Highlights from the FWA 2023 Annual Summit - The Grit Factor: Change Agents Shaping Our Industry

May 25, 2023

What an exhilarating two days at the FWA's Annual Summit! 


Day 1 Highlights 


We heard from keynote speaker Jean-Yves Fillion, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors at BNP Paribas USA, FWA Male Ally of the Year 2021, who shared his personal commitment: 


“Today as Vice Chairman of the USA, I believe that is my personal duty to ensure that women are given the same level of opportunity here at BNP Paribas as their male colleagues. It's promoting this equality for women as well as equality for all groups that will help drive the success of the bank, the industry at large and candidly the global economy.


It is for such inclusivity that we will attract and retain the top talent to provide our clients with the best-in-class service for which we're known.”

   

The Eurozone Panel and Economic Outlook featured BNP Parisbas panelists from Europe and North America shared insights on the global economy given geopolitical developments, last year’s energy crisis and the  fundamental questions we face regarding energy and transformation. We also discussed how the collapse of banks on both sides of the pond, inflation and insecurities around supply chain are affecting the markets and decision making. 


Dr Melissa Fisher shared key findings from her FWA commissioned research on The Post Pandemic Return to Work in Finance Among Women and Underrepresented Populations

   

Aurora Pllaha, shared the impact that the FWA and her mentor have had on her aspirations and career. She shared, "because of these sessions, I felt more encouraged to answer questions and even start asking them.” Aurora's mentor was Shannon Seidel, currently VP of Process Management at Prudential. “It has been such a privilege to have her as my mentor, because of her versatile background and her inspirational climb up the ladder with the firm.”


Day 2 Highlights 


In our Fireside Chat with Jelena Buraja, Chairman of the Board of Rietumu Banka, the largest local capital bank in Latvia, shared insights on the Latvian financial markets and business issues, that are inevitably tied with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How the Baltic states are re-orienting to new markets and new regulatory requirements. How can we aspire for the ESG goals at the time of economic uncertainty and how do we deal with persistently high inflation and stagnant economic fundamentals. Plus, we spoke about the role of women in finance – how we all need to encourage ladies to take initiative and make decisions to advance their careers. Jelena is on the 40 Under 40 list of bank executives by Latvian Forbes magazine as the most successful woman in Latvian financial industry (2023).

       

The panel on Fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive and Supportive Work Culture brought leaders from Citizens, BNP Paribas and SMBC, all members of the FWA’s Presidents Circle, to share their personal, hands-on practical experience in building thriving work cultures and accelerating positive change. 


We heard from the Executive Director and COO of the FWA who shared the work the FWA is doing building the next generation of leaders. This year alone the FWA Next Generation Programs invested more than $330,000 in programs, scholarships and other funding to support 142 young women FWA Mentees attending colleges and universities.


FWA President Nina Batson closed the day with BNP Paribas Vice-Chairman Jean-Yves Fillion.  Attendees and speakers all stayed to enjoy food and cocktails. 


Thank you to all of the 2023 Panelists!

Hermina “Nina” Batson: Fearless Leadership and a Lasting Legacy in Mentorship

October 2, 2025
What happens when a setback sparks a calling? For Hermina “Nina” Batson, walking away from electrical engineering wasn’t the end of her high school dream; it was the start of a fearless career in financial services—one built on integrity, courage, resilience, fortitude, determination, and a strong commitment to giving back. The daughter of Panamanian parents, Nina grew up on Long Island. At Hofstra University, she took steps to create opportunities for every student to feel included and have the chance to succeed. “Every student must have the opportunity to be successful, even if they don’t know how,” she says, a belief that continues to guide her. Long before Nina became a corporate leader, she taught financial literacy to underserved individuals in the communities she served, helping them understand the basics of money management and find pathways to independence. Mentoring, in one form or another, has always been part of her story.

New Report Calls for Systemic Change in Finance Workplaces - Driving Effectiveness, Innovation, and Profitability

September 4, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association (FWA) announces the release of a new white paper, The Post-Pandemic Return Among Women in Finance , authored by cultural anthropologist Dr. Melissa Suzanne Fisher. Commissioned by the FWA, the report examines how return-to-office policies and shifting workplace norms continue to shape careers in the financial services industry and outlines practical steps firms can take to build more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Based on pandemic and post-pandemic research, the report offers an analysis of challenges that remain highly relevant today: balancing work and family responsibilities, supporting employee well-being, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder career success. Drawing on interdisciplinary social sciences and firsthand accounts, the report highlights persistent cultural and structural barriers that limit progress across the industry. The report highlights that while the pandemic's remote work experiments offered employees new ways to balance work and personal life, the push for a full-time return to the office threatens this progress. Key recommendations highlighted in the report include: Responsibility of caregiving and work/life balance should be shared across the organization, rather than leaving individuals to manage these challenges alone. Firms should focus on addressing bias and discrimination embedded in their systems, not just changing individual attitudes. New models of mentoring and support are needed to reflect evolving work environments (such as hybrid work) and changing employee needs. Dr. Fisher, author of Wall Street Women , and a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, as well as a Senior Advisor at CFAR Consulting and Coaching Services, argues that supporting employees in balancing work, family, and personal needs is not only the right thing to do - it also drives innovation, effectiveness, and long-term profitability. The Financial Women’s Association has championed the advancement of women across the financial industry for nearly 70 years. This report adds to that tradition by offering actionable strategies firms can adopt to create more welcoming, supportive, and equitable workplaces so all employees can thrive. 

Member2Member Applications Open - Apply for Mentorship Today

September 2, 2025
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. We're pleased to announce that the next cohort of the Member2Member program will run from November 2025 through April 2026. Applications are open now, and the deadline to apply is Monday, October 6, 2025 .* 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 Member2Member program is only open to FWA members. Not currently a member? Join or renew today!

Stories From School: Moments that Matter

August 21, 2025
Last night, FWA board member Katrin Dambrot hosted Stories from School , an evening of connection and community in support of the FWA Mentorship and Scholarship Program at Seton Hall University . The theme of the evening was moments that matter. Guests shared personal accounts of mentors and experiences that shaped their college years and early careers—powerful reminders of how guidance and opportunity can change lives. Thanks to our generous supporters, we’ve raised $17,000 toward our $25,000 goal! To help us continue supporting the next generation of leaders, make a gift here .
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