The Financial Women’s Association (FWA)
History
The FWA was established in 1956 when 8 women on Wall Street met to share professional experiences and further their knowledge. The non-profit organization proudly numbers more than 1,000 members worldwide. The FWA continues to live up to its mission, by:
- Furthering knowledge with outstanding programs that explore social concerns, technology, financial and political issues.
- Expanding horizons through international conferences and regular briefings with government officials and industry leaders.
- Contributing to communities, reflected in 20+ years of scholarships and mentoring programs, internships, and community service activities.
Within the financial services industry, the FWA provides a public forum for examining important contemporary issues in business, finance, governmental policy and civic affairs.
Activities
The Financial Women’s Association offers more than 100 programs each year designed to broaden horizons and enhance skills for women:
- Examining today’s critical issues
By fostering an ongoing dialogue on contemporary issues, the FWA fulfills a need for timely information on specialized industry and community affairs topics. From global marketplace issues to corporate support for education, from regulatory trends to business ethics, the scope of discussion reflects the wide variety of member interests.
- Recognizing the achievements of women leaders
The FWA is committed to highlighting the achievements of distinguished women, bringing members and leaders together for interactive exchanges throughout the year. Special events and ongoing programming offer professional development and networking opportunities. Choose from events and activities addressing topics from mentoring and scholarships to corporate board advocacy and referrals. Cultivate your own leadership skills and learn more about the FWA by becoming actively involved on a committee.
- Honoring the Women of the Year
Each year, the FWA honors a distinguished woman from the public and private sector for her achievements, leadership and professionalism. The FWA Woman of the Year awards are presented at the Annual Dinner, the FWA’s major fundraising activity for our nationally acclaimed scholarship, mentoring and summer training programs.
- Presenting distinguished speakers
Through our Distinguished Speakers programs, the FWA introduces members to CEOs and other senior corporate executives. We learn how these leaders perceive and resolve key strategic issues, share success stories of accomplished women leaders and hear how corporations promote the capabilities and potential of female executives.
- Supporting professional and personal growth
Professional development and educational programs are central to enhancing personal effectiveness and continuing professional growth. With seminars that explored topics such as estate planning, investment strategies, caring for aging parents, and strategies for working mothers, the FWA equips members with necessary knowledge to navigate their private and professional lives.
- Achieving national and international influence
To encourage ongoing dialogue between the financial community and the public sector, the FWA sponsors fact finding forums in the United States and abroad. These local, national and international forums enable members to gain needed insights into the turning points and trends that shape our global economy.
Microfinance
The FWA’s most recent initiative is microfinance. They support the executive leadership training of women in developing countries who work for microfinance organisations as part of their commitment to community outreach. This both helps women in developing nations support themselves and their families and advances the FWA’s mission of developing women leaders in the field of finance.
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