A Message from the FWA President

May 15, 2024

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

― Mark Twain


Our 2024 International Business Conference wrapped up our sessions in Athens which were full of excellent content and networking opportunities. It's been an incredible experience! 


Our opening day, we visited the Acropolis which started our grand welcome to our International Business Conference (IBC). We followed up with sessions rich in content and spanned all areas of the Greek economy and its role in the region. Chef Maria Loi brought us great energy and reminds us that “Health is Wealth”! The delegation celebrated with a dinner that had a stunning view of the Acropolis and a visit from the US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis, who shared insights on Greece and took questions from our group.


We closed our Athens segment with a special dinner in honor of Chef Maria Loi who is an inspiration and role model for so many. We presented her the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award and enjoyed a great celebratory meal. I am thankful for this opportunity to see Greece for the first time and meet amazing people. Discovering Greece has always been a dream of mine. As I reflect on this trip, I know this will be forever etched in my mind as a success for the FWA.


As we head to Santorini, I remain fascinated with Athens and know that I will return. Thank you, AWS & Stephanie Ackler, AKD Wealth Partners, for your sponsorship and support. 


We look forward to sharing our learnings on our return!


Annette

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

Spotlight on Kelsey Halloran, FWA Secretary

February 27, 2025
Supporting corporate governance through top-notch administration People who enjoy solving puzzles and problems are often detail-oriented, observant, organized, patient and analytical. These traits enable them to approach complex challenges methodically and effectively. For Kelsey Halloran, these qualities have been key to her success as a forensic accountant at a leading global advisory firm and have made her a prime choice for secretary of the FWA.  Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the FWA’s Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, talked with Kelsey about her career and the role the FWA has played in developing her leadership skills and shaping her professional growth.
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