The Financial Women’s Association (FWA) announces the release of a new white paper, The Post-Pandemic Return Among Women in Finance , authored by cultural anthropologist Dr. Melissa Suzanne Fisher. Commissioned by the FWA, the report examines how return-to-office policies and shifting workplace norms continue to shape careers in the financial services industry and outlines practical steps firms can take to build more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Based on pandemic and post-pandemic research, the report offers an analysis of challenges that remain highly relevant today: balancing work and family responsibilities, supporting employee well-being, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder career success. Drawing on interdisciplinary social sciences and firsthand accounts, the report highlights persistent cultural and structural barriers that limit progress across the industry. The report highlights that while the pandemic's remote work experiments offered employees new ways to balance work and personal life, the push for a full-time return to the office threatens this progress. Key recommendations highlighted in the report include: Responsibility of caregiving and work/life balance should be shared across the organization, rather than leaving individuals to manage these challenges alone. Firms should focus on addressing bias and discrimination embedded in their systems, not just changing individual attitudes. New models of mentoring and support are needed to reflect evolving work environments (such as hybrid work) and changing employee needs. Dr. Fisher, author of Wall Street Women , and a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, as well as a Senior Advisor at CFAR Consulting and Coaching Services, argues that supporting employees in balancing work, family, and personal needs is not only the right thing to do - it also drives innovation, effectiveness, and long-term profitability. The Financial Women’s Association has championed the advancement of women across the financial industry for nearly 70 years. This report adds to that tradition by offering actionable strategies firms can adopt to create more welcoming, supportive, and equitable workplaces so all employees can thrive. 

The FWA Member2Member mentoring program helps advance the FWA mission of accelerating leadership and success of women in the financial community. The program pairs experienced FWA members with those eager to build leadership skills and advance their careers. We're pleased to announce that the next cohort of the Member2Member program will run from November 2025 through April 2026. Applications are open now, and the deadline to apply is Monday, October 6, 2025 .* Our goal is to create meaningful mentor and mentee partnerships where pairs work together to identify strengths, uncover opportunities, and empower the mentee. We also encourage networking and reverse mentoring among members of the cohort. Interested in participating? Learn more here! *The Member2Member program is only open to FWA members. Not currently a member? Join or renew today!

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 .

We are excited to announce that the Financial Women’s Association is planning to 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.

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.

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.

Interns participating in the Wall Street Exchange Program gathered virtually for the program’s sixth session, sponsored and facilitated by MUFG. The session, titled “Own Your Career: Taking Personal Accountability to Drive Your Destiny,” focused on career ownership, mindfulness, and managing workplace stress, essential tools for thriving in today’s dynamic financial sector. The event opened with a welcome from WSE Co-Chair, Gerri Bostick, who introduced lead facilitator Marguerita Courtney, Managing Director, Global Learning at MUFG. Marguerita then welcomed her colleagues Enid D. Jean-Claude, Deputy General Counsel, Managing Director at MUFG and Raquel Azevedo, Assistant General Counsel, Director at MUFG, who each brought powerful personal and professional perspectives to the discussion. Marguerita kicked off the session by emphasizing that career mobility is a shared responsibility and interns must take charge of their own development. This includes honest self-assessment, flexibility, and the initiative to seek learning beyond their job description. “There’s no one right way to do things,” she reminded attendees, “so don’t take everything personally.”  Enid and Raquel shared practical tips such as recognizing organizational culture shifts and the critical importance of human connection. As Enid put it, “Everything in life is about the human connection.” Breakout group discussions followed on the topic of workplace stress and coping strategies. Interns shared challenges such as navigating downtime and finding purpose when workloads are light. Collectively, they offered creative solutions like scheduling coffee chats, shadowing colleagues, and exploring new areas of the organization. The session included a guided mindfulness exercise led by Raquel, who offered the following tips for success: Know yourself Be curious and open Identify your core values Be kind and be flexible MUFG’s evolving mindfulness initiative, introduced over a decade ago by Director Tsewang Namgyal, now extends to its C-Suite leaders. Interns learned how “slowing down to pause” can boost creativity and resilience. The MUFG team also shared resources including the e-book Integrating Compassion into the Financial Services Industry and recommended Janice Marturano’s book, Finding the Space to Lead . A heartfelt thank you to the MUFG team for empowering our interns with wisdom that supports not just career growth, but personal well-being. The WSE Co-Chairs, Gerri Bostick and Laura Smith Dunaief, and Committee extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the President’s Circle Firms, Partnership Circle Firms, and Friends of the FWA for their unwavering support and generosity to the interns and the Wall Street Exchange Program.

For decades, the Financial Women’s Association has grown by asking what members need and then making it happen. That same energy was front and center when the FWA Board gathered for a full-day Leadership Retreat focused on connection, clear priorities, and moving forward. Setting the tone, FWA President Albana Theka kicked off the day with clear direction: How do we honor our history while seizing new opportunities? Facilitator Thea Watkins then guided the Board through lively discussions and practical exercises that turned ideas into action. The focus for the year ahead: Membership Growth — reaching more professionals and delivering greater value. Partnership Expansion — strengthening ties with corporate and mission-aligned allies. Brand Visibility — telling the FWA story with confidence and clarity. Teams broke out to brainstorm, test ideas, and present their best plans. The Board voted on top initiatives, setting the course for the year ahead. Thanks to: Kelsey Halloran and FTI Consulting for hosting us in their fantastic space. Thea Watkins for steering the day with insight and care. Executive Director Alissa Desmarais for grounding us in FWA’s mission, vision, and goals. The takeaway: A Board that’s aligned, energized, and ready to deliver. You’ll see the impact in upcoming programs, partnerships, and outreach. Thanks to everyone who helped lay the groundwork for a strong year — together, we’re moving forward.

What will it take to succeed in the future world of financial services, where technology plays an even more dominant role? During week 5 of the Wall Street Exchange Program , an expert panel of industry leaders in AI, blockchain, and data analytics and digital tools, shared their experiences and thoughts about the evolution of financial services and what the future holds for those aspiring to build their careers in finance. Susan Green of SGAdvisory moderated an expert panel, which included Alix Jules, AI Business Transformation Leader at Broadridge ; Irene Aldridge, CEO and Founder of AbleBlox and AbleMarkets ; and Janna Treybick, Director in the Assurance Innovation & Technology (AIT) - Market Information & Data Analytics (MIDA) practice at PWC . Panelists emphasized that we are in a transition period, where there is unending opportunity. To be successful in the evolving future, they offered advice around the importance of building relationships and interpersonal competencies, and of being intentional about targeting your next two roles in your skill-building. While technology might rule the future, this won’t change the importance of relationships and ensuring you keep your work and accomplishments visible to others. Among suggestions panelists offered to interns interested in understanding whether a company will be a good fit were: to speak to current employees, to look for others like you succeeding within the organization, and to ask for stories about those who had been promoted. Inclusion needs to be purposeful, not just platitudes. The WSE Committee extends its gratitude to the session panelists for an insightful session and for their support of FWA and the Wall Street Exchange Program. Special thanks, as well, to Susan Migliaccio and the FinTech Committee for their assistance in organizing this event.

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.

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.

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...

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.

It was only a couple of weeks ago that I stood in front of many of you at our Annual Members Meeting . The moment I took the stage as the 60th President of the Financial Women’s Association, I felt a wave of gratitude—not just for the role, but for the road that brought me here. That road started thousands of miles away, in a small city in southern Albania. I was 16 years old when I told my parents I wanted to go to America—not just to visit, but to live, to learn, to build something bigger than what I could see around me. Although a difficult decision, my parents supported me. They knew that as a woman, growing up in a country that had seen communism, a difficult transition to democracy, civil war and refugee crisis, I wouldn’t have the same opportunities if I had stayed. That decision would change my life forever.

The Financial Women’s Association (FWA) is now inviting applications for mentors to join our Mentoring Program at the High School of Economics and Finance (HSEF) . This is a unique opportunity to mentor a high school junior or senior and make a meaningful impact by providing guidance, support, and inspiration as she navigates her academic journey and begins exploring future career paths. As a mentor, you’ll: Empower a young woman to succeed in school and beyond Develop your own leadership and coaching skills Connect with a dynamic network of FWA professionals Contribute to building the next generation of women in finance and business Mentor Requirements: Must be an active FWA member Available for structured mentoring sessions Committed to supporting youth development and career readiness Ready to make a difference? Apply here: https://forms.gle/8yy8q2JfWddb2vB27 To learn more about this opportunity, please review the FWA HSEF Program Guide PDF and the Urban Village Mentor Info PDF . Want to make an even bigger impact? We're looking for an enthusiastic and energetic FWA member who is passionate about supporting and empowering the next generation of women leaders in finance to co-chair the FWA High School Mentoring Program Committee and help lead our program at the High School of Economics and Finance (HSEF). Prior mentorship experience is preferred. This role will be part of the FWA Leadership Council. If you are interested, please reach out to FWA Educational Programs Manager Kelsie Piersaint ( [email protected] ) and HSEF Program Chair Meishanka Moodley ( [email protected] ) for more information.

On June 24, 2025, interns in the FWA’s Wall Street Exchange Program came together virtually for the third session of the summer, an energizing and highly practical experience titled “Foundation for Professional Excellence.” The session was sponsored by Knopman Marks, a boutique NYC-based firm touted for its high-performance training for securities licensing exams. Nina Batson, former FWA President, introduced the session presenter Brian Marks, Partner since 2010, Head of Performance, and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Brian delivered an interactive, high-impact session designed to give interns tangible tools they can immediately apply in their internships and long after. His guidance included: Five Credibility Killers, including two critical missteps: Handing your boss a problem without offering a solution Saying, “That’s not my job” Five Credibility Builders, including: Taking initiative by asking, “What would take this to the next level?” Applying feedback immediately and visibly to show responsiveness He also introduced interns to a Strategic Action Matrix, a 4-box framework that maps strategy vs. execution, encouraging interns to assess where they currently fall. He encouraged them to strive toward the high-performance quadrant where strategic thinking meets strong execution. Brian challenged interns to step outside their comfort zones, just 4% beyond, to stimulate growth, even when facing fear, mental roadblocks, or a lack of confidence. His advice? Take small, consistent actions that stretch your limits and develop resilience. One of the session’s most resonant takeaways was the reminder to “land the plane.” In other words, your work isn’t done until you’ve evaluated the success of a project and reflected on what worked and what didn’t. Interns had the chance to ask questions throughout, and Brian’s thoughtful, actionable responses helped them better understand how to own their effectiveness, work through ambiguity, and build reputation capital within their organizations. A huge thank you to Knopman Marks and Brian Marks for investing in the next generation of finance professionals. 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 .

By Samantha Corredor, FWA Member As fintech rapidly evolves, one thing is clear—women are driving innovation and shaping the future of finance. That vision came to life at our recent "Transforming Finance" event, hosted in collaboration with NYC Fintech Women and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Held at AWS’s New York City office, the evening brought together bold thinkers, trailblazing technologists, and finance leaders to explore how blockchain, cryptocurrency, and AI are redefining the financial landscape. The evening featured two thought-provoking panel discussions that brought together women leading the charge at the intersection of finance and technology. Breaking Barriers – The Institutional Adoption of Crypto, Blockchain, & Digital Assets Moderated by Ruchy Sharma , Principal Analytics GTM Specialist at AWS, this panel explored how institutions are embracing crypto and digital assets despite a complex regulatory landscape. The panelists—all women shaping this space—shared candid perspectives: Elle Leemay Chen – Investor, Reciprocal Ventures Kristen Keyes – Head of Strategic Partnerships & Enterprise Sales, Paxos Caroline Tarnok – VP, Financial & Operational Risk, Coinbase Nelli Zaltsman – Head of Platform Settlement Solutions, Kinexys by J.P. Morgan Each of these leaders is pushing boundaries in a space still largely defined by legacy systems, helping financial institutions adopt and adapt responsibly. The Tech Stack of the Future: Building Secure & Scalable Digital Assets Led by Vivian Lai , Principal Capital Markets Specialist at AWS, this discussion focused on what it takes to build tech infrastructure that can scale with the growing demands of digital assets. The panel featured: Jeffrey Alberts – Partner, Pryor Cashman Eric Kang – Head of DeFi, Ava Labs Jasmine J . – Digital Assets Strategist, Fidelity Digital Asset Management (FDAM), Fidelity Investments Elizabeth Dethy – Principal, Head of Sell Side Product, Talos Panelists provided valuable insights into how tech and finance must work hand-in-hand to ensure security, transparency, and long-term viability. Closing Remarks FWA President Albana Theka closed out the evening by thanking our partners and the FWA community. Since our founding in 1956 by pioneering women in finance, we’ve remained committed to ensuring that women not only have a voice—but also the tools, networks, and visibility to lead in financial innovation. See More from the Event Check out the event photos below! For more highlights and videos, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram .

What does it take to network effectively in the digital age? During Week 2 of this summer’s Wall Street Exchange Program , Dan Yu, co-founder of FutureProof You , moderated an animated, expert panel on Networking Best Practices that addressed this topic. Panelists included Christina Li, Managing Director and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships at Goldman Sachs; Olivia Ross, Community Engagement Partner for Citizens Bank; and Elizabeth Virga, Director of Regulatory Enforcement for SMBC. In addition to sharing their own compelling experiences, the panelists impressed the program interns with their candor and practical suggestions for building strong networks. Some of the many tips shared included listening with purpose to make informational interviews more constructive, focusing on building deeper relationships with connections, and emphasizing the value of asking others for feedback about yourself. These skills are even more important in the digital age. Panelists also emphasized the importance of optimizing LinkedIn and cultivating their networks through social and other virtual platforms. The session culminated in a collective sharing of helpful books, podcasts, websites, and other resources to continue to improve participants’ networking skills.  The WSE Committee extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to our moderator and panelists for a terrific session. We are also grateful to FWA President’s Circle sponsors Citizens Bank and SMBC, and to Goldman Sachs for their support of the Wall Street Exchange Program .

By Joanna Jordan, FWA Intern "Give me an F! Give me a W! Give me an A! F-W-A!" This was the level of non-stop energy and overwhelming passion that lit up the SMBC Group offices at our Annual Meeting and New Member Welcome on June 10, 2025. It wasn’t just any Annual Meeting; it was a moment of reinvention. The FWA turned the page and stepped into a bold new chapter with the official welcome of our new President, Albana Theka. Albana didn’t just step onto the stage. She owned it. She stepped into the role with fire, flair, and a plan that’s as fearless as she is. Her speech was not your typical podium read. It was intimate, real and relatable. Albana took the audience on a personal journey, from her roots in Albania to her bold leap to the U.S. in search of purpose. A Google search led her to the FWA in 2019, and the rest is history. From that digital moment to this very real one, her journey came full circle. Now, she’s here to lead. And she’s not playing small. With big goals such as a 20% increase in membership, four new corporate partnerships, a digital transformation, and four brand-new committees (hello Florida, AI, Voices of the FWA, and Lifescape), Albana is shaping a future full of purpose and power. And her energy while doing it? Absolutely contagious. The night wrapped with a surprise musical performance by Albana and George Theka, her husband. It was a heartfelt tribute to the FWA and everything our community stands for, and it was unforgettable. With our 70th anniversary on the horizon, the FWA isn’t just celebrating legacy. It’s rewriting the future, with more voices, more impact, and more fire than ever before. Ready to be part of what’s next? Connect with Albana , follow us on LinkedIn , and join this powerful movement. Let’s build this exciting new chapter together!