In a riveting fireside chat during our recent Student CEO Summit, Kameka Grady, VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Lincoln Financial, alongside Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, shared their valuable insights and experiences with our talented Student CEOs. The event highlighted ways to navigate a career in finance along with strategies that can lead to success in this dynamic field.

Current Roles and Responsibilities: Kameka Grady described her role at Lincoln Financial, where she spearheads DEI initiatives and partners with business units to drive equity and inclusion across all levels. What excites her most is the ability to make a tangible impact on the company’s culture and to see the real-time results of her DEI strategies.

Ashley Leftwich shared her journey with RTSWS, focusing on scaling and expanding the financial & investment offering to young women as well as leaning into her love of mathematics. Ashley’s drive comes from seeing young women flourish in fields traditionally dominated by men, breaking barriers and expanding the financial industry to highlight, reach and serve clients, colleagues and students in inclusive and empowering ways.

Educational Backgrounds and Their Influence: Both leaders emphasized the importance of education in their careers. Kameka discussed her communications degree from the University of Kentucky and a graduate certificate in Business Administration, highlighting how her education provided her with a robust foundation to advocate for diversity and effective communication to build support and engagement around key initiatives.

Ashley reflected on her background in mathematics and technology how it equipped her with the analytical skills necessary for her roles in finance, leadership and strategy, illustrating the crucial role that academic choices can play in career trajectories.

Essential Qualities and Skills: The conversation also featured qualities and skills crucial for career advancement. Both leaders agreed that adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to advocate for oneself are indispensable in today’s fast-evolving workplace. Kameka added that a deep understanding of one’s industry and the ability to foresee trends are highly valued by business leaders at all stages.

Non-Linear Career Paths: Kameka and Ashley shared their career journeys, emphasizing that success often comes from a series of non-linear steps, each offering lessons and opportunities for growth. They encouraged the Student CEOs to remain open to opportunities, even those that seem challenging or divergent from their planned paths.

Closing Thoughts: The session concluded with a powerful message from Kameka on the values at Lincoln Financial, including a commitment to community and diversity, which resonates deeply with the mission of RTSWS. Ashley applauded the young women for stepping up as leaders, encouraging them to continue raising their hands for new challenges and leadership roles.

Conclusion: The fireside chat was not only an educational experience but also an inspiring call to action for our Student CEOs. As they navigate their educational and career paths, the insights from Kameka and Ashley serve as a guiding light—one that illuminates the diverse pathways to success in the financial sector.