Highlights from the FWA 2023 Annual Summit - The Grit Factor: Change Agents Shaping Our Industry

May 25, 2023

What an exhilarating two days at the FWA's Annual Summit! 


Day 1 Highlights 


We heard from keynote speaker Jean-Yves Fillion, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors at BNP Paribas USA, FWA Male Ally of the Year 2021, who shared his personal commitment: 


“Today as Vice Chairman of the USA, I believe that is my personal duty to ensure that women are given the same level of opportunity here at BNP Paribas as their male colleagues. It's promoting this equality for women as well as equality for all groups that will help drive the success of the bank, the industry at large and candidly the global economy.


It is for such inclusivity that we will attract and retain the top talent to provide our clients with the best-in-class service for which we're known.”

   

The Eurozone Panel and Economic Outlook featured BNP Parisbas panelists from Europe and North America shared insights on the global economy given geopolitical developments, last year’s energy crisis and the  fundamental questions we face regarding energy and transformation. We also discussed how the collapse of banks on both sides of the pond, inflation and insecurities around supply chain are affecting the markets and decision making. 


Dr Melissa Fisher shared key findings from her FWA commissioned research on The Post Pandemic Return to Work in Finance Among Women and Underrepresented Populations

   

Aurora Pllaha, shared the impact that the FWA and her mentor have had on her aspirations and career. She shared, "because of these sessions, I felt more encouraged to answer questions and even start asking them.” Aurora's mentor was Shannon Seidel, currently VP of Process Management at Prudential. “It has been such a privilege to have her as my mentor, because of her versatile background and her inspirational climb up the ladder with the firm.”


Day 2 Highlights 


In our Fireside Chat with Jelena Buraja, Chairman of the Board of Rietumu Banka, the largest local capital bank in Latvia, shared insights on the Latvian financial markets and business issues, that are inevitably tied with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How the Baltic states are re-orienting to new markets and new regulatory requirements. How can we aspire for the ESG goals at the time of economic uncertainty and how do we deal with persistently high inflation and stagnant economic fundamentals. Plus, we spoke about the role of women in finance – how we all need to encourage ladies to take initiative and make decisions to advance their careers. Jelena is on the 40 Under 40 list of bank executives by Latvian Forbes magazine as the most successful woman in Latvian financial industry (2023).

       

The panel on Fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive and Supportive Work Culture brought leaders from Citizens, BNP Paribas and SMBC, all members of the FWA’s Presidents Circle, to share their personal, hands-on practical experience in building thriving work cultures and accelerating positive change. 


We heard from the Executive Director and COO of the FWA who shared the work the FWA is doing building the next generation of leaders. This year alone the FWA Next Generation Programs invested more than $330,000 in programs, scholarships and other funding to support 142 young women FWA Mentees attending colleges and universities.


FWA President Nina Batson closed the day with BNP Paribas Vice-Chairman Jean-Yves Fillion.  Attendees and speakers all stayed to enjoy food and cocktails. 


Thank you to all of the 2023 Panelists!

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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