2024-25 FWA Pacesetter Program Launches with 17 Exceptional Female Leaders

November 14, 2024

The 2024-25 Pacesetter Program has launched successfully with an exceptional cohort of 17 female leaders representing ten partner organizations. Through their first three sessions, participants have focused on enhancing their executive presence, completed DISC assessments, and developed advanced communication strategies for more effective leadership engagement. Beginning in January, participants will commence six months of individualized executive coaching, culminating in a graduation ceremony in June 2025. 


The cohort has also demonstrated their commitment to professional development by mentoring students in the FWA Baruch Mentorship program, sharing valuable career insights and guidance. Upcoming topics address critical leadership competencies including conflict management, overcoming imposter syndrome, the transition from managing to leading, and strategic thinking.


Following a comprehensive needs assessment involving program alumni and partner organizations, we implemented strategic enhancements to the Pacesetter Program this year. Key improvements include expanding our facilitator diversity, incorporating new curriculum topics aligned with partner recommendations, and introducing more in-person learning opportunities. The changes have been well received. 


We extend our sincere appreciation to the FWA team, our partner organizations, and our dedicated facilitators and coaches for their invaluable contributions in advancing the Pacesetter Program's mission.

Spotlight on Jacqueline (Jackie) Linden, Educational Initiatives Chair

April 24, 2025
Empowering the next generation of female leaders in finance Jackie Linden joined the FWA later in her banking career to expand her network, and she served on several committees before joining the board. Currently, she leads Educational Initiatives for the FWA Board. Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the FWA’s Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, talked with Jackie about her 40-year career at Citi and why she finds it rewarding to support the FWA mission and champion women in finance. 

FWA Graduate School Partnership: Finance Training Program

March 27, 2025
In Fall 2024, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) Graduate School Partnerships Committee, with support from BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program, sponsored a finance training program for over 175 Baruch College Zicklin School of Business graduate students. As part of the curriculum, students attended a financial markets overview lecture by KLD Training and completed courses in applied Excel and corporate valuation with Training the Street. The Graduate School Partnerships Committee is proud to help fulfill the FWA’s mission to contribute to our communities and prepare the next generation of professionals through this multi-year initiative. As the financial services industry continues to go through technological and regulatory changes, the Committee hopes these young professionals will gain an edge as they enter the financial services industry with the additional technical skills and financial knowledge acquired from the training program. In the excerpts below, a few participants share how the course helped their corporate valuation knowledge and express their gratitude to the FWA and BMO Capital Markets. Click here to view the complete Participants Testimonial booklet . For more information about the FWA Graduate School Partnership, please contact committee chair Christine Li-Auyeung .

FWA Immediate Past President Hermina "Nina" Batson Featured in Equities.com

March 20, 2025
We're proud to celebrate our immediate past President, Hermina "Nina" Batson's recognition in Equities.com ! Her career resilience, leadership during the pandemic, and unwavering commitment to provide access, inclusion, and diversity continue to inspire. Read more here: Nina Batson: A trailblazing Black woman on Wall Street - Equities.com

Greetings From France!

March 13, 2025
This past week, we had the privilege of celebrating International Women's Day and kicking off our International Business Conference here in France. We began with a warm welcome dinner on Sunday night, followed by a series of events at businesses across central Paris. We have taken a deep dive into France’s technological advancements, energy sector, markets, and economic leadership. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity presented by the FWA International Business Conference, which has brought together delegates from around the world since 1978. It has been an absolute pleasure to experience France in such a unique and enriching way. As we approach the conclusion of this conference and prepare to head back home, I will carry with me the unforgettable experiences and knowledge gained here. La vie est belle!  Best, Annette Stewart FWA President 2023 - 2025
More Posts