Women's History Month - 2017 FWA Image Maker Award, Candace “Candy” Straight

March 14, 2024

Paving the Way for Women in Finance


Throughout Women's History Month, we're highlighting a variety of women from FWA's history - awardees, past presidents, and more who forged a path for women in the financial community. In their honor, please make your own contribution toward paving the way forward for all women in finance this month!


This week, we're highlighting Candace “Candy” Straight, who won the FWA Image Maker Award in 2017. Straight worked in private equity before retiring in 1998. She served on several boards including the board of the Public Employees Retirement system in New Jersey and Rutgers Board of Governors. She was also an independent film producer and a champion for women’s political equality.

Although Candace “Candy” Straight was offered a secretarial position upon graduating from Wilson College, she was determined to be a Wall Street executive. She began her career as an entry-level analyst at Bankers Trust and rose to vice president. Later positions included principal at John Head and Partners, a merchant bank that specialized in the insurance industry, advisory director at Securitas Capital, a venture capital firm, and director at Neuberger Berman. She also worked at Merck & Co. and other Fortune 500 firms.


Straight served on several boards including Rutgers Board of Governors, Wilson College’s Board of Trustees, the board of the Public Employees Retirement System in New Jersey and the board of Rebelle Media. She was an independent film producer, and also worked tirelessly to elect women in government. She supported the Center for American Women and Politics and helped found Women for a Stronger New Jersey.


Candy Straight paved the way forward for the next generation of women in finance, and now it’s your turn to do the same.


We're calling on YOU to stand among 100 donors who will make an impact during Women's History Month! Will you be the next to support our mission of advancing all women with a donation of $25, $50 or $100 dollars?


No donation is too small - it's a chance to put your brick in the road to success for future women in financial services.

70th Anniversary Gala Highlights

October 15, 2026
On October 8, 2026, the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala brought together generations of the Financial Women's Association community for an evening filled with stories, laughter, and a real sense of what makes this organization special. It was a great reminder of where we started and how far we have come! Guests walked the red carpet, queued up at the photo booth, and shared their FWA stories in on-camera interviews. Our live band kept the celebration going, and FWA President Albana Theka, MBA performed the FWA song. Our honorees gave us plenty to think about. Stephanie Ruhle spoke about risk and her transition from finance to television. Betsy Werley shared that she is now mentoring the daughter of one of her former mentees. Joan Shapiro Green recalled making laughter part of her theme as FWA President. Virginia Maloney and Jonathan Dambrot reflected on their courageous mothers and the influence those women had on their lives. Mary Barneby spoke about her FWA presidency and the responsibility to give back. Caroline Gundeck shared how hard work helped her reach an early career goal of $2 million in accounts. Steve Liesman gave the room one of its biggest laughs when he suggested the title of her future book: Buying Your Own Plaque. Carolyn Maloney discussed being the first woman to represent her City Council and congressional districts, as well as the first woman to chair the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Joint Economic Committee. She also spoke about the work she continues to fight for today. Thank you to Steve for guiding the evening with warmth and humor. We’re also grateful to FWA Past Presidents Hermina 'Nina' Batson, Simone G. Vinocour, and Karen Elinski, the entire 70th Anniversary Gala Committee, and the FWA staff for the months of work behind the celebration. Most of all, thank you to everyone who came out to support our mission. It was a full-circle evening and a fitting way for the FWA to go platinum. Relive the celebration through the Commemorative Gala Journal and explore our photo galleries: Photos from the Program • Reception Photos • Step & Repeat Photos • Photo Booth

Announcing the 2026 FWA Global Trailblazer & Visionary Award: Hillary Rodham Clinton

October 9, 2026
The FWA is proud to announce Hillary Rodham Clinton as the recipient of the 2026 FWA Global Trailblazer & Visionary Award at the FWA’s 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. Secretary Clinton will join us virtually to accept the award and share remarks with guests during the Gala. We look forward to celebrating her extraordinary leadership and contributions with our community.

Announcing the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award: Betsy Werley

October 1, 2026
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Betsy Werley for her contributions to the FWA community. Betsy will receive the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Betsy and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.

Announcing the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award: Joan Shapiro Green

September 30, 2026
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Joan Shapiro Green for her contributions to the FWA community. Joan will receive the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Joan and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.
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