Spotlight on Director-at-Large Erica Benjamin

October 30, 2024

Giving back by fostering engagement through education & mentoring


A director-at-large is a member of a governing board or organization who has flexible duties and is available to take on tasks as needed. No one is better suited to fill that role at the FWA than Erica Benjamin.


Erica is a master juggler who is always ready to step in wherever she’s needed without missing a beat. By day, she serves in a high-powered, senior management role as a transformational leader in BMO’s U.S. CEO Office, managing the Enterprise Wide Regulatory Program Management Office. By night and at the weekends, she’s the mother of a high school travel hockey player and a middle school daughter involved in various sports and Girl Scouting events.


Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the FWA’s Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, talked to Erica about her decades-long career in the financial services industry and how the FWA has contributed to her success.

Sherree: Erica, to start off, please tell us about your professional career journey?

 

Erica: My career in financial services spans more than 30 years. After I graduated from university, I joined the analyst program at Lehman Brothers, and up until two years ago, I worked in capital markets. I’ve done everything from sales, trading and operations to program management and senior level management.

 

Things haven’t always been smooth sailing. I survived 9/11. Then during the 2008 financial crisis, thousands of people were displaced, and my career went away overnight. I had to find my support system, rebound, redirect and build myself back up. Luckily, Barclays acquired Lehman Brothers’ investment banking business, and I was part of that buyout. The six months I worked for Barclays was the toughest time of my life. I just had a baby, and I only took a three-week maternity leave because I was fighting for my job. Several of us left Barclays and went to Nomura, which wasn’t a good fit for me, but I was thankful to have a job.

 

I got my job at BMO by leveraging my contacts from Lehman Brothers. I learned an important life lesson: The best jobs aren’t the ones that are posted, they’re from referrals from your network. The more people you know, the more opportunities come your way.

 

About three years ago, BMO decided to purchase Bank of the West, and I was asked to leave capital markets and move to the central M&A team to help with the acquisition. As a chief administrative officer, my responsibilities ranged from real estate to professional development. That’s when I became involved with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and groups such as the FWA.

 

The Bank of the West acquisition was completed in September 2023, and the bank is much bigger now. I currently work for the chief administrative officer for the U.S. holding company, and I run various regulatory program management initiatives.

 

Sherree: How long have you been a member of the FWA?

 

Erica: BMO has been a President’s Circle member of the FWA for about seven years, and I joined the FWA through the BMO relationship. I’m proud to say that BMO supports various education-oriented nonprofits, including the FWA’s education portfolio.

 

I enjoyed attending the FWA events and meeting people in the organization, but I had to take a step back when I transitioned from capital markets to an enterprise role. However, I’ve become more involved in the FWA and other women’s networks over the past year.


Sherree: Why did you decide to pursue a leadership role in the FWA?

 

Erica: I joined the FWA’s board in June 2024. I serve as director-at-large, but I don’t actually serve on any specific committees yet, although I’m sure I will soon. I’m particularly interested in education and mentoring. I’m currently working with Jackie Linden to review the educational portfolio. I also joined a special committee tasked with getting FWA members and the board more engaged.

 

Sherree: How have you benefitted from the FWA personally and professionally?

 

Erica: It all comes down to networking with likeminded, smart people who have been through a lot in their career. It’s so important to have that network of women who can lift you up and give you support along your career journey. Tons of job opportunities come about just by talking to people.

 

What I like about the FWA is that it’s multigenerational. We have members who have been in the industry for several decades, and they bring a high level of knowledge, expertise and guidance to the table. We have members who serve in middle management roles. And at the other end of the spectrum, we have young members at the very beginning of their careers.

 

In addition, I think the FWA’s content and events provide a great opportunity for professional development.

 

I’m at a point in my career where I hope the end is closer than the beginning. I feel like it’s my turn to give back because I’ve been very fortunate to have people help me along the way with mentorships and job opportunities. That’s one of the main reasons why I joined the FWA – to give back.

 

Sherree: What would you like to see the FWA do in the future?

 

Erica: We’re a membership-led organization, so we need to figure out how to increase membership and attract people in different finance roles. As such, our events need to appeal to a variety of people. We also have to update our branding and expand our base of corporate sponsors.

 

Sherree: How can people get the most out of their FWA membership?

 

Erica: If you just want to join the FWA because you want your name on the list, you’re not going to get anything out of it. Get involved. Raise your hand. Go to events. Ask questions. You can’t be everything to everyone all the time, so ask for help because FWA members will come to your aid.

From Courtside to Connections: FWA’s Unforgettable Day at the Liberty Game

July 24, 2025
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.

Joele Frank shares Strategic Communications Career Opportunities with Wall Street Exchange

July 22, 2025
During week 4 of the Wall Street Exchange Program , participants were engaged in a highly interactive session about career opportunities in Strategic Communications (StratComms), a field with which only 50 percent of the interns were familiar. Heather Wallach and Jordan Resnick from Joele Frank shared that, for those with a passion for storytelling and writing and with exceptional attention to detail, StratComms offers an opportunity to flex those skill muscles by helping firms manage crises, communicate clearly, and develop company narratives. While many firm relationships might begin with transactional engagements, they often evolve into long-term partnerships.  StratComms requires coordination and cross-communication with other partners that form a firm’s advisory circle, such as Investor Relations and Public Relations firms. This makes relationship-building and other interpersonal skills valuable attributes. While a degree or background in finance is not required, Jordan Resnick shared advice for those interested in entry level opportunities. She recommended following business news platforms to learn and stay current and writing a cover letter that expresses curiosity and interest in the field. The WSE Committee extends its gratitude to Joele Frank and its speakers for an insightful session and for their support of FWA and the Wall Street Exchange Program.

Voices From Red Bank: Two Nights of Connection

July 17, 2025
Our Tastes of New Jersey series continued earlier this month with two dinners at Monticello’s in Red Bank on July 9 and July 12. Both evenings reminded us why these gatherings matter: authentic conversations, shared stories, and the chance to connect beyond titles and LinkedIn headlines. As one attendee said: “Absolutely fantastic evening. Each of you have such interesting backgrounds and experiences. It was a pleasure.” – Maggie Kriebelt The discussions covered everything from work-life balance to travel and even astronomy, creating a space where members could learn from and inspire one another. “Such a nice evening. A pleasure dining with all of you.” – Debra Curran Many thanks to Past President Nina Batson for making these evenings possible: “What a fantastic time. Thanks to Nina for facilitating it.” – Susan Aufiero-Peters We are bringing this same energy to Summit tonight, with Clinton and Westfield coming up soon. Join us at the table...

FWA Leaders Visit the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates

July 16, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association had the great honor of visiting the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New York City. We were warmly welcomed by Her Excellency Amna Ali Hamad Bin Zaal Almheiri and her team, who graciously shared their time and insights on the UAE’s remarkable journey of economic development, visionary leadership, and global engagement. Our visit marks the beginning of preparations for the FWA’s 2026 International Business Conference , which we are thrilled to host in the UAE next April. We extend heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency and the Consulate for their generous support and to Elynore Moran for her seamless coordination and professionalism. Each year, the FWA’s International Business Conference explores a region where fundamental investment and business opportunities are emerging. Since 1978—when we were one of the first U.S. delegations to visit China after its reopening—FWA has brought delegates to more than 30 countries across six continents. In every destination, we meet with senior government officials and business leaders to gain firsthand insights into economic conditions and policy strategies that shape global finance. For nearly five decades, the IBC has empowered our members to deepen their understanding of international markets and bring that knowledge back to their careers, companies, and communities in the U.S. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to spotlight the UAE’s dynamic role in finance, technology, and global diplomacy—and to further cultivate cross-cultural dialogue and professional exchange.
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