Women have long faced a lack of representation within the financial sector. Almost 50 percent of surveyed finance professionals feel their organization needs more women in senior-level management roles. But with that said, women are still confronting this disparity, leaving their mark and reshaping the industry.
Meet five trailblazers who excel in this profession and are tearing down barriers for the future generations of women behind them. Get ready to feel inspired by their stories—and learn how to jumpstart your own finance career in the process.
5 Successful Women in Finance to Know About
Adena Friedman
CEO of Nasdaq, LinkedIn: @adenafriedman
Adena Friedman became the first woman to lead a major global stock exchange when Nasdaq named her CEO in 2017. She then moved into her new role as Chair of the Board in 2023, where she leverages more than 20 years of financial experience to drive continuous economic and technological innovation. Friedman’s unique journey from an intern to the height of Nasdaq’s leadership makes her a true industry powerhouse.
Mellody Hobson
President & Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, LinkedIn: @mellodyhobson
Mellody Hobson is a successful investor, a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy, and a fierce campaigner for diversity and inclusion in corporate America. Since assuming the role of Ariel Investments’ Co-CEO in 2019, Hobson has secured close to $15 billion in assets under management. She also launched Project Black, which helped scale minority-owned businesses into Tier One suppliers for Fortune 500 companies.
Betsabe Botaitis
CFO of Hedera, LinkedIn: @betsabebotaitis
Betsabe Botaitis emerged as one of the few Latina executives in the fintech and blockchain space when she became CFO of Hedera in 2022. Her career has spanned over 15 years across both global institutions and small startups. As her profile continues to rise, Botaitis remains passionate about using cryptocurrency to promote digital transformation, economic equality, and financial inclusion worldwide.
Danielle Delongchamp
President & CEO of Concorde Investment Services, LinkedIn: @danielledelongchamp
Danielle Delongchamp was announced as the new CEO of Concorde Investment Services in 2023 after six years as an integral part of their senior executive team. Along with her dynamic, forward-thinking leadership style, Delongchamp has a robust 19-year resumé in fintech software, cybersecurity, broker-dealing, financial advisory operations, and asset management. She is also a strong advocate for work-life balance.
Farnoosh Torabi
Founder & Host of So Money, LinkedIn: @farnooshtorabi
Farnoosh Torabi covers numerous financial topics and insights on “So Money,” her Webby-winning podcast. She uses this platform to make wealth management more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. As a leading influencer and finance educator, Torabi has also written several books, including her newest 2023 release, A Healthy State of Panic: Follow Your Fears to Build Wealth, Crush Your Career, and Win at Life.
4 Career Tips for Aspiring Women in Finance
Whether you’re fresh out of college or interested in a new career transition, the financial sector could use an ambitious, enterprising woman like you. The finance industry’s job outlook is much faster than other occupations with a high income potential, so here are four strategies to help you break into this lucrative field.
- Earn the Right Certifications
Stay current on new market trends, investment or broker-dealer protocols, economic shifts, financial regulations, and other relevant issues. To enhance your reputation further, you can also pursue a certification such as Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner. Knowing the intricacies of finance and having the credentials to prove it will make you a reliable expert whom clients can trust, and agencies want to hire.
- Establish a Robust Network
Networking is just as valuable in the financial sector as in other career paths. There are many avenues for building a network. Attend conferences or industry events, join organizations like the Financial Women’s Association or CFA Institute, and seek mentorship for valuable insights and practical guidance. It’s especially beneficial to connect with a female mentor who has navigated the systemic obstacles women in this industry often experience.
- Hone Your Leadership Skills
As a woman, you might not be offered the same opportunities as your male colleagues, but you can stake out those opportunities for yourself. Don’t hesitate to put your name in the running for a particular leadership role or a high-profile assignment. Believe in your capabilities, take clear initiative, and show that you can lead a project and collaborate with others. Finally, view each setback as a chance to learn, grow, and improve.
- Be an Outspoken Advocate
Since women tend to face unique challenges in the workplace, it’s important to advocate for yourself and other marginalized professionals around you. Negotiate for promotions, salary increases, or development resources that reflect your contributions and expertise. Also, become a champion for diversity and inclusion within your organization. Ensure equitable policies exist for all financial professionals to thrive in their careers.
The Future of Women in Finance Is Bright
As more women ascend the ranks in finance, this industry will continue to transform for the better. While challenges persist, women are showing they can dismantle those barriers, make valuable contributions, and chart their own paths to success. So, if you aspire to work as a finance professional, do not allow archaic gender inequities to hold you back—the future is bright for women across the financial sphere.
