Spotlight on the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee

December 18, 2024

Crafting connections that reflect the FWA’s mission, vision and values


When Jason Dodd was looking for new learning and networking opportunities back in 2009, he joined the FWA through the Men’s Alliance. Being an experienced marketer, he was asked to co-chair the Marketing & Strategic Committee and later became the chair and an FWA board member.


In a Q&A session with Sherree DeCovny, the Committee’s co-chair, Jason talks about how he’s leveraged his professional background to create and execute a marketing plan that reflects the FWA’s mission, vision and values.

Sherree: What’s your professional background?

 

Jason: I’ve built a career spanning media, financial services and biotech with a focus on marketing and strategic communications. I’ve collaborated with family wealth advisors, business leaders and organizations focused to drive sustainable financial growth.

 

My first agency, H2O, specialized in visual communications. While there, I found myself drawn to strategy, ultimately pivoting my career toward marketing leadership. Today, I lead TW Agency, a marketing firm focused in the biotechnology markets, while contributing to the FWA’s mission through the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee.

 

Sherree: Tell us about the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee and how you benefit from leading it.

 

Jason:  Our committee is dedicated to crafting messages that not only reflect the FWA’s mission but also engage our members and the wider industry. We aim to highlight the value of FWA membership and foster a stronger, more connected community. We’re currently focused on a variety of membership initiatives and event promotion, all aimed at enhancing communication channels and member engagement.

 

I want our committee to drive awareness, deepen member engagement, and effectively showcase the resources and opportunities within the FWA. To achieve this, we’re developing strategic content, enhancing our digital presence and exploring new ways to share success stories and member contributions, such as these member profiles. We’re also working to create more touchpoints where members can connect and benefit from shared insights.

 

Leading this committee allows me to directly support the FWA’s growth. It’s rewarding to see the impact of our efforts and collaborate with such dedicated members.

 

Sherree: How has the FWA changed since you joined?

 

Jason:  The organization has transformed significantly. Our membership is now multi-generational, including professionals in their twenties and retirees in leadership roles. This diversity has made the FWA much more dynamic.

 

Operationally, we’ve professionalized our structure, adding systems and staff to streamline operations. These changes position us for long-term success, allowing the board and committees to focus on strategic growth.

 

Everybody has their own window into the FWA and how it has changed. The most significant, from my perspective, has been this internal restructuring that positions the organization for the future. Our educational programs have grown tremendously. We have relationships with more schools, and we have more mentors and scholarship dollars available.

 

Additionally, our educational programs have expanded, with more partnerships, mentors and scholarship opportunities, reflecting the FWA’s deepened impact.

 

Sherree: What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had at the FWA?

 

Jason:  One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at the FWA is how women approach networking—focusing on collaboration, idea exchange and fellowship rather than transactional goals. This insight has shaped how I build relationships in my career, particularly in biotech and life sciences.


Networking for me is now about the long-term – investing in relationships and nurturing them through ups and downs. This mindset has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.


Sherree: How would you like to see the FWA evolve in the future?

 

Jason:  I’d love to see the FWA continue expanding its influence, offering more interactive events, online resources and collaborations with industry leaders. I also envision more opportunities for members to actively shape the organization’s future while growing both personally and professionally.

 

Sherree: What should people do to get the most out of their FWA membership?

 

Jason:  I joined the FWA recognizing it as an incredible platform for connecting with industry peers and thought leaders. I saw it as an opportunity to both give and gain – sharing my expertise while learning from the extensive collective knowledge within the organization.

 

My advice to members is engage as much as possible. Attend events, join committees and connect with other members to maximize the resources and insights available through FWA. Being active and sharing your unique expertise not only enriches your own experience but strengthens our entire community.




Enhance your FWA involvement today!

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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