A Message from the FWA President

June 5, 2024

Dear FWA Community,


I’m excited to start the new FWA fiscal year with you! Earlier this week at our Annual Meeting, I reflected on my journey as the 59th president of the FWA. Since I was elected, so much has changed in my life, my family's lives, and undoubtedly in the lives of every FWA member. Throughout it all, my prime focus has been rebuilding and reenergizing this wonderful organization.


The Financial Women’s Association engaged me in mentorship early on, and it was through that invitation that I learned I could be a voice to help others. As a first-generation college student myself, like many of our FWA mentees, I learned many things from trial and error. I kept thinking, what if I could help others avoid the pitfalls I experienced? The seed of the FWA was planted.


My focus on our education programs continues. This year, we're expanding efforts to recruit dedicated mentors for our programs, as well as fundraising initiatives that make real impact to support the next generation, including our Dollars for Scholars campaign. I urge you all to support this worthy cause that provides scholarships, one-on-one mentoring, and professional development to deserving young women. I'm also proud to share that my Seton Hall University mentee, Bianca Sanchez, recently graduated! She and all of our graduating mentees have bright futures ahead of them.


My goal is to enhance the FWA by ensuring we continue to provide relevant content, dynamic speakers, and a mix of in-person and virtual events. Throughout this year, we’ll be engaging with more senior/high profile leaders, relaunching ‘Transition Tuesdays’ and other career reflection events, and listening to all of YOUR ideas to move the FWA forward – the door is always open!


Last month at our 2024 International Business Conference (IBC), we were honored to receive a warm welcome from the US Ambassador to Greece, many Greek government officials, esteemed Greek business leaders, investment professionals, and of course, my favorite chef - Chef Maria Loi. The experience was an exceptional master class on the Greek economy and business landscape.


For our next IBC we are heading to FRANCE in March 2025! Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead! Let us make my next and last year as president of the FWA one of growth and new opportunities. Join us on this journey!


Sincerely,
Annette Stewart
FWA President (2023-25)

Wall Street Exchange Program Kicks Off An Exciting Summer at CFA Society New York

July 16, 2026
The 2026 Wall Street Exchange (WSE) Program celebrated the start of its landmark 50th year on June 7 with an o rientation and networking session hosted by the CFA Society New York at its Manhattan headquarters. This year, WSE brings together 45 students from 28 universities representing 18 diverse financial institutions, insurance companies, fintech firms, and other organizations across the financial services industry. The evening provided participants with an opportunity to meet their peers, engage with FWA volunteers and program leaders, and gain insight into the experiences and opportunities that will shape their summer journey. FWA President Albana Theka welcomed the 2026 cohort and shared words of encouragement as interns began this important chapter in their professional development. She emphasized the value of cultivating meaningful relationships, seeking out mentors, remaining open to new perspectives, and taking full advantage of the opportunities available through WSE. Elizabeth Park, CFA Society New York’s Director of Membership, then introduced participants to the Society’s mission, resources, and commitment to advancing professionalism within the investment industry. Joy Lowenwirth of th e CFA Institute continued, highlighting the importance of ethical leadership, continued education, and lifelong learning while providing attendees with valuable insight into the CFA designation and the evolving landscape of the financial profession.

FWA Welcomes Board Members for 2026-27

July 9, 2026
Please join us in welcoming the new and returning Financial Women’s Association Board Members for the 2026-2027 term. We look forward to working with you to support and serve our community. Thank you for your leadership! 

Welcome, Shanese Pereira - NextGen Program Coordinator!

June 4, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Shanese Pereira to the team! Shanese comes to us with over a decade of experience in New York City public schools, where she worked as a special education teacher and school counselor, developing programs that support student academic and social-emotional growth while centering equity and family engagement. She also brings a strong program operations background in educational publishing and edtech, where she has managed content production, coordinated cross-functional teams, and kept complex projects on track from development through completion.  We are so excited to have her bring that depth of experience to her role as NextGen Program Coordinator. Welcome to the team, Shanese!

Building the Future with the Financial Women's Association

May 28, 2026
As part of our commitment to advancing women at the highest levels in finance, the FWA is hosting a private, invitation-only discussion focused on AI implementation in our industry. Convened by the FWA in partnership with AWS, a member of the FWA President’s Circle, this gathering is part of our ongoing thought leadership work at the intersection of technology, leadership, and the future of financial services.
More Posts