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For decades, the Financial Women’s Association has grown by asking what members need and then making it happen. That same energy was front and center when the FWA Board gathered for a full-day Leadership Retreat focused on connection, clear priorities, and moving forward. Setting the tone, FWA President Albana Theka kicked off the day with clear direction: How do we honor our history while seizing new opportunities? Facilitator Thea Watkins then guided the Board through lively discussions and practical exercises that turned ideas into action. The focus for the year ahead: Membership Growth — reaching more professionals and delivering greater value. Partnership Expansion — strengthening ties with corporate and mission-aligned allies. Brand Visibility — telling the FWA story with confidence and clarity. Teams broke out to brainstorm, test ideas, and present their best plans. The Board voted on top initiatives, setting the course for the year ahead. Thanks to: Kelsey Halloran and FTI Consulting for hosting us in their fantastic space. Thea Watkins for steering the day with insight and care. Executive Director Alissa Desmarais for grounding us in FWA’s mission, vision, and goals. The takeaway: A Board that’s aligned, energized, and ready to deliver. You’ll see the impact in upcoming programs, partnerships, and outreach. Thanks to everyone who helped lay the groundwork for a strong year — together, we’re moving forward.

What will it take to succeed in the future world of financial services, where technology plays an even more dominant role? During week 5 of the Wall Street Exchange Program , an expert panel of industry leaders in AI, blockchain, and data analytics and digital tools, shared their experiences and thoughts about the evolution of financial services and what the future holds for those aspiring to build their careers in finance. Susan Green of SGAdvisory moderated an expert panel, which included Alix Jules, AI Business Transformation Leader at Broadridge ; Irene Aldridge, CEO and Founder of AbleBlox and AbleMarkets ; and Janna Treybick, Director in the Assurance Innovation & Technology (AIT) - Market Information & Data Analytics (MIDA) practice at PWC . Panelists emphasized that we are in a transition period, where there is unending opportunity. To be successful in the evolving future, they offered advice around the importance of building relationships and interpersonal competencies, and of being intentional about targeting your next two roles in your skill-building. While technology might rule the future, this won’t change the importance of relationships and ensuring you keep your work and accomplishments visible to others. Among suggestions panelists offered to interns interested in understanding whether a company will be a good fit were: to speak to current employees, to look for others like you succeeding within the organization, and to ask for stories about those who had been promoted. Inclusion needs to be purposeful, not just platitudes. The WSE Committee extends its gratitude to the session panelists for an insightful session and for their support of FWA and the Wall Street Exchange Program. Special thanks, as well, to Susan Migliaccio and the FinTech Committee for their assistance in organizing this event.

The roar of the crowd, a Liberty comeback win, and the connections sparked in the owner’s suite made July 13 a day that perfectly captured the spirit of the Financial Women’s Association. FWA members and friends gathered at Barclays Center not only to watch an exciting WNBA game but to celebrate community, inspiration, and collaboration. From courtside cheers to suite-side introductions, the atmosphere was electric as conversations sparked across every corner of the room. It was a chance to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones while enjoying world-class basketball. Moments That Mattered What made the day truly memorable was more than the final score. It was the opportunity to connect with leaders, colleagues, and friends in a unique setting. As Laura Smith Dunaief, FWA Wall Street Exchange Co-Chair, shared, “So much fun! Great networking and an exciting game!” Nina Batson, FWA Past President, summed it up perfectly, “Another great FWA event!” One first-time FWA attendee said, “It was my first FWA event and I left inspired and energized by the incredible women I met.” The event would not have been possible without the leadership of Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, the support of Robert Windrem of NetsDaily, Programming Committee Chair Patti Domm, FWA Executive Director and COO Alissa Desmarais, and the talented photographer Leya Yusupov who captured the day’s energy.