RTSWS Celebrates Milestone of Empowering 7,000 Girls through Financial & Investment Education
Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a leading nonprofit dedicated to introducing underrepresented high school girls to financial and investment mathematics, proudly announces a significant milestone in its mission. As of today, RTSWS has empowered over 7,000 girls, equipping them with critical financial and investment fundamentals along with insights into the financial industry. This announcement coincides with the leadership transition at RTSWS, with Ashley Leftwich assuming the role of CEO, succeeding Founder Maura Cunningham.
Founded in 2012 by Maura Cunningham, a 25-year Wall Street executive, RTSWS has been working to narrow the gender and racial wealth disparities. The organization’s comprehensive programming provides early financial and investment education and offers access to students showcasing potential careers in finance at crucial decision-making stages in their university and early professional journeys.
Ashley Leftwich, with a background in mathematics and formerly the Chief Operating Officer, steps up as CEO, ready to continue the organization’s expansion and deepen its impact. “Taking the helm from Maura, I am profoundly honored and excited to lead RTSWS into its next chapter. Our commitment to these young women begins with introductions to investing and grows with them as we aim to spark a lifelong passion for finance, creating paths to individual success and access to the sector. We are grateful to dedicated sponsors and remarkable volunteers from the financial industry, “ said Ms. Leftwich.
Maura Cunningham, continuing her involvement as Founder, Executive Chair, and Board Member, remarked, “It has been a privilege to see how RTSWS has transformed so many lives over the years. I look forward to continuing to grow our reach and build our impact. Together, we will keep working to empower young women by integrating the M in STEM, opening doors to rewarding careers and financial independence.”
Under the new leadership, RTSWS will continue to innovate and develop its reach. The newly reimagined Alumnae & Career Center is one such initiative, providing ongoing support to RTSWS Alumnae as they navigate university life, internships, job shadowing and early career stages in the financial sector. Rock The Street, Wall Street is in 25 cities across the US, UK and Canada and offers online and virtual options as well.
RTSWS works together with its Sponsors and Supporters of world-class organizations, full list can be seen here.
Dramatic Increase in All-Male Boards Among Aim-Listed Companies
According to a recent analysis by WB Directors reported by The Times, smaller Aim-listed companies are experiencing a troubling rise in the number of all-male boards. Despite the disappearance of all-male boards in FTSE 100 companies, smaller companies on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) have seen a significant increase in gender imbalance. The count of Aim-listed companies with no female board members escalated from 108 to 187, marking 35% of the junior market’s companies as male-only boards, up from 18% in the previous year.
This rise is attributed to two main factors: the replacement of female directors by men and the listing of new companies that were previously private and had all-male boards. Fiona Hathorn, CEO of WB Directors, expressed concern over this development, emphasizing the danger of losing focus on the critical issue of gender diversity in the boardroom.
For more details, read the full article by Patrick Hosking on The Times. https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/number-of-aim-listed-companies-with-all-male-boards-rises-by-73-percent-5brqgxvlp#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20companies%20listed,cent%20from%20108%20to%20187
RTSWS Sponsor Cetera Financial Group Recognized for Wealth Management Awards
Cetera Financial Group, a sponsor of Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), has been named a finalist for four 2024 Wealth Management Industry Awards, “The Wealthies.” One notable recognition is for Cetera’s Women’s+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) and its impactful partnership with RTSWS.
Cetera’s Women’s+ ERG collaborated with RTSWS to mentor 18 high school girls over a five-week program, culminating in a tour of Cetera’s El Segundo office and a career panel featuring female employees. The program resulted in a 74.6% improvement in the students’ financial literacy scores and inspired several participants to consider careers in finance, with some expressing interest in internships and further studies in economics, finance, or related fields.
This recognition underscores Cetera’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and empowering future female leaders in finance. We congratulate Cetera on their achievements and their partnership with RTSWS.
RTSWS Alumnae Advisory Council Welcomes New Members and Celebrates Second Year
- RTSWS Leadership’s Inspiring Visit to Chicago
- RTSWS Celebrates Milestone of Empowering 7,000 Girls through Financial & Investment Education
- Dramatic Increase in All-Male Boards Among Aim-Listed Companies
- RTSWS Sponsor Cetera Financial Group Recognized for Wealth Management Awards
- RTSWS Alumnae Advisory Council Welcomes New Members and Celebrates Second Year
