From Albania to FWA President: My Story, My Vision, Our Future
It was only a couple of weeks ago that I stood in front of many of you at our Annual Members Meeting. The moment I took the stage as the 60th President of the Financial Women’s Association, I felt a wave of gratitude—not just for the role, but for the road that brought me here.
That road started thousands of miles away, in a small city in southern Albania.
I was 16 years old when I told my parents I wanted to go to America—not just to visit, but to live, to learn, to build something bigger than what I could see around me. Although a difficult decision, my parents supported me. They knew that as a woman, growing up in a country that had seen communism, a difficult transition to democracy, civil war and refugee crisis, I wouldn’t have the same opportunities if I had stayed.
That decision would change my life forever.
I left home in August 1999 with a suitcase, a laminated photo of my family—which I always keep in my wallet—and a heart full of hope. I wouldn’t see my parents again for six years.
My first stop was Kentucky where I lived with a host family, I experienced American culture, worked hard and graduated in the top 10 of my class. I then moved to New York City and attended St. Francis College while working at Ridgewood Savings Bank. I earned my MBA while navigating long subway rides, late-night study sessions, and learning to build a life in a city that never stops moving.
I had dreams of Wall Street, but I graduated into the 2008 financial crisis—a time when the path forward wasn’t clear. Still, luck met preparation. I joined NYU Langone as a budget analyst, and over 12 years, I rose to become Director of Financial Planning & Analysis.
NYU gave me more than a job. It gave me a mentor—Susan DiGeronimo-Wild. Susan believed in me, promoted me, challenged me, and supported me like a second mother. She was the kind of leader I hope to be. When I met my husband George, I even sought Susan’s blessing—because I trusted her guidance that much. George and I built a life together, and he gave me my two greatest joys: Leo and Emily.
And yet, even the most stable chapters eventually turn. When Susan left NYU in 2019, I felt adrift. I began asking: What’s next? Where do I belong now?
Like many of us do in moments of transition, I turned to Google. I typed: “Women in Finance.”
That’s when I discovered the FWA.
Finding My Place
I received a message from Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen shortly after joining—kind, welcoming, warm. That message changed everything. I went to my first event and met Simone Vinocour and Nina Batson—then President and President-Elect. I remember thinking: How often do you walk into a new organization and are immediately greeted by its leadership?
I felt seen. I felt like I belonged.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit and I, like so many others, lost my job, FWA became more than a network—it became my anchor. Marie-Helene and I started a weekly Friday accountability call to stay focused and push each other forward. We still have those calls, five years later.
From there, I leaned in—deeply. I joined the Membership & Engagement Committee, the Financial Backpack Committee, and the Member-to-Member Mentorship Program, where I had the incredible fortune to be paired with Annette Stewart.
Annette’s belief in me pushed me to run for President-Elect. And that’s the thread running through my entire story—people who believed in me when I needed it most.
That’s the heart of FWA.
My Vision as President
As I begin this year of service, I carry with me every challenge, every leap, and every lesson I’ve learned—from my childhood in a post-communist country to building a career and a family in America.
I also carry a vision for what FWA can continue to be:
- A community where every woman feels seen.
- A space where potential is met with possibility.
- A network that doesn’t just elevate resumes—but lives.
This year, I’m focused on three bold goals:
- Grow our membership by 20% — expanding our reach and deepening our impact.
- Establish four new corporate partnerships — bringing in mission-aligned organizations to fuel our work.
- Strengthen our digital presence — making FWA more visible, accessible, and influential.
We’re already rolling out new initiatives. We’re bringing back the Executive Leaders Committee, building up the Florida, AI, Lifescape, and FWA Voices committees, in addition to planning our 70th anniversary celebration, and investing in stronger programming to serve each stage of our members’ careers.
Because who we serve is central to everything:
- Next Gen & Emerging Leaders – students and early-career professionals building a foundation
- Rising Stars – mid-career women navigating growth, influence, and leadership
- Senior Visionaries – executives seeking thought leadership, board presence, and legacy
- Legacy Champions – retired trailblazers who continue to give back
- Strategic Allies – male champions committed to equity and inclusion
My Call to You
This community is only as powerful as the people within it.
If you’re already a member, I hope you’ll re-engage with purpose—
If you’re new to FWA or considering joining: welcome. There is a place here for you, no matter your stage or story.
You are FWA’s greatest ambassador. Your story, your voice, your presence—they matter.
Together, let’s build a future where women in finance don’t just survive… we lead, we thrive, and we lift others as we rise.
Thank you for walking this journey with me. I’m honored to lead, serve, and grow with you.
With gratitude and purpose,
Albana Theka
President 2025-2027
Financial Women’s Association
P.S. Let’s put the fun back in FWA. Our work is serious, but our joy is powerful. Here’s to a transformative year—together.
