Women's History Month - 2017 FWA Image Maker Award, Candace “Candy” Straight

March 14, 2024

Paving the Way for Women in Finance


Throughout Women's History Month, we're highlighting a variety of women from FWA's history - awardees, past presidents, and more who forged a path for women in the financial community. In their honor, please make your own contribution toward paving the way forward for all women in finance this month!


This week, we're highlighting Candace “Candy” Straight, who won the FWA Image Maker Award in 2017. Straight worked in private equity before retiring in 1998. She served on several boards including the board of the Public Employees Retirement system in New Jersey and Rutgers Board of Governors. She was also an independent film producer and a champion for women’s political equality.

Although Candace “Candy” Straight was offered a secretarial position upon graduating from Wilson College, she was determined to be a Wall Street executive. She began her career as an entry-level analyst at Bankers Trust and rose to vice president. Later positions included principal at John Head and Partners, a merchant bank that specialized in the insurance industry, advisory director at Securitas Capital, a venture capital firm, and director at Neuberger Berman. She also worked at Merck & Co. and other Fortune 500 firms.


Straight served on several boards including Rutgers Board of Governors, Wilson College’s Board of Trustees, the board of the Public Employees Retirement System in New Jersey and the board of Rebelle Media. She was an independent film producer, and also worked tirelessly to elect women in government. She supported the Center for American Women and Politics and helped found Women for a Stronger New Jersey.


Candy Straight paved the way forward for the next generation of women in finance, and now it’s your turn to do the same.


We're calling on YOU to stand among 100 donors who will make an impact during Women's History Month! Will you be the next to support our mission of advancing all women with a donation of $25, $50 or $100 dollars?


No donation is too small - it's a chance to put your brick in the road to success for future women in financial services.

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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