WSE Interns Learn About Non-Traditional Career Options in Finance

The interns were introduced to an innovative topic in Session 6 on July 25, 2023, which was new to the WSE program: The Future of Finance: Career Paths in Digital Assets and FinTech. A poll indicated that some of the interns had a general knowledge of fintech and digital assets but most did not. The novel session was moderated by Marie Helene Kennedy Payen, FWA member and Senior Director, Operations and Community, New York Life Ventures. She was joined by panelists Yanique Williams, Senior Privacy Program Manager, Fintech, at Meta; Jeanine Hightower-Sellitto, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, EDX Markets; Addy Spiller, Senior Director of Product, ORKA Finance; and Liang Zhao, Chief Executive Officer, Vansary.


The session kicked off with a description of digital assets and fintech and how both bridge technology with finance, bringing innovation in a traditional space, and giving more power to people. Both represent a disruption where people are bridging what they have learned and are applying technology to create the future. As one panelist explained, digital assets have value that can be digitized and are identifiable on the blockchain. The value has been created or produced on a chain like bitcoin and can be an NFT like art or a collectible. As a result money coaches and financial coaches like Jim Cramer have emerged and social media is being leveraged to help their viewers learn more about finance. Services are blossoming in print and media that provide resources that people can benefit from. Examples are Mrs. Dow Jones, Vivian, your Wall Street Girlie, and articles being written for online publications like Medium.

The panelists highlighted the key characteristics that are important in these areas which include being innovative, having a positive mindset and a “can do” attitude which makes other people feel better about working with you, and being easy to work with. The ability to effectively communicate is also important as well as managing upwards. The explanation of what it means to manage up was explicit – a manager should not have to guess the status of your work; over-communicate by providing a regular summary; advocate for yourself; and be succinct with bullet points and not a wordy, long document. If interested in this career path, the panelist recommended taking a business writing course.

The interns posed questions regarding starting your own business. A panelist outlined key questions to ask before you take the plunge: 1) What’s the problem you’re solving? 2) How is your business the solution 3) What’s the total available market for the business? and 4) What is your business operating model?


The interns left with the following advice from the team:

  • Build your own network
  • Do something that scares you
  • Trust your process
  • Prioritize self-discovery


The WSE Co-Chairs extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Marie Helene, Yanique, Jeanine, Addy, and Liang for your unwavering support and generosity to the interns and the Wall Street Exchange Program. We appreciate you sharing this innovative and progressive topic with them, and for your many words of wisdom.

Women’s History Month: Seventy Years of Change and the Women Who Refused to Wait

March 17, 2026
by Robert Brown Every March, Women’s History Month invites us to reflect on the women who challenged expectations, opened doors, and changed the course of industries that once excluded them. For the Financial Women’s Association, that reflection is personal. As the organization celebrates its 70th anniversary, the story of FWA mirrors the broader story of women’s progress in finance. What began in 1956 with eight determined women has grown into a global community that has helped generations of women enter, navigate, and lead in an industry that once shut them out. Those eight enterprising women did something quietly radical. They were working inside investment banks and financial institutions at a time when their talent was welcome, but their presence in leadership circles was not. The established associations of the day did not admit women. Access to the conversations, relationships, and influence that shaped the industry flowed through rooms they were not allowed to enter. So they built their own.

Building a Community in Florida

March 12, 2026
Something special is taking shape in Florida. Earlier this week, women from across the state gathered in Palm Beach Gardens as the FWA Florida Committee hosted its inaugural in-person event at DSM Capital Partners in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The program featured a forward-looking conversation on AI and technology in investing, followed by an interactive session on personal branding and executive presence led by FWA President Albana Theka and Florida Committee Co-Chair Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen. Connections began the evening before at a dinner that set the tone for a day filled with energy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. By the time sessions began, the room already felt like a community. That’s what the FWA does best. Special thanks to Florida Committee Co-Chairs Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen and Kari Desai, DSM Capital Partners for hosting, and all who joined. “Nothing beats the power of community and human connection. It was incredible to see women from across Florida come together for conversations that were insightful, energizing, and genuinely fun.” - Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen 

From Ideas to Impact: The Role of Commitment in Leadership: A Message from FWA President Albana Theka

February 26, 2026
One of the things I value most about the Financial Women’s Association is the creativity of our members. I hear so many thoughtful ideas. New programs. Fresh perspectives. Ways we can continue to grow and evolve as an organization. That energy is a gift and it tells me people care.  At the same time, one lesson I continue to learn as a leader is that ideas are only the beginning. What truly moves an organization forward is what happens next. Often, when an idea is shared, the natural follow-up is a simple question. Who would like to help take this forward? Sometimes there is immediate enthusiasm. Other times, there is hesitation. And that moment is important. It’s not about pressure. It’s about clarity. Many of us are balancing full careers, families, caregiving responsibilities, and personal goals. Capacity looks different for everyone and it changes over time. Being honest about what we can realistically commit to is part of good leadership. The most impactful ideas are the ones that come with a willingness to stay involved. That involvement doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means helping shape the vision, building momentum, and partnering with others to bring it to life. Organizations thrive when ideas are paired with ownership. When members feel empowered not just to contribute suggestions, but to help guide them toward execution. Even small steps of follow-through create momentum and trust. At FWA, we welcome ideas. We value curiosity and innovation. And we also believe that commitment, in whatever form is realistic for you, is what turns good ideas into meaningful impact. When vision and follow-through come together, everyone benefits. That’s how we continue to build a strong, supportive, and sustainable community.

UAE Boardroom Progress: Governance & Strategy

February 24, 2026
As the UAE continues to grow as a global financial & investment hub, women are increasingly helping shape decisions at the highest levels of business and governance.
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