FWA Voices: Richard Hartman

October 28, 2025

I am Richard Hartman, a Business Consultant forged in the crucible of the Employee Benefits and Risk Management sectors, an industry leader in the vibrant realms of Food & Beverage and Hospitality. My story began in 1979, stepping into the insurance arena fresh out of college, eager to make my mark. Since then, I have donned many hats—Carrier Representative, Agent, Sales Manager, and now Consultant—each role a chapter in a saga defined by resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. I actively contribute to several industry boards and committees, passionately chairing my firm's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. My voice echoes through published articles and presentations at industry events, where I aim to ignite change and inspire a new generation of leaders.


My initiation into the FWA was nothing short of transformative. As I sponsored a networking event, I was swept away by an exhilarating tide of energy and ambition. It was here that I witnessed the fierce support for women across all career stages—from ambitious students to powerful C-suite executives in Finance. This electric atmosphere turned me into a fervent believer in their mission.

My research unveiled a disheartening truth: women are not just underrepresented in numbers but shockingly absent from the upper echelons of leadership in many professions, finance being a glaring example. Raised by visionary parents and surrounded by four inspiring sisters, I have always felt an unwavering duty to stand up and give back, to be an ally in this critical fight. With the backing of strong male allies and a finance executive whose journey has unfolded without such support.


My journey with the FWA, intertwined with my involvement in NYC Women of Hospitality and Women in Restaurant Leadership, has unveiled a powerful narrative—a call to action for like-minded allies, both women and men, to join us in this essential movement.


The FWA has ignited a profound shift in my life's purpose. After over 45 years navigating the complexities of the insurance industry, I am driven by a singular goal: to empower and elevate women in our field, transforming my career into a legacy of pride and impact. The FWA has given me as much—if not more—than I have contributed. When I was approached to lead the Men’s Alliance Committee, I was struck by a wave of doubt and exhilaration—could I truly be the catalyst for the change we so desperately need? But with the unwavering support of Albana and the FWA leadership team, I found my footing, a beacon guiding me through uncharted waters.


I must give heartfelt recognition to my Co-Chair, Chuck Privitera, a steadfast ally who embodies our mission daily. Together, we are crafting a series of dynamic events, the first featuring a trailblazing attorney who has thrived with the backing of strong male allies and a finance executive whose journey has unfolded without such support. Their contrasting narratives will spark critical conversations, and we invite your ideas for future topics. Join us as we embark on this thrilling journey to redefine the landscape of our industry!



The FWA Voices Committee, chaired by Leya Yusupov, celebrates and amplifies the voices, stories, and accomplishments of the FWA community. Follow FWA on LinkedIn for more FWA Voices stories featuring our members!

Seventy Years Forward: How the Financial Women’s Association Built a Community That Changes Lives

January 28, 2026
by Robert Brown January is National Mentoring Month. In 2026, it also marks a defining moment for the Financial Women’s Association as we celebrate 70 years of advancing women in finance. This milestone matters now. As organizations across industries rethink development, mentorship, and long-term investment in people, FWA stands firm in what has always worked: human connection, shared knowledge, and women lifting one another forward.  For seven decades, FWA has done more than convene women in finance. It has built a community rooted in mentorship, access, and action. Progress here has never been accidental. It has always been intentional. It happens because women, and male allies choose to show up for one another. As current FWA President Albana Theka reminds us, “Mentorship isn’t about who’s ahead of you. It’s about who sees you, and who helps you see yourself.” That belief has shaped FWA from the beginning and continues to guide where we are headed next.

How Mentorship Helped Shape Simran Hassan’s Future in Finance

January 14, 2026
Some students enter college unsure of where they are headed. Others, like Baruch College senior and Finance major Simran Hassan, arrive with ambition and quickly realize how much more there is to learn. For Simran, the finance world felt exciting but intimidating. Competitive. Fast paced. Male dominated. She knew she wanted a seat at the table, but finding her voice took time and support. That support came through the Financial Women’s Association's Baruch College Mentoring Program , which Simran describes as one of the most meaningful experiences of her college career. Before joining, she admits the industry felt overwhelming. “Before joining the program, the finance industry and its obvious male dominated environment felt quite daunting to me,” she shared. “But through FWA, I discovered the network of incredible women that exists within Baruch and across the industry. The program, and especially my mentor, gave me the confidence to speak my mind and seek resources that will help me succeed.”

With Gratitude for the Global Perspectives That Strengthen Our FWA Community

November 24, 2025
Recently, our members had the honor of meeting Army General François Lecointre, Grand Chancellor of the Order of the Legion of Honour. An institution Napoleon Bonaparte founded in 1802. General Lecointre brought the Order’s legacy to life, sharing its mission and new efforts to digitize centuries of archives. Did you know? The Legion of Honour also established an all-girls boarding school for descendants of honorees — a lasting investment in education and equality. The event also reunited members of our Paris International Business Conference delegation, a reminder that our global exchanges continue well beyond the trip through shared learning, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections. Thank you to Banque Transatlantique for hosting and to General Lecointre for sharing his insights and time.

Rising Star: How Mentorship Helped Adelisa Music Find Her Wings

November 20, 2025
FWA–Baruch College Mentoring Program Spotlight Adelisa Music is a rising star with a bright future in finance. A college student at Baruch, she’s built her success through focus, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. Along the way, the Financial Women’s Association’s Mentoring Program at Baruch College added another dimension to her journey, giving her the guidance and confidence to take her ambitions even further. “My experience with the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program was more than transformative,” Adelisa says. “It served as a guide and support throughout college, introducing me to people and opportunities that opened doors I didn’t know existed and helped me learn more about my strengths and weaknesses.”
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