Building a Community in Florida

March 12, 2026

Something special is taking shape in Florida.


Earlier this week, women from across the state gathered in Palm Beach Gardens as the FWA Florida Committee hosted its inaugural in-person event at DSM Capital Partners in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.


The program featured a forward-looking conversation on AI and technology in investing, followed by an interactive session on personal branding and executive presence led by FWA President Albana Theka and Florida Committee Co-Chair Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen.


Connections began the evening before at a dinner that set the tone for a day filled with energy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. By the time sessions began, the room already felt like a community. That’s what the FWA does best.


Special thanks to Florida Committee Co-Chairs Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen and Kari Desai, DSM Capital Partners for hosting, and all who joined.


“Nothing beats the power of community and human connection. It was incredible to see women from across Florida come together for conversations that were insightful, energizing, and genuinely fun.”

- Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen

If you’re in Florida and looking to connect with a strong network of women in finance, the FWA Florida Committee is just getting started: Committee Interest Form

Announcing Our 2026 Public Sector Woman of the Year

September 3, 2026
The FWA is pleased to share that Virginia Maloney will be honored as the 2026 Public Sector Woman of the Year at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. We look forward to introducing additional honorees in the weeks ahead. 

Member2Member Applications Open - Apply Today!

September 2, 2026
We're pleased to announce that the next cohort of the Member2Member program will run from November 2026 through April 2027. Applications are open now, and the deadline to apply is Friday, September 18, 2026 .  Please note the Member2Member program is only open to FWA members. Not currently a member? Join or renew today! The FWA Member2Member mentoring program helps advance the FWA mission of accelerating leadership and success of women in the financial community. The program pairs experienced FWA members with those eager to build leadership skills and advance their careers. Our goal is to create meaningful mentor and mentee partnerships where pairs work together to identify strengths, uncover opportunities, and empower the mentee. We also encourage networking and reverse mentoring among members of the cohort. Interested in participating? Learn more here!

The Seat Comes with Seventy Years

August 27, 2026
A Message from FWA President Albana Theka When I stepped into the role of President of the Financial Women’s Association last July, I thought I understood what I was taking on. I had served on the board, co-chaired membership, spent two years as President Elect, and I knew the history the way most of us know it, in the broad strokes of dates and programs and the story of the eight women in 1956 who were turned away from an investment association and decided to build their own. What I did not expect was what happened in the weeks that followed, when past FWA presidents began reaching out to me one by one, not to give instructions, but to tell me their stories.

Announcing Our 2026 Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year

August 26, 2026
The FWA is pleased to share that Mary Barneby will be honored as the 2026 Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. We look forward to introducing additional honorees in the weeks ahead. Mary Barneby served as the Regional Chief Executive for the American Red Cross of Greater New York from 2020 to 2023. In that role, she led a team dedicated to alleviating suffering caused by disasters and emergencies across the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties, and Greenwich, CT. Prior to joining the Red Cross, Mary served for eight years as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, where she led a major transformation of volunteer support services and technology enhancements.
More Posts