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Spotlight on the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee

December 18, 2024

Crafting connections that reflect the FWA’s mission, vision and values


When Jason Dodd was looking for new learning and networking opportunities back in 2009, he joined the FWA through the Men’s Alliance. Being an experienced marketer, he was asked to co-chair the Marketing & Strategic Committee and later became the chair and an FWA board member.


In a Q&A session with Sherree DeCovny, the Committee’s co-chair, Jason talks about how he’s leveraged his professional background to create and execute a marketing plan that reflects the FWA’s mission, vision and values.

Sherree: What’s your professional background?

 

Jason: I’ve built a career spanning media, financial services and biotech with a focus on marketing and strategic communications. I’ve collaborated with family wealth advisors, business leaders and organizations focused to drive sustainable financial growth.

 

My first agency, H2O, specialized in visual communications. While there, I found myself drawn to strategy, ultimately pivoting my career toward marketing leadership. Today, I lead TW Agency, a marketing firm focused in the biotechnology markets, while contributing to the FWA’s mission through the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee.

 

Sherree: Tell us about the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee and how you benefit from leading it.

 

Jason:  Our committee is dedicated to crafting messages that not only reflect the FWA’s mission but also engage our members and the wider industry. We aim to highlight the value of FWA membership and foster a stronger, more connected community. We’re currently focused on a variety of membership initiatives and event promotion, all aimed at enhancing communication channels and member engagement.

 

I want our committee to drive awareness, deepen member engagement, and effectively showcase the resources and opportunities within the FWA. To achieve this, we’re developing strategic content, enhancing our digital presence and exploring new ways to share success stories and member contributions, such as these member profiles. We’re also working to create more touchpoints where members can connect and benefit from shared insights.

 

Leading this committee allows me to directly support the FWA’s growth. It’s rewarding to see the impact of our efforts and collaborate with such dedicated members.

 

Sherree: How has the FWA changed since you joined?

 

Jason:  The organization has transformed significantly. Our membership is now multi-generational, including professionals in their twenties and retirees in leadership roles. This diversity has made the FWA much more dynamic.

 

Operationally, we’ve professionalized our structure, adding systems and staff to streamline operations. These changes position us for long-term success, allowing the board and committees to focus on strategic growth.

 

Everybody has their own window into the FWA and how it has changed. The most significant, from my perspective, has been this internal restructuring that positions the organization for the future. Our educational programs have grown tremendously. We have relationships with more schools, and we have more mentors and scholarship dollars available.

 

Additionally, our educational programs have expanded, with more partnerships, mentors and scholarship opportunities, reflecting the FWA’s deepened impact.

 

Sherree: What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had at the FWA?

 

Jason:  One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at the FWA is how women approach networking—focusing on collaboration, idea exchange and fellowship rather than transactional goals. This insight has shaped how I build relationships in my career, particularly in biotech and life sciences.


Networking for me is now about the long-term – investing in relationships and nurturing them through ups and downs. This mindset has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.


Sherree: How would you like to see the FWA evolve in the future?

 

Jason:  I’d love to see the FWA continue expanding its influence, offering more interactive events, online resources and collaborations with industry leaders. I also envision more opportunities for members to actively shape the organization’s future while growing both personally and professionally.

 

Sherree: What should people do to get the most out of their FWA membership?

 

Jason:  I joined the FWA recognizing it as an incredible platform for connecting with industry peers and thought leaders. I saw it as an opportunity to both give and gain – sharing my expertise while learning from the extensive collective knowledge within the organization.

 

My advice to members is engage as much as possible. Attend events, join committees and connect with other members to maximize the resources and insights available through FWA. Being active and sharing your unique expertise not only enriches your own experience but strengthens our entire community.




Enhance your FWA involvement today!

January 16, 2025
Join us in France!  We invite you to join us as a delegate for our upcoming FWA International Business Conference (IBC) , taking place in Paris from March 9–14, 2025 . As always, our IBCs are a great opportunity to learn in an international setting, build your professional career, and grow your network. In Paris you will: Engage with industry leaders and experts on topics such as energy, global markets, technology, women’s leadership, and sustainability Spend time at leading companies, including Skadden, RBC, Natixis, Banque Transatlantique, Crédit Mutuel, Groupe BPCE, and JP Morgan Participate in exclusive panels, workshops, and roundtables hosted by esteemed organizations like Université Paris Dauphine-PSL and JP Morgan’s ‘Women on the Move’ Immerse yourself in Parisian culture through curated evening events, networking dinners, and optional site visits. Click here to view a more detailed agenda (in formation). Conference Fees $1,500 Members* $2,000 Non-Members* *Includes a $500 deposit due by 1/31/2025 to secure your spot (non-refundable should you decide to cancel your registration). Full payment is due by 2/15/2025. Individuals are separately responsible for personal travel and accommodations. Suggestions and recommendations will be provided. Support is available from a travel consultant. Secure your spot today! Deposits are due by 1/31/2025. We look forward to being with you in Paris!
January 9, 2025
Strong governance, risk, and controls expertise supports the FWA’s mission If you have a question about driving technological, financial and strategic transformation, Susan Migliaccio is your go-to expert. With over 20 years of experience, she has a proven track record of advising executives in complex organizations on intricate challenges across finance, operations and technology to achieve their goals. Her unique ability to solve problems from multiple functional perspectives provides valuable insights to her clients and teams. She is adept at building strong relationships with clients and bringing the right people together to achieve consensus and drive change.  Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, recently sat down with Susan to discuss how she has brought her expertise to various leadership roles within the FWA.
December 12, 2024
When Maitri Pandya first joined the FWA's Baruch College Mentoring Program , she had a clear goal: to learn and grow in her chosen field of investment banking. What she didn’t anticipate was how deeply the program would shape both her academic and personal life. Now a senior at Baruch College, Maitri reflects on how the program has been a cornerstone of her development and how it has sparked a deep passion for mentorship. “I’ve built meaningful connections with peers and industry professionals, but my mentor, Laleh Bashirrad, has been the most impactful part of this journey,” Maitri shares. Laleh, a Managing Director at BNP Paribas— a proud President’s Circle Sponsor of the FWA —has dedicated 25 years to the firm. But what truly sets Laleh apart isn’t just her impressive credentials, but her deep empathy and unwavering support for Maitri. From their very first meeting, it was clear that their connection was special. "Laleh is not just a powerhouse in finance; she’s family-oriented, grounded, and someone who genuinely cares about my personal and professional growth," Maitri says. One particularly poignant moment that stands out to Maitri was during her summer internship with BNP Paribas when she felt the pressure of securing a return offer. "I was overwhelmed by the uncertainty of it all, but Laleh reminded me that ‘everything happens for a reason.’ Her guidance gave me the strength to trust the process," Maitri recalls. With Laleh’s support and reassurance, Maitri successfully completed her internship with the Power, Utilities, and Infrastructure team, later securing a role as an Investment Banking Analyst at BMO Capital Markets after graduation. “The journey is as important as the destination,” Laleh’s words continue to resonate with Maitri today. It’s a perspective that has helped her stay grounded while excelling in her academic and professional pursuits. It also inspired Maitri to take on a leadership role, mentoring underclassmen at Baruch. "I’m passionate about paying it forward. I’ve seen how mentorship can truly transform someone’s career, and I’m excited to do the same for others." The bond between Maitri and Laleh goes beyond advice on market trends or career strategies. Through their conversations, Maitri has not only developed technical skills but also learned the invaluable art of balancing work with life. "Laleh has shown me how to pursue my ambitions while also appreciating the small wins along the way," Maitri says.
December 5, 2024
Because of 39 generous supporters, we’ve raised $10,515 toward our $15,000 goal for #GivingTuesday . Your generosity is helping us pave the way forward for women in finance. Every dollar you’ve given helps the FWA continue its mission of advancing women in finance. The impact of your support will be felt not just today, but for years to come, in the lives of those we serve and in the communities they will inspire and lead. There’s still time to give! As we approach the holidays, consider making the FWA part of your year-end giving. All donations are 100% tax-deductible and fund impactful programs like mentorships, scholarships, and financial literacy initiatives.
December 3, 2024
Dear FWA Community, This Giving Tuesday, we’d like you to take a moment to imagine a world where every woman in finance has the opportunity to reach her full potential, where the glass ceiling is shattered, and the next generation of women is empowered by those who came before them. This is the world the Financial Women's Association is committed to building—one mentorship, one program, one relationship at a time.  For decades, we have been at the forefront of championing women in finance, providing the resources, connections, and support they need to thrive. And the FWA’s story is still being written. Today, we’re asking you to support us in continuing this vital work and expand our impact.
November 28, 2024
As we move towards the completion of 2024, I want to take a moment to say thank you! Thank you for your support of the FWA. Please know that your attendance, participation & valued donations to the FWA are all making a difference. Thank you to all our members, leaders, and the FWA Office team members that make the FWA a wonderful organization. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Sincerely, Annette Stewart FWA President, 2023-2025
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