Teach Financial Skills with FWA’s Financial Backpack Volunteers

A Message from FWA President Albana Theka When I stepped into the role of President of the Financial Women’s Association last July, I thought I understood what I was taking on. I had served on the board, co-chaired membership, spent two years as President Elect, and I knew the history the way most of us know it, in the broad strokes of dates and programs and the story of the eight women in 1956 who were turned away from an investment association and decided to build their own. What I did not expect was what happened in the weeks that followed, when past FWA presidents began reaching out to me one by one, not to give instructions, but to tell me their stories.

The FWA is pleased to share that Mary Barneby will be honored as the 2026 Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. We look forward to introducing additional honorees in the weeks ahead. Mary Barneby served as the Regional Chief Executive for the American Red Cross of Greater New York from 2020 to 2023. In that role, she led a team dedicated to alleviating suffering caused by disasters and emergencies across the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties, and Greenwich, CT. Prior to joining the Red Cross, Mary served for eight years as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, where she led a major transformation of volunteer support services and technology enhancements.

The fifth session of the FWA’s Wall Street Exchange (WSE) Program , held on Tuesday, July 14, brought together students, industry leaders, and a program alumnus for an engaging discussion on the future of finance, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and career development. WSE committee member Amber Doreen welcomed the participants and introduced the session's moderator, Yanique Williams Elliott, a Wall Street Exchange alumna, technologist, founder, and venture capitalist. The discussion featured accomplished professionals representing venture capital, technology, operations, and financial services, Souky Dolinsek, Vice President of Operations at Billford; Shade Alcine, Renewal Manager at Human Security; and Alix Jules, Head of AI Transformation at Broadridge. The panel began by exploring the defining moments that required the speakers to make difficult career decisions. They discussed changing industries, accepting unfamiliar responsibilities, and entering roles that required them to build processes from the ground up. Several panelists candidly discussed experiencing imposter syndrome, especially when entering unfamiliar environments or participating in conversations with senior executives. The panel also explored how artificial intelligence is changing the speed, scope, and nature of financial work. AI can assist with financial modeling, forecasting, bookkeeping, data analysis, investor materials, and other time-intensive responsibilities. Employers will increasingly expect professionals to use AI as a productivity partner. The strongest employees will be those who can combine technological fluency with sound judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking. The discussion explored in depth the intersection of blockchain, tokenization, digital assets, and the rise of digital workforces. Another important discussion focused on the distinction between mentors and sponsors. Mentors speak to you. They provide advice, encouragement, perspective, and guidance while helping you navigate professional decisions. Sponsors speak about you. They are often senior leaders who advocate for you when you are not present, recommend you for significant assignments, and use their organizational influence to support your advancement. As technology continues to evolve, the panel identified several key skills of the future and qualities that will remain essential. Curiosity was highlighted as a particularly valuable quality among 10 others. Interns should ask to attend meetings, learn how other departments operate, and speak with colleagues whose work interests them. Unless a meeting is confidential, employees may be willing to allow an intern to observe and learn. The panel concluded with several memorable lessons for the interns: “Consistency beats perfection.” “Do not become too comfortable.” “Trust the process.” The WSE Co-Chairs, Gerri Feemster Bostick and Laura Smith Dunaief, and the WSE Committee extend their heartfelt thanks to moderator, Yanique Williams Elliott and our panelists, Souky Dolinsek, Shade Alcine, and Alix Jules, for generously sharing their time, experiences, and valuable career insights with our participants.