say next. We kept each other honest and kept each other going. It worked, we both landed new jobs, and the call never stopped.  Last year, as the newly minted President of the FWA, I lost my job one week before our annual retreat. At the meeting, after talking about our mission, I shared what had happened. I am grateful to every woman who came up afterward, kind and ready to help. Since then, the encouragement has been plentiful and the introductions, sadly, few.

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