Women's History Month - FWA's 1996 Public/Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year Madeleine Albright

February 29, 2024

Happy Leap Day! Tomorrow, March 1, marks the beginning of Women’s History Month. Join us this month as we take time to remember that history doesn’t happen, it is made. 


FWA Salutes the History Makers!


Throughout the month, we will be highlighting women from the FWA's history - past presidents, awardees, and others who have made a contribution to paving the way forward for women in our community. Today, we highlight Hon. Madeleine Albright (1937-2022), who famously stated: "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."


In 1996, the FWA awarded Madeleine Albright Public/Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year in recognition of her service as U.S. Representative to the United Nations. Later that year, President Clinton appointed her as Secretary of State. Among her prestigious roles, Albright was chief legislative assistant to Senator Edmund Muskie and a member of the White House staff and the National Security Council under President Jimmy Carter.

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Madeleine Albright immigrated to the U.S. when she was 11 years old. She went on to earn a B.A. in political science from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. in Public Law and Government from Columbia University. Prior to serving as Secretary of State and U.S. Representative to the United Nations, she worked as a legislative assistant to Senator Edmund Muskie and as a member of President Jimmy Carter’s National Security Council and White House staff.


Albright was known for being a tough-minded advocate for U.S. interests. Her notable achievements included promoting NATO expansion into eastern Europe, nuclear non-proliferation, free-market democratization in the developing world and normalization of relations with Vietnam. Further, she supported ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on Global Climate Change. President Barack Obama awarded Albright the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2012.


Madeleine Albright paved the way forward for the next generation of women, and now it’s your turn to do the same. By giving a small donation each month, you can help support the FWA’s mission to develop and empower women leaders and advance opportunities for all women in finance.

70th Anniversary Gala Highlights

October 15, 2026
On October 8, 2026, the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala brought together generations of the Financial Women's Association community for an evening filled with stories, laughter, and a real sense of what makes this organization special. It was a great reminder of where we started and how far we have come! Guests walked the red carpet, queued up at the photo booth, and shared their FWA stories in on-camera interviews. Our live band kept the celebration going, and FWA President Albana Theka, MBA performed the FWA song. Our honorees gave us plenty to think about. Stephanie Ruhle spoke about risk and her transition from finance to television. Betsy Werley shared that she is now mentoring the daughter of one of her former mentees. Joan Shapiro Green recalled making laughter part of her theme as FWA President. Virginia Maloney and Jonathan Dambrot reflected on their courageous mothers and the influence those women had on their lives. Mary Barneby spoke about her FWA presidency and the responsibility to give back. Caroline Gundeck shared how hard work helped her reach an early career goal of $2 million in accounts. Steve Liesman gave the room one of its biggest laughs when he suggested the title of her future book: Buying Your Own Plaque. Carolyn Maloney discussed being the first woman to represent her City Council and congressional districts, as well as the first woman to chair the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Joint Economic Committee. She also spoke about the work she continues to fight for today. Thank you to Steve for guiding the evening with warmth and humor. We’re also grateful to FWA Past Presidents Hermina 'Nina' Batson, Simone G. Vinocour, and Karen Elinski, the entire 70th Anniversary Gala Committee, and the FWA staff for the months of work behind the celebration. Most of all, thank you to everyone who came out to support our mission. It was a full-circle evening and a fitting way for the FWA to go platinum. Relive the celebration through the Commemorative Gala Journal and explore our photo galleries: Photos from the Program • Reception Photos • Step & Repeat Photos • Photo Booth

Announcing the 2026 FWA Global Trailblazer & Visionary Award: Hillary Rodham Clinton

October 9, 2026
The FWA is proud to announce Hillary Rodham Clinton as the recipient of the 2026 FWA Global Trailblazer & Visionary Award at the FWA’s 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. Secretary Clinton will join us virtually to accept the award and share remarks with guests during the Gala. We look forward to celebrating her extraordinary leadership and contributions with our community.

Announcing the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award: Betsy Werley

October 1, 2026
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Betsy Werley for her contributions to the FWA community. Betsy will receive the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Betsy and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.

Announcing the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award: Joan Shapiro Green

September 30, 2026
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Joan Shapiro Green for her contributions to the FWA community. Joan will receive the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Joan and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.
More Posts