Financial Women’s Association marks 70 years with New York gala

The Financial Women’s Association celebrated its 70th anniversary Oct. 8 at the Edison Ballroom in New York, honoring women and allies across finance, media, public service and nonprofit leadership. The gala raised funds for the group’s mission to advance women in finance and spotlighted the next generation through its education programs.

Why it matters: - The Financial Women’s Association is using a milestone celebration to reinforce its role as a career pipeline for women in finance. - The gala raised funds for the organization’s work in education, mentorship, scholarships, networking and advocacy. - The event also highlighted the long-term reach of the FWA’s NextGen Education Programs.

What happened: - The FWA marked its 70th anniversary on Oct. 8 with a gala at the Edison Ballroom in New York. - The event drew 200 guests. - CNBC senior economics reporter Steve Liesman served as emcee. - The gala honored leaders in finance, media, public service and nonprofit leadership. - The FWA presented awards to nine honorees across multiple sectors.

The details: - Hillary Rodham Clinton received the Global Trailblazer and Visionary Award. - Caroline Gundeck, managing director at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, was named Financial Services Woman of the Year. - Stephanie Ruhle, host and senior business analyst at MS NOW, was named Private Sector Woman of the Year. - Mary Barneby, former regional chief executive of the American Red Cross of Greater New York and a former FWA president, was named Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year. - Virginia Maloney, New York City Council member for District 4, was named Public Sector Woman of the Year. - Carolyn Maloney, former U.S. representative from New York, received the Lifetime Public Service Honoree award. - Jonathan Dambrot, CEO and co-founder of Cranium AI, was named Male Ally of the Year. - Joan Shapiro Green, a former FWA president, received the FWA Leadership Impact Award. - Betsy Werley, a former FWA president, received the FWA Mentorship Impact Award. - City Council Speaker Julie Menin presented a proclamation marking the anniversary. - The organization also received proclamations from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. - U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand sent a congratulatory message. - Hermina “Nina” Batson, Karen Elinski and Simone Vinocour co-chaired the gala. - The FWA was founded in 1956. - The organization promotes the professional development and advancement of women in finance through education, mentoring, scholarships, networking and advocacy. - View the Event and Photo Gallery and donate to support the FWA.

Between the lines: - The honorees list shows the FWA’s reach across Wall Street, public office, media and nonprofit leadership. - The awards also underscore the organization’s emphasis on mentorship, leadership development and professional networks as tools for advancement. - Clinton’s remarks tied the anniversary directly to the FWA’s long-running support for women through scholarships, mentorships and leadership programs. - Barneby and Gundeck both framed the organization as a source of confidence, opportunity and access in a field where women can still lack representation.

What's next: - The FWA will continue fundraising and programming tied to its mission of advancing women in finance. - The organization is likely to lean on its anniversary momentum to expand visibility for its education and mentoring efforts. - The NextGen Education Programs will remain a centerpiece of the group’s future outreach.