Breaking Barriers and Beyond: Celebrating Women in Financial Services
March marked Women's History Month and International Women's Day – milestones meant to raise awareness for the challenges and biases women still face today when it comes to gender parity. In fact, according to data from the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of change, we won’t reach an even playing field until the year 2158.
As a result, the annual themes of these commemorative moments focused on the importance of taking swift and decisive action to achieve gender equality, while honoring women who educate and inspire us to take action.
As a way to take action of our own, the Kestra Women Empowerment Network (WEN) came together to create a dialogue, gathering and sharing thoughts from within our community of female financial professionals around their experiences and their advice for younger generations.
Our female advisors and leaders shared some surprising anecdotes – like encountering the assumption that they can’t grasp complex finances, and the frustration of clients overlooking their expertise in favor of male colleagues. While it became clear that many have felt they had to prove their worth, or battle stereotypes that their jobs matter less (especially if they’re mothers), we also uncovered plenty of optimism and wise words that may inspire others.
Check out the input below from our WEN community, as they shared about how we can accelerate change, who inspires them to push for that change, and advice for the next generation of young women entering the workforce.
How Can We Accelerate Change?
Putting more women in leadership roles…
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I hope people stop being surprised when they see women in leadership roles. This should be the norm, not an exception. -Lena Nebel, BFG Financial Advisors
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Put more women in decision-making roles-Denise Quinn, Signature Wealth
And compensating them for it!
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Yes, more leadership roles for women – but with the same pay as males. -Anna Sohm, Coonrod Financial Group
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Consider that many women are the heads of their household – and pay them accordingly. -Melissa Brisbin, KB Elliott
Promoting early career development to help the next generation.
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Teach young girls that STEM is in their wheelhouse. -Jennifer San Fillippo, Lakeview Wealth Strategies
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Find ways to encourage women to pursue finance and then better promote development into these roles. -Stephanie Lee, Shelton Financial Group
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We need more career development programs and mentorship programs tailored to women. -Jenni Smith, Adcock Financial
Who Inspires You to Push for Change?
Our families spark early inspiration…
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My mom and dad are Filipino immigrants who fought against racism and classism throughout their lives. My family’s resilience and determination were the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. -Mahalene Dulay, Modern Wealth Collective
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My mother. She was a working mother, often with several jobs at a time. She worked into her early 80's partly because of economics and partly because she liked to. I've inherited my love of working from her. -Liz Blanchard, Front Porch Financial
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My daughter. I came from a long line of stay at home Mom's which is noble and beautiful but I wanted to show my daughter that with the right attitude and work ethic, you can do amazing things with your career and your life. I wanted to lead by example and show her that women can be leaders and bosses and be loving, present Moms but also be total badasses in the corporate world too! -Johanna Bathurst, JLB Wealth Management
With women from our own networks and ecosystems continuing to inspire us today.
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All the women at Kestra, the women before me in the industry, and my elders. -Katherine Hagedorn, Investment Planning Associates
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Jessica Bibliowicz, former CEO of NFP. She showed prowess, strategic thinking and the ability to lead a public company in a male dominated industry. -Denise Quinn, Signature Wealth
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Ilona Maher. She's a strong woman that has made a name for herself in a male dominated sport. The way she is genuinely herself has inspired me to work hard and do the same. -Stephnie Smith, Buffalo Capital Management
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Ilona Friedman. In my 8 years with CD Wealth Management, I have watched her grow into her role and find better balance with her family. She always appears unphased by any challenges that come her way and she utilizes her team in a way that makes us respect her and feel respected. -Crystal Wasta, CD Wealth Management
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Kathleen Wyble, another Kestra advisor, because she's intelligent and does business wisely. -Kris Summers, Seasons Wealth
What Piece of Advice Would You Give Young Women Entering the Workforce
Mentorship is key!
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Believe in yourself, find a mentor who is interested in helping to show you the ropes, and find other women in your industry that you can trust and confide in. -Kathy Fish, Fish & Associates
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Think about where you want to be and seek guidance from others in your field on how to get there. See critiques as an opportunity to grow. Work hard, and then ask for the things you want, don't wait for someone to notice and offer them. Begin networking as early as you can. -Seana Rasor, Waterworth Wealth Advisors
Do the work and the rest will follow…
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Every job is important. Always strive to do your best. Nothing is out of your reach if you are willing to work for it. -Melissa Brisbin, KB Elliott
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Work hard and play harder. Enjoy your triumphs and your losses – both are learning tools. -Deb Yurchak, Beacon Financial Services
Above all… believe in yourself!
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Be an advocate for your own skills and knowledge and be sure to prove yourself through your positive actions and results. Never ask for favors just because you are a female. -Maureen Armstrong, Antolino & Associates
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Stay true to yourself and your ideals. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, listen to yourself. Don't be afraid to take risks by leaving a secure job for a better opportunity. When a job is the right fit for you, you'll feel it every day and it'll be worth it. -Crystal Wasta, CD Wealth Management
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If there is a job you want, be upfront about why you would be a good fit. Make sure the firm understands your core beliefs and your dedication. -Whitney Varner, Gus Bates Financial Services
