Spotlight on the FWA Membership Committee

August 1, 2024

Building relationships and creating a culture of support through a personal touch

Founded in 1956, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) is among the oldest, most well-established organizations for women in the financial services industry. No other women's organization offers extensive networking, programming and skill development opportunities like the FWA. Moreover, it’s an important pipeline for financial institutions and other firms to develop, engage and retain talent.

 

Erin Preston, chair of the FWA’s Membership & Engagement Committee, is passionate about the organization’s mission. In a Q&A session with Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, Erin explains her professional background, why she joined the FWA and how she has benefited from her membership. She talks about the Committee’s goals and provides advice on getting the most out of an FWA membership.

Sherree: Erin, to start off, please tell us about your professional background and why you love what you do.

 

Erin: Sure. Over the last 17 years, I’ve held several senior compliance roles in sell-side and buy-side institutions. My current role is chief compliance officer at Wedbush Securities, one of the nation’s leading wealth management, brokerage and advisory firms. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, we have over 100 registered offices and nearly 900 colleagues focusing on wealth management and brokerage services.

 

Honestly, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated college, but I knew what I was interested in. My first job was in compliance, and I loved it so much that I decided to pursue a law degree part time to strengthen and expand my knowledge and skills. After I finished my degree, I landed a role as in-house counsel.

 

My law degree changed the way I think and approach problems. That’s important because my job is about problem solving and partnering with the business to achieve strategic objectives.

 

Sherree: How long have you been a member of the FWA, and why did you decide to join?

 

Erin: I’ve been a member of the FWA since 2016. I had just started in my first chief compliance officer role, and I wanted to network with high-caliber women in senior roles outside of my workplace and enhance my knowledge through educational programming. I joined the FWA because the organization has so much to offer in both areas.

 

I became actively involved in the FWA immediately, and it’s been a great experience. I participated as a mentee in Member2Member Mentorship Program, where members are paired with FWA senior members who can provide career advice. Then I became a mentor in the FWA’s partnership program with Baruch College, and I’m now in my sixth year of mentoring through that program. I’ve also been involved in the FWA’s Wall Street Exchange summer program, which is a career development program for rising college seniors who are working as interns in financial services.

 

Sherree: What excited you about taking a leadership role in the FWA?

 

Erin: Last spring, I was approached about taking on a leadership role in the FWA, specifically heading up the Membership & Engagement Committee, which is a board position. Previously, I sat on the board of Women in Listed Derivatives, so I understand what a board role entails.

 

I was excited about this opportunity because I’m passionate about the FWA’s mission to promote the professional development and advancement of all women through education, mentorship, networking, alliances and advocacy across the financial sector. What sets this organization apart is inclusivity. We welcome women from all professions within our industry and at any level of their career.

 

I’ve had such a good experience at the FWA that I want to get that message out. I want to ensure that our current members get the most out of the organization, but I also want to attract new members – from students and entry level workers to mid-level managers and senior executives. There are opportunities everyone to become engaged in this dynamic organization.

 

Sherree: What do you think is the essential ingredient for the success of the Committee?

 

Erin: I think it’s all about personal touch and outreach.

 

I’ve been in leadership roles in Junior League in Greenwich, CT and I’m in the process of re-joining the Westchester on the Sound chapter.  Junior League is a private, nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteerism, collaboration and training. I’ve been involved in various initiatives from fundraising to gathering essential supplies for victims of domestic violence. 

 

Junior League has been a great model for me because of its strong governance and its personal touch. When you join, the chapter president will write to thank you for your interest and invite you to meet in person to learn more about the organization and how you can become engaged.

 

That approach impressed me and made me feel valued, and that’s what I’m looking to impart at the FWA. I want our committee to personally reach out to new members to help them take advantage of the FWA’s resources and become engaged in our various committees and programs. I also think it’s so important to get members’ feedback on our content and educational programming so we know what’s working and what we can do differently.

 

Sherree: So please tell us more about the Membership & Engagement Committee and your goals for the coming year. 

 

Erin: Currently, we have four members, and we meet twice per month, but I’m actively looking for more members because we have an ambitious agenda this year.

 

Our first goal is to increase individual memberships by at least 20% within 3-4 months. We see an opportunity to build relationships particularly in a couple sectors. One is fintech because so much innovation is happening in that space, and the other is private markets, which are becoming more open to a broader group of investors.

 

Another important goal is to deepen our relationships with graduate schools at Columbia, NYU, Fordham and other universities. We believe we can provide valuable tools and educational programming to support part-time graduate students who are currently working as well as full-time graduate students who are looking to reenter the workforce.

 

If you love meeting new people, reaching out to institutions and following up with members, please come join our committee. For instance, we need people to:

  • monitor and provide insight into data on converting non-members to members
  • partner with the Programming Committee to ensure our events are interesting and educational
  • ensure members have access to the many resources the FWA has to offer
  • …and more.

 

Sherree: What would you say to people who are thinking about joining the FWA? How would encourage them to take the plunge?

 

Erin: I think that the FWA provides excellent value for money. I would invite everyone to come to an event and see what we’re about. By joining the FWA, you’ll be able to engage in meaningful dialog, build your network, learn new skills and enhance your knowledge of the industry. I’m confident that your FWA membership will be enriching and contribute to your career success.

 

Sherree: Just one last question. What would you advise women to do to get the most out of their FWA membership?

 

Erin: I encourage everyone to join a committee that dovetails with their interests, skillset and availability. Some committees only require limited engagement. For example, you might only have to contribute an hour per week for five weeks based on a particular program. Our standing committees require year-round participation. That group comprises Audit, Development, Finance, Marketing & Strategic Communications, Membership & Engagement, Nominating, Operations Resource and President’s Circle/Corporate Sponsorship. In addition, we have a few committees focused on mentoring at various levels.

 

The Membership & Engagement Committee would be delighted to connect you with committee chairs and start you off on what we believe will be an exciting and meaningful experience at the FWA.

Build your connection with the FWA! Contact Erin and the membership & engagement committee today at [email protected].

WSE Interns Get a Firsthand Look at the Future of Finance

August 20, 2026
The fifth session of the FWA’s Wall Street Exchange (WSE) Program , held on Tuesday, July 14, brought together students, industry leaders, and a program alumnus for an engaging discussion on the future of finance, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and career development. WSE committee member Amber Doreen welcomed the participants and introduced the session's moderator, Yanique Williams Elliott, a Wall Street Exchange alumna, technologist, founder, and venture capitalist. The discussion featured accomplished professionals representing venture capital, technology, operations, and financial services, Souky Dolinsek, Vice President of Operations at Billford; Shade Alcine, Renewal Manager at Human Security; and Alix Jules, Head of AI Transformation at Broadridge. The panel began by exploring the defining moments that required the speakers to make difficult career decisions. They discussed changing industries, accepting unfamiliar responsibilities, and entering roles that required them to build processes from the ground up. Several panelists candidly discussed experiencing imposter syndrome, especially when entering unfamiliar environments or participating in conversations with senior executives. The panel also explored how artificial intelligence is changing the speed, scope, and nature of financial work. AI can assist with financial modeling, forecasting, bookkeeping, data analysis, investor materials, and other time-intensive responsibilities. Employers will increasingly expect professionals to use AI as a productivity partner. The strongest employees will be those who can combine technological fluency with sound judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking. The discussion explored in depth the intersection of blockchain, tokenization, digital assets, and the rise of digital workforces. Another important discussion focused on the distinction between mentors and sponsors. Mentors speak to you. They provide advice, encouragement, perspective, and guidance while helping you navigate professional decisions. Sponsors speak about you. They are often senior leaders who advocate for you when you are not present, recommend you for significant assignments, and use their organizational influence to support your advancement. As technology continues to evolve, the panel identified several key skills of the future and qualities that will remain essential. Curiosity was highlighted as a particularly valuable quality among 10 others. Interns should ask to attend meetings, learn how other departments operate, and speak with colleagues whose work interests them. Unless a meeting is confidential, employees may be willing to allow an intern to observe and learn. The panel concluded with several memorable lessons for the interns: “Consistency beats perfection.” “Do not become too comfortable.” “Trust the process.” The WSE Co-Chairs, Gerri Feemster Bostick and Laura Smith Dunaief, and the WSE Committee extend their heartfelt thanks to moderator, Yanique Williams Elliott and our panelists, Souky Dolinsek, Shade Alcine, and Alix Jules, for generously sharing their time, experiences, and valuable career insights with our participants.

Preparing for What's Next: Cailyn Kitchens and the Power of Mentorship

August 13, 2026
by Robert Brown "I believe that mentorship is incredibly valuable, especially during college as you are navigating a lot of changes and first-time experiences." For Cailyn Kitchens, a junior at Baruch College, those words aren't simply a reflection on her college experience. They've become the foundation of how she's prepared for her future. Following her junior-year internship at Scotiabank, Cailyn credits the Financial Women's Association's Baruch College Mentoring Program and her mentor, Laleh Bashirrad, Managing Director at BNP Paribas, with helping her approach one of the most pivotal chapters of her college journey with greater confidence, curiosity, and perspective.

Wall Street Exchange Interns Get an Inside Look at Strategic Communications

August 6, 2026
On July 7, 2026, interns in the FWA’s Wall Street Exchange (WSE) Program came together virtually for the fourth session of the summer, titled “Strategic Communications,” sponsored by Joele Frank. Jordan Resnick, HR Specialist, and Heather Wallach, Talent Acquisition Manager, introduced interns to Joele Frank and the world of strategic communications, a field many interns had never considered as part of the financial services landscape. Jordan and Heather explained that Joele Frank advises companies through their most consequential moments, from mergers and acquisitions to shareholder activism, restructuring, leadership transitions, and crisis response, ranking as the #1 U.S. M&A PR advisor and #1 shareholder activism defense advisor in the industry. To bring the firm’s work to life, Jordan and Heather walked interns through several high-profile engagements, including Joele Frank’s support of Warner Bros. Discovery, a current client, as an example of how the firm helps companies navigate high-stakes, high-visibility situations in real time. The discussion underscored that effective strategic communications require not just managing a narrative, but protecting a company’s credibility with every audience watching, from investors and employees to the media and the public. Jordan and Heather also broke down the many disciplines that fall under the strategic communications umbrella, including investor relations, corporate and media relations, governance and corporate stewardship, design, and digital strategy. They emphasized that the firm hires like a law firm, bringing on Account Associates directly out of undergrad, and encouraged interns interested in the field to build strong writing skills, stay current on financial news through outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, and consider Joele Frank’s summer internship or full-time Account Associate programs as a path into the industry. Interns had the opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation before breaking into small groups to discuss their key takeaways from the session and reflect on what they had learned so far this summer. Many interns shared that the session reshaped their understanding of what a career in PR actually looks like, moving past common misconceptions to reveal a discipline built on strategy, judgment, and relationships. Several groups also highlighted the session’s emphasis on soft skills, noting how much communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence matter in a field so often mistaken for being purely about writing press releases. At the conclusion of the session, the WSE spun the wheel to award a CFA Society Student Membership, sponsored by the CFA Society, to Sarah Convery. Congrats, Sarah! A huge thank you to Jordan Resnick, Heather Wallach, and the entire Joele Frank team for giving interns a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic communications industry. The WSE Co-Chairs and Committee extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the President’s Circle Firms, the Partnership Circle Firms, and the Friends of FWA for their unwavering support and generosity to the interns and the Wall Street Exchange Program. 

Wall Street Exchange Interns Learn Foundations for Professional Excellence

July 30, 2026
On June 23, 2026, the FWA's Wall Street Exchange (WSE) Program 2026 cohort gathered virtually for the third weekly session of the program. The session was sponsored by Knopman Marks, a boutique NYC-based firm known for its high-performance training for securities licensing exams. Brian Marks, Co-Founder and President of Knopman Marks & Highwire, led a practical, high-energy conversation titled "Foundations for Professional Excellence." The first topic that Brian discussed was the habits that drive a successful early career and why those habits matter well beyond an internship. The skills interns build now are the same ones that separate a good intern from a great one; and that later separate a good professional from a high performer. He described high performance, not as a matter of raw talent, but rather as a set of behaviors one can practice. The habits put in place early are the ones that compound. The interns who start practicing them now are the ones who carry them from an internship with limited responsibilities into executive-level responsibility later. The interns then reviewed a series of four credibility builders and four credibility killers, proactive behaviors that shape how senior professionals come to trust a young professional. Owning your mistakes and learning from them is a key credibility builder and surprising your manager with bad news at the last minute is a major credibility killer. The interns then rated themselves on a Strategic Action Matrix, a four-box framework charting how strategy: “Are you focused on the right things?” interacts with execution: “Are you doing the work to get there?”. He asked interns to consider one or two new habits they could put to work immediately. Brian impressed upon the interns that professional excellence is thinking strategically and executing well, while stepping outside their comfort zone, stretching past their limits and building resilience when the plan changes. Brian then introduced the five strategies in The Intern Success Playbook, emphasizing that interns are building their personal brand every day through what others observe. Whether it's staying focused instead of constantly checking a mobile phone or taking the initiative to connect with colleagues, everyday actions shape how others perceive them. His five strategies focused on working and communicating smarter, building authentic relationships, and paying close attention to perception and details. The interactive format kept energy high. Interns enjoyed the live Q&A, the quiz, and the chance to ask questions. A screen full of Zoom hearts spoke to the value they found in his advice. A huge thank you to Knopman Marks and Brian Marks for investing their time and expertise in the WSE 2026 cohort. The session concluded with the WSE Committee awarding intern Sarah Convery a CFA Student Annual Membership, sponsored by the CFA Society. The WSE Co-Chairs, Gerri Bostick and Laura Smith Dunaief, and the WSE Committee extend their sincere appreciation to Brian Marks and Knopman Marks for their support in making this virtual session a success. We also thank the FWA President Albana Theka, FWA leadership, volunteers, sponsoring firms, and participating employers for their continued commitment to providing this valuable experience to the next generation of financial professionals. 
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