RTSWS Collaborates with Manulife John Hancock Providing More Young Women Access to Financial & Investment Fundamentals

Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO Manulife John Hancock Investments and an RTSWS Executive Sponsor

Ashley Leftwich CEO,
Rock The Street, Wall Street

RTSWS is excited to announce a new collaboration with Manulife John Hancock’s Wealth and Asset Management division. Together, RTSWS and Manulife John Hancock will sponsor a classroom program in Toronto, Boston and London along with events offering strategic insights, thoughtful conversation, and networking to help equip young women with additional skills and knowledge to confidently pursue a role in financial services.

Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:

“We understand the crucial role financial literacy plays in empowering individuals and leveling the playing field. Partnering with Rock The Street, Wall Street closely aligns with our commitment to foster inclusive growth and provide meaningful opportunities in the financial sector. I’m also proud on a personal level that our team can help support the next generation of women in finance, expanding access, inclusivity and involvement in the investment management space.”

Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS, shared:

"We are inspired by Manulife John Hancock’s commitment to greater inclusion across their teams, for the next generation of female leaders, and the financial industry overall. This sponsorship extends our reach and deepens the impact RTSWS has on young women, empowering these students to pursue rewarding careers and achieve financial independence through their professional journey."

RTSWS works together with its Sponsors and Supporters from world-class organizations, see more information here.

RTSWS Students joined by Industry Volunteers

RTSWS ON THE ROAD

RTSWS Launches West Coast Advisory Council to Expand Impact

This summer, we kicked-off the RTSWS West Coast Advisory Council, marking a significant step in expanding our reach across Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, and Portland. The council’s discussions centered on new strategies to empower young women as they navigate their journey into the capital markets.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the leaders who support our mission of bringing the M in STEM to high school girls, guiding them from classrooms to careers in finance.

A special thanks to our corporate sponsors, including PIMCO, Franklin Templeton, and First Citizens Bank, as well as academic institutions like Stanford University and the University of California. We also value our collaboration with nonprofits like 100 Women In Finance and Financial Women of San Francisco.

As our students prepare for the upcoming sessions, we wish them a successful and inspiring academic year ahead!

STUDENT & ALUMNAE EVENTS

WAVE Women in Alternative Investments Career Forum - Final Weekend to Apply!

Great news! The deadline to apply for the Women's Association of Venture Equity (WAVE) Career Forum has been extended to Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Midnight PT.

The 2024 Career Forum will be held in person on Friday, October 18, from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. The event will feature panels, roundtable discussions, expo booths, and ample networking opportunities.

If you apply, please email the RTSWS team at careercenter@rockthestreetwallstreet.com. We’ll inform WAVE that you are an RTSWS alumna!

ABOUT THE EVENT:

October 18, 2024 | New York, NY

The Eighth Annual WAVE Women in Alternative Investments Career Forum is an industry leading event to recruit and source the next generation of women in finance.

The objective of the Career Forum is to broaden the funnel of women into the alternatives industry and provide a setting where candidates can learn, engage, and network with industry veterans across a broad spectrum of careers. WAVE is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the alternatives industry.

Thrive Scholars - Info Session Recording

RTSWS hosted an information session on Wednesday for high school juniors in collaboration with Thrive Scholars to discuss their 2025 application process and programs.

If you were unable to join us, are recording of the session is shared below.

Thrive Scholars 6-Year Program 

Thrive Scholars provides high-achieving students of color from low income backgrounds with the opportunities they need to thrive at top colleges and in meaningful careers.

The 6-Year Program is a free college and career success program designed to support Scholars on their journey from high school into high-trajectory careers.

Program participants have access to:

💻 A free laptop
💰 Annual stipends
🎓 Admissions officers from top colleges

📚 College-level coursework
💼 Competitive internships
🤝 Career networking opportunities

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

RTSWS Alumnae & Career Center

Explore the sampling of internships and jobs listed below as a glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our sponsors provide.

Summer 2025 Internship Application

(Undergraduate students: sophomores, juniors & seniors)

Canyon Partners, LLC

Dallas, TX & Los Angeles, CA

2025 Summer Intern - Global Wealth Management, Growth Markets

(Undergraduate Students)

PIMCO

New York, NY

CWIM Connects | Great Opportunity for RTSWS Recent College Grads and Young Professionals

Collaborative WIM (Women in Investment Management)

Virtual

Contact careercenter@rockthestreetwallstreet.com to post internships, entry-level jobs and industry opportunities on the RTSWS ACC.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

By contributing to our cause, you not only pave the way for their financial growth but also help connect them with experienced mentors within the industry, fostering a nurturing environment for professional development.

Your tax-deductible donation through PayPal Giving ensures that 100% of your contribution directly impacts the lives of these aspiring young minds, making a tangible difference in shaping their success and financial independence.

Thank you.  

Connect, Collaborate, & Cultivate

Network with Female Finance Professionals.

Join Our LinkedIn Financial Networking Hub

Visit shop

Attend an event

www.rockthestreetwallstreet.com

Congratulations RTSWS Summer Interns

RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich Celebrates Summer Interns, “Congratulations to all of our RTSWS Students & Alumnae who completed internships this summer. These experiences are pivotal for career growth, offering vital industry insights, opening new and exciting doors. We’re grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and friends for their support, making these transformative opportunities possible.” Ashley adds, "Special thanks to our firms and well done to our outstanding interns; these summer roles enhance our robust RTSWS programming with additional industry participation."

As we prepare for the new school year, RTSWS has enjoyed hearing from our students about the exciting opportunities they participated in over the summer. 

In August, three UK RTSWS students had the opportunity to participate in work experiences with London-based firms ShadowFall Capital & Research and AKO Capital. These experiences allowed our students to engage with various departments, contribute to ongoing projects, and gain valuable real-world experience in finance.

RTSWS Students, Lexi C. and Violetta A. giving their final presentation at BlackRock

In the US, four RTSWS students completed the BlackRock Summer Excellence Internship in New York this August.

This life-changing opportunity allows high school students to gain early exposure to the world of finance and kickstart their careers.

RTSWS Student Lexi C. reflected on her time at BlackRock, noting that one of her favorite aspects was "learning from various finance professionals about their unique career paths, journeys to the firm, and roles."

Similarly, RTSWS Student Violetta A. shared, "My favorite part of this experience was the opportunity to talk to so many interesting people about their day-to-day responsibilities. Meeting people across different departments at BlackRock was incredibly helpful for understanding what BlackRock does and for figuring out what I want to major in at college. BlackRock gave me a view into the world of corporate finance that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise."

Returning for a second summer of interning at BlackRock, RTSWS Alumna Sophia M. expressed, "I really enjoyed getting to know the other interns and employees at the firm! It was amazing to reconnect with alumni while also meeting many new, like-minded people. I am so grateful for all the coffee chats I had. I met many highly accomplished and inspiring individuals who provided valuable insights into college life and the early career environment."

We're also proud to highlight Chloe H., our talented high school summer intern at RTSWS. Chloe has infused our team with energy, innovation, and fresh ideas.

We thank Chloe for her enthusiasm and wish her all the best as she embarks on her university journey. We also extend our gratitude to our sponsor firms and partners who make these valuable internships possible, opening doors to new opportunities and bringing fresh perspectives.

RTSWS IN THE INDUSTRY

We are excited to share a video from RTSWS Board Member Michelle Borré, a respected investor and former senior portfolio manager at OppenheimerFunds. Her insights into investing, now featured on our Alumnae & Career Center, emphasize the importance of combining data with real-world understanding. Michelle highlights that while data provides a starting point, it is the human element that reveals how companies truly operate, particularly in managing risk and navigating uncharted investments.

This approach aligns with our mission at Rock The Street, Wall Street, where we also champions data-driven decision-making. We extend our thanks to Michelle and the RTSWS Board for their ongoing support in fostering the next generation of financial leaders.

STUDENT & ALUMNAE EVENTS

Thrive Scholars - Application Info Session

September 4, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm ET (3:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm MT / 5:00 pm CT)
Virtual
Audience: High School Juniors

RTSWS High School Juniors are invited to a virtual info session with the Thrive Scholars team. 

Join us for an Info Session with the team from Thrive Scholars and learn more about their 2025 application and programs!

Thrive Scholars 6-Year Program 

Thrive Scholars provides high-achieving students of color from low income backgrounds with the opportunities they need to thrive at top colleges and in meaningful careers.

The 6-Year Program is a free college and career success program designed to support Scholars on their journey from high school into high-trajectory careers.

Program participants have access to:

💻 A free laptop
💰 Annual stipends
🎓 Admissions officers from top colleges

📚 College-level coursework
💼 Competitive internships
🤝 Career networking opportunities

WAVE Career Forum Application Open

Women's Association of Venture & Equity Career Forum

October 18, 2024
New York, NY 

Applications are now being accepted from female students ranging from undergraduate through 3 years post-graduate school. Applications close at 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 6. Scholars will be notified of acceptance on or before Friday, September 20.

ABOUT THE EVENT:

The Eighth Annual WAVE Women in Alternative Investments Career Forum is an industry leading event to recruit and source the next generation of women in finance.

The objective of the Career Forum is to broaden the funnel of women into the alternatives industry and provide a setting where candidates can learn, engage, and network with industry veterans across a broad spectrum of careers. WAVE is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the alternatives industry.

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

Explore the sampling of internships and jobs listed below as a glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our sponsors provide.

2025 BNY Summer Internship Program – BNY Wealth

(Undergraduate students graduating in
December 2025 through June 2026)

BNY Mellon

Los Angeles, CA

Morgan Stanley Finance Academy

(High School Seniors)

Morgan Stanley

New York, NY

Project First-Gen: Corporate and Investment Banking
(For First Generation College Sophomores)

Wells Fargo

Virtual

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

By contributing to our cause, you not only pave the way for their financial growth but also help connect them with experienced mentors within the industry, fostering a nurturing environment for professional development.

Your tax-deductible donation through PayPal Giving ensures that 100% of your contribution directly impacts the lives of these aspiring young minds, making a tangible difference in shaping their success and financial independence.

Thank you.  

Connect, Collaborate, & Cultivate

Network with Female Finance Professionals.

Join Our LinkedIn Financial Networking Hub

Visit shop

Attend an event

www.rockthestreetwallstreet.com

Exciting Summer Status: Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals Pilot Program

Rock The Street, Wall Street is proud to announce the successful rollout of the Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals (BFF) pilot program for our first cohort of RTSWS students. This dynamic e-learning course has captivated a full group of ambitious students from across the US.

The Bloomberg program provides RTSWS participants with interactive lessons and expert insights on real-life financial and investment scenarios, building on the foundational knowledge gained from RTSWS and our Alumnae & Career Center. Students have the chance to deepen their understanding of how money circulates through an economy, discover various investment strategies and learn about associated risks.

Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS, shared about the program: "We are delighted to see such enthusiastic participation in the Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals pilot program. Congratulations to our 30 young women who have taken this empowering step during their summer."

Upon completing the core modules, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, marking their preparedness to apply these principles in real-world situations. 

"The course was challenging because each character had a different situation that we had to apply our financial knowledge to. However, I think this made the course more interactive which I enjoyed. I am very grateful that I got to participate in the course, and found it really informative!"

- Ayla Irshad, RTSWS Student

"My favorite part about the course was the format of characters and story-telling nature of the lessons. I really enjoyed how each lesson was engaging, and it was super fun to follow each character's stories! I actually really enjoyed the course! It was super engaging, and I thought it was neat how they made up stories and career paths for different characters, as well as real, relevant financial scandals. Thank you so much for this opportunity- I learned so much and it was really cool!"

- Abby Medin, RTSWS Affiliated Student

Honoring Financial Literacy Advocate Annamaria Lusardi

We are delighted to highlight the work of Professor Annamaria Lusardi for her remarkable contributions to financial literacy and education. As an economist and the Denit Trust Distinguished Scholar and Professor at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, as well as the Founder and Academic Director of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, her insights are invaluable.

Our Founder, Maura Cunningham, and COO, Johannah Mullenix, recently engaged in a powerful dialogue with Annamaria. Together, they are dedicated to bringing the M in STEM to high school girls, focusing on financial and investment fundamentals. These initiatives support our students as they progress through university, internships, and early career roles, impacting more than 7,000 young women.

With over two decades of research, Annamaria has published more than 90 articles and two books, including "Financial Literacy and Quantitative Reasoning in the High School and College Classroom." Her expertise enriches key nonprofits like the Council for Economic Education and enhances our mission at RTSWS.

RTSWS Team Building and Training

Team Rock The Street, Wall Street has been gearing up for the coming school year with some enriching training and team-building activities.

A special thanks to our CEO, Ashley Leftwich, for leading insightful professional development sessions with expert trainers. These sessions were followed by an engaging team-building activity: painting pottery.

Wishing everyone a happy summer as we continue to expand the talent pipeline and support our talented RTSWS students and alumnae.

STUDENT & ALUMNAE EVENTS

Girls Who Invest - Application Info Session

August 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm ET (1:00 pm PT / 2:00 pm MT / 3:00 pm CT)
Virtual

RTSWS Undergraduate Freshman & Sophomore Alumnae are invited to a virtual info session with the Girls Who Invest team. 

Join other RTSWS alumnae to learn about Girls Who Invest Programs:

GWI SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM (SIP): 11-WEEKS OF EDUCATION + PAID INTERNSHIP FOR COLLEGE SOPHOMORES

GWI ONLINE INTENSIVE PROGRAM (OIP): FLEXIBLE, SELF-PACED, ASYNCHRONOUS FOR FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AND SOPHOMORES

During the info session, GWI will review the application process and answer questions about their programs.

WAVE Career Forum Application Open

Women's Association of Venture & Equity Career Forum

Applications are now being accepted from female students ranging from undergraduate through 3 years post-graduate school. Applications close at 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 6. Scholars will be notified of acceptance on or before Friday, September 20.

ABOUT THE EVENT:

October 18, 2024

New York, NY

The Eighth Annual WAVE Women in Alternative Investments Career Forum is an industry leading event to recruit and source the next generation of women in finance.

The objective of the Career Forum is to broaden the funnel of women into the alternatives industry and provide a setting where candidates can learn, engage, and network with industry veterans across a broad spectrum of careers. WAVE is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the alternatives industry.

2024 FORMAT:

The 2024 Career Forum will be hosted in-person from 7:30am to 3:00pm on Friday, October 18th, in Midtown New York City.  The event will include panels, round table discussions, expo booths and networking opportunities for all attendees.

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

Explore the sampling of internships and jobs listed below as a glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our sponsors provide.

2025 Internship Application - ONE application for
40+ internship opportunities!

(Undergraduate  students)

STREAM (StrengThening Race and Equity in Asset Management)

Multiple Locations

2025 Investments Intern (Atlanta)

(Undergraduate students who will be
rising seniors during the Summer 2025)

Invesco

Atlanta, GA

CWIM Connects | Great Opportunity for RTSWS Recent College Grads and Young Professionals

Collaborative WIM (Women in Investment Management)

Virtual

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

By contributing to our cause, you not only pave the way for their financial growth but also help connect them with experienced mentors within the industry, fostering a nurturing environment for professional development.

Your tax-deductible donation through PayPal Giving ensures that 100% of your contribution directly impacts the lives of these aspiring young minds, making a tangible difference in shaping their success and financial independence.

Thank you.  

Connect, Collaborate, & Cultivate

Network with Female Finance Professionals.

Join Our LinkedIn Financial Networking Hub

Visit shop

Attend an event

www.rockthestreetwallstreet.com

Key Article on Next Gen in Wealth Management

Wealth Solutions Report interviewed esteemed leaders who shared key opportunities to engage the next generation in Wealth Management.

RTSWS Founder, Maura Cunningham emphasizes the importance of early intervention in girls' math education to close the gender gap in finance. She explains how girls’ interest and performance in math often wane after elementary school, making high school a crucial time for targeted support.

At RTSWS, we bring the M in STEM to diverse high school girls, focusing on Investment & Financial fundamentals. We work with sponsoring firms and industry volunteers to provide real-world examples and corporate access, along with our Alumnae & Career Center. 

Here's an excerpt from Maura that we especially like:

“Research underscores a critical challenge in recruiting female talent: women are notably underrepresented in majors such as finance and economics compared to men,” Maura said. “To address this gap, it’s imperative for the industry to bolster support for early intervention programs in girls’ mathematics education, both at the high school and college levels. Additionally, there’s the pressing need to enhance the industry’s presence and outreach to females during these formative years by actively engaging with school clubs, a strategy already underway by RTSWS.”

RTSWS Alumnae Advisory Council Welcomes New Members and Celebrates Second Year

RTSWS's Alumnae Advisory Council welcomed three new members last week as they gathered for their quarterly meeting.

Established March 2023, the RTSWS Alumnae Advisory Council is a distinguished group of driven and talented graduates dedicated to advancing the mission of Rock The Street, Wall Street. They meet four times throughout the academic year to offer their collective expertise and experience, empowering and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. In their first year, the Alumnae Council played a key role in developing, testing, and launching the reimagined Alumnae & Career Center. We look forward to their continued guidance and perspective as we engage our RTSWS student and alumnae community.

RTSWS IN THE NEWS

Women-Led Banks: Shaping the Future of Finance with Diversity and Innovation

Financial Advisor Magazine recently featured Megan S. of Crewe Advisors, a dedicated RTSWS volunteer, in an article by Karen DeMasters titled: Advocate For Women Advisors Says Gender Diversity Is Improving.

The piece highlights the growing presence of women in the financial industry, with a 13.9% increase in female CFPs over the past three years. Megan shares her experiences and passion for helping women enter the field, emphasizing the importance of human connection in financial advice.

Read the full article here.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

If you were to write a book, what would it be about? 

“If I were to write a book, it would be about the various life experiences I have endured through which I have learned key insights about myself. I would share the lessons I have learned from these experiences.”

Where are you now? (And what do you like about it?)

“I am in Chapel Hill, NC studying as a senior at UNC Chapel-Hill. I like the outside scenery on campus, it's extremely pretty to walk through!”

What is a key milestone or achievement you would like to share?

“A key achievement of mine would be completing my internship at Microsoft as a Financial Analyst this past summer.”

What is an aspirational goal that you have for the future?

“An aspirational goal I have for the future would be to start my own business.”

How has RTSWS impacted your journey?

“RTWS has impacted my journey by introducing me to the world of finance and providing me with resources to acquire my first internship in finance.”

What's your favorite tradition/holiday?

“My favorite holiday is Mardi Gras and going to the all women's parade called Muses is my favorite tradition.”

Where are you now? (And what do you like about it?)

“I am an undergraduate student studying political science at Tulane University in New Orleans and I love that everyone is passionate about their interests and eager and open to problem-solving and discussing issues and events in the world.”

What is a key milestone or achievement you would like to share?

“A key milestone I would like to share is my summer job working in the finance and accounting department for a special needs school in Chicago.”

What is an aspirational goal that you have for the future?

“This summer, I want to find an internship focused on child advocacy in court.”

How has RTSWS impacted your journey?

“RTSWS has impacted my journey because I got to meet incredibly influential women who were so present and focused on inspiring young women leaders in the finance world as well as their commitment to financial literacy.”

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

Explore the sampling of internships and jobs listed below as a glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our sponsors provide.

Associate - Financial Accounting

ING

New York, NY

Fixed Income Investment Communications Analyst

Dodge & Cox

San Francisco, CA

2025 Summer Internship Program - AMERICAS

(Undergraduate or master’s students graduating between
August 2025 and July 2026)

BlackRock

Multiple Locations - United States

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

By contributing to our cause, you not only pave the way for their financial growth but also help connect them with experienced mentors within the industry, fostering a nurturing environment for professional development.

Your tax-deductible donation through PayPal Giving ensures that 100% of your contribution directly impacts the lives of these aspiring young minds, making a tangible difference in shaping their success and financial independence.

Thank you.  

Connect, Collaborate, & Cultivate

Network with Female Finance Professionals.

Join Our LinkedIn Financial Networking Hub

Attend an event

Visit shop

Read alumnae news

www.rockthestreetwallstreet.com