A Message From FWA President Annette Stewart

September 18, 2024

Dear FWA Community,


I hope your fall is off to a productive start! I am currently reading The Productive Perfectionist by FWA Member Kathryn Mayer and invite you to join me for an engaging virtual discussion with the author on September 24th. This is a unique opportunity to explore how perfectionism can fuel productivity in both your personal and professional life—don’t miss it! Click here to register!


As your FWA president, I am focused on continuing to build and strengthen our organization, members and partners through great content and networking opportunities. If you are a regular reader of our news and not yet a member, now is the perfect time! Click here to explore individual membership, or learn more about becoming a corporate partner. I have gained so much from my FWA community during my many years as a member, and I encourage you to experience it, too.


Our recent Economic Outlook Panel, hosted by RGP, gave great insights into where we are today and important factors to consider as we approach 2025. The FWA remains committed to delivering relevant content that benefits you as an individual, a professional, and your company!



Looking ahead, I am excited about our upcoming AI Summit hosted by Deloitte. Mark your calendars for October 15-16th and be sure to share this exciting opportunity with your colleagues! Register now! I look forward to seeing you there!


Sincerely,
Annette Stewart
FWA President, 2023-25

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 .
August 19, 2025
We are excited to announce that the Financial Women’s Association will host its next International Business Conference in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in April 2026. This one-week immersive conference will feature high-level meetings with financial leaders, global innovators, and cultural experiences. If you’d like to receive early updates and priority access as plans develop, please complete the short interest form below. Space will be limited.
August 14, 2025
On July 29, the FWA’s 2025 Wall Street Exchange Program held its graduation ceremony. Over eight weeks this summer, 72 rising college seniors from 41 universities with summer internships in finance roles with 40 companies embarked on a journey of growth, learning, and connection. WSE is designed to empower the next generation of financial leaders with tools, insights, and relationships that will last far beyond the summer. Thank you to Wells Fargo Advisors for hosting an inspiring closing event — and to Brenda Titus who shared heartfelt and powerful advice to her 21-year-old self. Among the takeaways were reminders that it’s important to take risks and fail fast, to choose your circle wisely, that the greatest growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and that it’s important to find mentors, not idols. After Titus’ presentation, Gerri Bostick and Laura Smith Dunaief, WSE Co-chairs, and Albana Theka, FWA’s President, presented graduates with their program completion certificates. Congratulations to the 2025 graduates! We look forward to seeing you continue your journey with FWA and beyond. The future is brighter because of you. Special thanks to Wells Fargo Advisors for sponsoring this in-person celebration and to all of this summer’s speakers, who bring this program to life for the interns who represent financial services’ future. A huge thank you to this year's sponsors: AbleMarkets, Amazon Web Services, Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc, Citizens Bank, Goldman Sachs, Joele Frank, Knopeman Marks, MUFG, PwC, SMBC, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Thanks also to the WSE committee members and the FWA Office for their support.
August 11, 2025
Early August brought two standout networking events for women in finance hosted by the Financial Women's Association. One took place on the green, the other in Midtown NYC, and both highlighted the power of professional connection and community. On August 5, the FWA’s Long Island Committee hosted its 12 th Annual Golf Outing at Cold Spring Country Club, one of Long Island’s premier private courses. Members and guests joined for competitive and fun foursomes, a PGA-led golf clinic, and an evening of cocktails, dinner, raffles, and prizes. "It was a great group of people doing something fun together. I learned new things on the green and got some great professional advice on two pressing issues I am facing. That is the power of FWA events,” said Alissa Desmarais, FWA Executive Director & COO. FWA member Maria Maris added, “What a fun afternoon/evening this was! Already looking forward to the next one.” A special thank you to the Long Island Committee and our generous sponsors for making this women’s finance networking event a success.
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