An Unforgettable Day at the NYSE Podium Bell

Nov 17, 2023 | RTSWS Newsletter

Home

An Unforgettable Day at the NYSE Bell Podium

Rock The Street, Wall Street students found themselves not only on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), but also standing on the prestigious NYSE bell podium!

A heartfelt thank you to the NYSE for providing an exceptional day filled with insightful leadership panels. Special appreciation goes to the Women's Bond Club for their invaluable role in bringing us all together, facilitated by their dedicated volunteers.

The High School of Economics & Finance students experienced a day brimming with impact, from the bell podium to engaging leadership discussions. It's moments like these that leave a lasting impression on our talented students.

Stay tuned for more RTSWS adventures!

RTSWS Students Leave the Classroom for Wall Street Experience Field Trips!

As the Fall Financial & Investment Literacy Workshops begin to wrap up, our RTSWS students from schools across the U.S., Canada and the UK are loading onto buses to attend their RTSWS "Wall Street Experience" field trips. 

A highlight in the RTSWS academic year, the Wall Street Experience Field Trips offer students a rare glimpse into corporate office settings and the workplaces and work lives of financiers.

Check out the photos below from some of our field trips!

Da Vinci Design High School's Field Trip to Cetera

(El Segunda, CA)

Lamar High School's Field Trip to Invesco

(Houston, TX)

Marshall Fundamental School's Field Trip to First Citizens Bank

(Pasadena, CA)

Fort Mills High School's Field Trip to
Financial Resources Group Investment Services

(Charlotte, NC)

GALA High School's Field Trip to Lightbay Capital

(Los Angeles, CA)

Fort Mill High School Welcomes RTSWS Program with Support from Financial Resources Group

Maura Cunningham, RTSWS Founder & CEO with Sims Reeves, Business Education Teacher

Financial Resources Group Investment Services is proud to announce its support for the Rock the Street, Wall Street program at Fort Mill High School. In collaboration with dedicated educators like Sims Reeves, Business Education Teacher, and Cindy Nagel, Director of Business Development at Financial Resources Group, the program has found a home at Fort Mill High School in Charlotte, NC.

Spearheading the initiative, Cindy Nagel expressed delight at the students' enthusiasm, saying, "These high school girls have opted to stay after school to take part in these sessions because they want to be there – and are curious about the world of finance." Sims Reeves, a key advocate, stressed the importance of showcasing real-world female role models in money management.

This partnership underscores Financial Resources Group's commitment to supporting financial education in local communities, providing students with valuable insights into careers in finance.

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

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

Equities Research Summer Intern

(Undergraduates, graduating December 2024 through
June 2025)

AllianceBernstein

New York, NY

Undergrad Internship - Fiduciary Trust:
High Net Worth Division

(Undergraduates, Junior - graduating in 2026 or
Senior - graduating in 2025)

Franklin Templeton

New York, NY

Summer Investment Intern- Summer 2024

Soros Fund Management

New York, NY

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

Join Our Financial Networking Hub

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube

RTSWS Students & Alumnae Attend Women’s Association of Venture & Equity (WAVE) Forum

Nov 3, 2023 | RTSWS Newsletter

Home

RTSWS Students & Alumnae Attend Women's Association of Venture & Equity (WAVE) Forum

The Women's Association of Venture & Equity (WAVE) selected 5 RTSWS Alumnae (Tiffany H., Victoria L., Khujista U., Liana W. and Stella X.) and 3 RTSWS Students (Lynn C., Ayla I., and Sophia M.) to attend their Women in Alternative Investments Career Forum in NYC on Friday, October 13th.

Attendees had the opportunity to join  roundtable and panel discussions exploring topics like non-traditional paths to alternative investments. They also networked with industry leaders and other students and learned about the many internship and career opportunities at alternative asset firms from across the country during the job exposition. 

"As a woman pursuing this career path, it was reassuring to see that you can reach the highest level of seniority, and your female identity is actually an asset and brings a different perspective to the table," shared Liana W. (RTSWS Alumna 2022) when reflecting on her experience during the forum.

Pictured: Stella X. (RTSWS Alumna 2022) exploring the job expo during the  Women in Alternative Investments Career Forum.

We thank Women's Association of Venture & Equity (WAVE) for including our students and alumnae in this memorable and impactful event!

RTSWS Celebrates their First-Year Cohorts!

This year RTSWS is running in  60+ schools across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and over 20 of those schools are hosting a RTSWS cohort for the very first time!

We are so thrilled to welcome these cohorts to our growing community and we look forward to more updates on their fall financial & investment literacy sessions and field trips!

Pictured: First-year cohort, Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta, GA (Sponsored by Morgan Stanley) celebrating their first RTSWS session.

Pictured: First-year cohort, Bard High School Early College in NYC (Sponsored by Five Rings LLC) getting to know one another during an ice breaker activity.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 1000+ students participating in the
RTSWS Fall Financial & Investment Literacy Program!

Empowering Insights at JPMorgan Chase's Women's Leadership Day

We extend our appreciation to JPMorgan Chase & Co. for hosting the 8th annual Women's Leadership Day, a remarkable event featuring inspiring speakers and engaging discussions. These speakers shared stories that resonated deeply, shedding light on paths for growth and empowerment.

The theme, "Leading with Purpose," perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event, offering a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and leadership of women in various fields. The day celebrated their remarkable achievements and collective strength.

It provided our founder and CEO, Maura Cunningham, a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers and gain insights into investment opportunites and how leaders across various sectors are also moving the needle to achieve gender equity.

We extend our gratitude to Sam and the entire JPMorgan Chase team for their dedication to advancing women in finance. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey to empower women and girls in the finance industry.

(Click to Enlarge)

(Click to Enlarge)

(Click to Enlarge)

RTSWS at Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, NY

Watch video

Student CEO Named CITGO Distinguished Scholar in Service & Leadership

https://abc13.com/citgo-education-abc13-houston/5447136/

Lamar High School student, Sienna R., and CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), has been named a CITGO Distinguished Scholar.

Sienna's passion for entrepreneurship and her role as President of the Lamar Law Club and Student CEO of RTSWS earned her this recognition.

Notably, she manages two of her own businesses in digital sales and pet-sitting. Sienna's future plans involve studying entrepreneurship and wealth management in college.

Kudos to Sienna, and a big thank you to our dedicated volunteers! 

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

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

2024 BNY Mellon Summer Internship Program –
Global Client Management

(Undergraduates, graduating December 2024 through
August 2025)

BNY Mellon

New York, NY

2024 Commercial Banking Early Career
Development Program

(Undergraduates, graduating December 2024 or
May/June 2025)

Wells Fargo

Multiple Locations

ESG Coordinator 

Shorenstein Realty Services

San Francisco, California

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.  

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube

Back to School & Back to the Board Room

Oct 20, 2023 | RTSWS Newsletter

Back to School and Back to the Board Room

As the back-to-school season ushers in a fresh wave of excitement, our Strategic Planning Committee has been hard at work, engaging in dynamic discussions about innovative initiatives that will empower our students and sponsors. The synergy of these conversations is propelling us forward on our mission.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals who form the backbone of RTSWS: our dedicated Board Members and Advisory Council. Alongside us, they stand as steadfast partners, collaborating with industry leaders, sponsors, volunteers, and foundations who share our commitment to making a difference.

Their unwavering support and commitment are the driving forces behind our mission's success. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the next generation of women in finance. We thank them for their dedication!

Checking in on the Fall Sessions!

RTSWS's Fall Financial & Investment Literacy workshops are going strong! 

As our cohorts move deeper into the fall sessions, they continue to build financial and stock market knowledge and they turn their focus to fall session's central project.

During sessions 2 & 3 students are hired as financial advisors to a fictitious client, Janella Sims. With support from our talented teams of female financial professionals, students begin to gather research to advise Janella through key financial decisions, while continuing to learn more about saving, budgeting, stock and capital markets, and explore the diverse career opportunities within the finance industry.

Stay tuned as we share more about the fall sessions and RTSWS cohorts over the next few months!

Student CEOs Gather for Leadership Summit

On Monday, RTSWS's Student CEOs gathered for this year's first Student CEO Leadership Summit! Over an engaging virtual session, RTSWS Board Member Anders Hall joined the call to share more about his role as Vice Chancellor for Investments and Chief Investment Officer at Vanderbilt University's Office of Investments and field questions from students on pursuing a career in finance.

When asked to share his advice to students interested in investments and finance, Anders recommended they "read as much as you can" and encouraged our Student CEOs to stay on top of the current headlines. He also shared some personal book recommendations, including titles like Pioneering Portfolio Management by David E. Swensen and Too Big To Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin.

During the Summit, Student CEOs also had the opportunity to meet with other student leaders and to share their successes and challenges from the fall sessions.  

Celebrating 'Empowering the Movement' Gala with The Alzenia Project

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) was recognized at The Alzenia Project's inspiring gala event. The gala, hosted by Cynthia Plouché, Founder & Director of The Alzenia Project, brought together prominent members of the Chicago community and shone a spotlight on the incredible work of The Alzenia Project and its five grantees.

The Alzenia Project is dedicated to supporting organizations that focus on the personal and professional development of young women, with a strong focus on young women of color. Their commitment to empowering young women aligns seamlessly with our mission here at RTSWS. We are proud to be part of this impactful group of grantees.

The Gala was a testament to the power of communities coming together to create positive change and support young women on their journey to success. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Cynthia Plouché and her team for their unwavering commitment to providing opportunities and empowerment to young women. We look forward to our continued collaboration and the collective impact we can make in shaping a brighter future for the next generation of female leaders.

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

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

Broadridge Business Internship – Summer 2024 (Undergraduates, graduating Fall 2024 through Spring 2026)

Broadridge Financial Solutions

New York, NY; Edgewood, NY; Newark, NJ

Undergrad Associate Intern 
(Rising sophomores graduating in 2027)

Franklin Templeton

California

Private Alternatives Business Development Summer Intern (Undergraduates, graduating December 2024 through May/June 2025)

AllianceBernstein

Nashville, TN

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.  

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube

Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business – Social Impact Conference

Oct 6, 2023 | RTSWS Newsletter

Harvard Undergraduate Women In Business - Social Impact Conference
An Inspiring and Vibrant Group Discussion Unfolded
Invited by Julia Kim, a 4 year RTSWS student at a NYC public high school and now a Harvard undergraduate, our founder, Maura Cunningham, thoroughly enjoyed her time with Julia's classmates at the Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business Social Impact Conference.  Young minds and seasoned professionals came together via panel discussions and table conversations to discuss making a real impact in the world. At the heart of this event was the chance for students to engage directly with business leaders and pose compelling inquiries. This undergraduate group is 700 members strong. 

This year's conference, themed "Impact In Action," encouraged attendees to explore the real-world changes they can make through their academic and professional journeys. It was an inspiring gathering that highlighted the determination and enthusiasm of the students, especially as women and women of color, seeking to navigate the complexities of the business world.   An inspiring and vibrant group discussion unfolded, centered around the promising future of these talented women, with a strong focus on their current academic pursuits and business aspirations. The atmosphere was charged with discovery as participants delved into thoughtful conversations about the exciting opportunities awaiting these women in the world of business.

Julia Kim captured the experience of having been a high school RTSWS student  beautifully when she said, "As I gradually enter the professional world, I can confidently say that I would not be on the path that I am on today without Rock the Street, Wall Street. Every time someone asks me, 'Why finance?', I realize that RTSWS is my answer. You can catch a glimpse of Julia in this video recorded in 2019, when RTSWS students participated in a M&A case study at the JPM world headquarters in NYC. 

As we continue to empower the next generation of women in finance, events like these highlight the potential within each student. It's inspiring to see these young women envisioning their futures, and we're dedicated to providing them with the knowledge and support they need to succeed.

Stay tuned for more updates on how RTSWS is shaping a brighter future for young women in finance, one student at a time.

RTSWS at the 2023 CFA Institute's Society Leadership Conference

The CFA Institute and CFA Society Seattle hosted the 2023 CFA Society Leadership Conference in the vibrant Emerald City. The event brought together leading industry individuals who shared insights with an enthusiastic audience.

One of the highlights of the conference was a lively panel discussion on the CFA Institute and the finance industry at large. The panel featured CFA Institute Board Governor and RTSWS Board Member Tricia Rothschild, alongside Margaret Franklin, CFA & CEO of CFA Institute, Joanne Hill, Frederick M. Pinto, ICD.D, CFA, and Jennifer Garbowicz, CFA. Their engaging discussion shed light on the critical role of the CFA Institute and its impact on the finance industry.

We were honored to receive recognition for Rock The Street, Wall Street at the conference. Our mission to bring financial math education to high school girls was recognized, underscoring the importance of financial and investment literacy, role models and access at an early age.

Emily Holm, RTSWS Alumnae & Career Center Manager, played an active role in the conference. She met with a number of CFA members to share our mission, recruited new volunteers and also attended sessions that explored intriguing topics such as "How Gen Z is Reshaping the Investing Landscape." 

Our presence at the conference reaffirms our commitment to advancing financial education and empowering the next generation of financiers.  

RTSWS Expands to Toronto












In line with our mission to empower young women in finance, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of Rock The Street Wall Street (RTSWS) to Toronto, Canada. This expansion marks another significant step in our journey to make a meaningful impact on the lives of talented and ambitious young female students.

Similar to our commitment to fostering student empowerment, our expansion to Toronto is driven by the desire to create real-world changes and opportunities for the next generation. 

Toronto, as Canada's business and financial capital, is a natural fit for our expansion. It's a city filled with potential, and we've been humbled by the incredible support we've received from Canadian firms and leaders who are eager to volunteer and become part of our mission.

This expansion adds Toronto to our growing list of over 30 cities where we provide financial and investment programming for high school girls. It's a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and sponsors who share our vision of a more inclusive and diverse financial industry.

Together, we're creating a brighter future for all.
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.  
Subscribe to our email list.

Back for Another Year of RTSWS Fall Financial & Investment Literacy Sessions

Sep 22, 2023 | RTSWS Newsletter

Back for Another Year of RTSWS Fall Financial & Investment Literacy Sessions

Marshall Fundamental School session #1 in Pasadena, CA (sponsored by First Citizens Bank).
RTSWS cohorts have officially kicked off their Fall Financial & Investment Literacy Sessions!  During the fall, our talented female financial professionals take the lead in conducting classroom workshops on financial and investment literacy. These sessions are designed around a project-based curriculum where students step into the shoes of financial advisors, guiding their fictional client, Janella Sims, through financial decisions. Over the course of five sessions, participants learn about saving, investments, budgeting, stock and capital markets, and explore the diverse career opportunities within the finance industry In Session #1, both students and volunteers embark on their journey with RTSWS by getting acquainted with the organization's mission. The session kicks off with a fun icebreaker activity, an introduction to personal finance and insights into the dynamic stock market.
Burke High School students meet volunteers from Carson Group (sponsoring firm) during session #1 in Omaha, NE. 
Stay tuned as we share more about the fall sessions and RTSWS cohorts over the next few months!

SOAR with the

Rock The Street, Wall Street Team

The RTSWS eam recently took a break from our regular routine and embarked on an exciting team-building adventure at SOAR Adventure Tower in Franklin, TN. It was a day of challenges, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

As part of the RTSWS community, we're all about learning, growing, and building strong bonds while having a great time. Stay tuned for more adventures and opportunities that will enrich our collective knowledge and personal growth.

RTSWS: Empowering Women &

Fulfilling Global Goals

Maura Cunningham Represents RTSWS at the UN Generation Equality Midpoint

Founder and CEO, Maura Cunningham, proudly represented Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) at the United Nations Generation Equality Midpoint event held at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York. Her presence underscored our commitment to empowering young women with financial knowledge and advancing gender equality.

UN Progress and RTSWS's Dedication

While the recent UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) summit highlighted global challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission. RTSWS actively contributes to these objectives, particularly the fifth SDG initiative - Gender Equality.

In the face of global challenges, we believe that every step we take toward empowering the next generation of women in finance brings us closer to fulfilling the UN's mission. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for all. Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and the impact we're making.

RTSWS Lead Volunteer Recognized in "Place With No Ceiling Awards"

Congratulations to Arnerich Massena and our RTSWS Lead Volunteer Reegan Rae on being honored by the Portland, OR Metro Chamber's with the 2023 Sandra K. McDonough Place With No Ceiling Leadership Award. Thank you for being such a strong example of the impact of women in leadership.

"We are very appreciative of the Portland Metro Chamber for recognizing and elevating women in business, and I am so pleased to see Reegan recognized for her efforts,” says Arnerich Massena Chief Operating Officer Shelly Kapoor. “Reegan is committed to encouraging, supporting, and elevating women in the financial services industry. She has built a culture of inclusion — including a leadership team that is thirty percent female — and launched the company’s sponsorship of Rock The Street, Wall Street a non-profit organization that provides financial and investment education to high school girls to spark their interest in careers in finance."
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. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive financial landscape for all.
Subscribe to our email list.

Celebrating 11 Years of Impact!

Sep 8, 2023 | RTSWS Newsletter

🎉 Celebrating 11 Years of Impact! 🎉

It's time to throw the confetti! We're diving headfirst into our 11th year of RTSWS programming and the excitement is electrifying!

Over the years, together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and forged invaluable relationships with high schools and finance firms across the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Our commitment to our mission has fueled us, and now, as we embark on this 11th year, we're ready to set the stage for an even more remarkable decade ahead.

What's in store for year 11? 

🤝 RTSWS cohorts in 60+ high schools and secondary schools

🌏 30+ Cities across 3 Countries

💡 Inspiring Stories: Bi-weekly, we'll continue to bring you celebration stories and updates from our fall RTSWS workshops.

🚀 Exclusive Opportunities: Stay tuned for exciting events, volunteer opportunities and ways for you to get directly involved. THANK YOU for your unwavering support throughout these eleven remarkable years. YOU are the heartbeat of our mission, and we couldn't have done it without your dedication and belief in our cause.

RTSWS Visits Charlotte, NC!

Katie with West Charlotte High School School Champion Theresa Braswell
Ahead of our Fall Financial & Investment Literacy Sessions, RTSWS Program Coordinator Katie had the opportunity to visit our growing number of participating schools in Charlotte, NC.

On her trip, Katie was welcomed by faculty and our School Champions at South Mecklenburg High School, York Comprehensive High School, West Charlotte High School and Fort Mill High School.

School Champions are the talented teachers and school administrators who serve as organizers, advocates and cheerleaders for our RTSWS cohorts. They play a crucial role in our success. 
We are so grateful to our School Champions for all of their incredible hard work and support throughout the school year!
Katie pictured with South Mecklenburg High School School Champions Hermia Snipes and Stephanie Vargas

Have Conversations with Students About the Importance of Showing Up

Whether it is class, a job or a RTSWS session, attendance is important for our students! Every day is an opportunity for them to learn, make connections and ultimately, set themselves up for success in life. As their mentors, teachers and advisors, it is imperative that we have conversations with students about the importance of showing up, in their education, career and in life. Here are 3 tips for positive attendance this school year to share with your students and mentees: 
1. Cultivate Meaningful Connections: Encourage students to invest time in cultivating relationships with their teachers, advisors and RTSWS volunteers. These individuals can evolve into strong advocates and invaluable mentors who support their academic pursuits, career and overarching life aspirations.

2. Establish Consistent Routines: Create a structured routine that encompasses a regular sleep schedule and a well-planned morning routine. By ensuring they get ample rest and start their day with intention, they'll be better equipped to tackle whatever lies ahead.

3. Access Available Support: Whenever a scheduling conflict arises due to a makeup class or sports practice, remind students to communicate. Suggest they reach out to a teacher or their RTSWS School Champion if they are unable to attend a commitment. They can assist in devising strategies to attend sessions or help them formulate a plan to catch up on missed content.

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. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive financial landscape for all.
Subscribe to our email list.