Congratulations to the RTSWS Class of 2025

May 30, 2025 | RTSWS Newsletter

Congratulations to the RTSWS Class of 2025

We’re excited to share that this was a record-breaking year. More than 1,500 students completed RTSWS programming, marking an incredible milestone for our students, schools, and supporters.

This success reflects the dedication of our students and the support of more than 700 industry volunteers who gave their time and expertise. That kind of support makes a real difference. In fact, 78 percent of students say having a mentor helped them academically.

To our graduating seniors, we celebrate you and all you have accomplished as you take your next steps. Your commitment to financial education and personal growth sets the foundation for everything ahead.

Our Career Center was built to support student's journeys. It is designed for RTSWS alumnae, university women and early-career professionals. Inside, you will find internships, resume support, Coffee Chats, industry insights, and leadership sessions to help you keep moving forward.

If you are interested in making an impact, email questions@rockthestreetwallstreet.com to learn how you can help guide the next generation.

Equipping the Next Generation in Finance

Watch video

The Rock The Street, Wall Street Career Center is a gateway to opportunity. As we continue to bring Financial and Investment fundamentals to young women, we're proud to spotlight this dedicated platform for our students, alumnae and university women preparing for careers in finance.

Students can connect with top firms, explore internships and early career roles, and gain access to mentoring, virtual office hours, industry events and more. Watch the video and explore everything the Career Center has to offer.

Interested in supporting our students and posting roles?
Contact us at careercenter@rockthestreetwallstreet.com

INDUSTRY EVENTS

CFP Board Hosts Power Women Design Summit
Featuring RTSWS Founder

We were honored to participate in the CFP Board’s Inaugural Power Women Design Summit, a national event focused on advancing women in wealth management and growing the pipeline of female financial planners.

RTSWS Founder Maura Cunningham joined the panel “Women and the Financial Planning Ecosystem: The Path to Success,” moderated by Susan Reilly Salgado, Ph.D.. Panelists included Phuong Luong, CFP and Kamila Elliott, CFP. Each shared when they discovered financial planning and what helped them succeed. Their stories reinforced the importance of early exposure, education, and career support.

Among the leaders in attendance was Cary Carbonaro, CFP, MBA, a longtime RTSWS supporter and author of Women and Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune. This summer, RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich will host Cary for a virtual fireside chat through our Career Center, offering students and alumnae practical insights and career guidance.

We thank the CFP Board for leading efforts that align with our mission and for creating space for meaningful conversations like these.

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.

2025 Summer Intern

(Undergraduate students)

Phoenix Merchant Partners Rye, NY

2026 Public Finance Summer Analyst- Phoenix

(Undergraduate students with an expected graduation date of December 2026 - May 2027)

Stifel Phoenix, AZ

Junior Consultant, RESL, AML Analytics and Risk Modeling

(Fall 2025 8 month co-op program for undergraduate students)

CIBC Toronto, ON

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

Your donation advances our important mission and works toward our future plans that will assist even more girls and expand the talent pipeline while narrowing the wealth gap

Connect, Collaborate, & Cultivate

Network with Female Finance Professionals.

Join Our LinkedIn Financial Networking Hub

RTSWS Alumna Takes the Stage in Chicago

May 16, 2025 | RTSWS Newsletter

RTSWS Alumna Takes the Stage in Chicago

At CFA Institute CareerFest 2025 and CFA Institute Live in Chicago, RTSWS alumna Alinda Li shared her story during the Lightning Tent Talks. A former RTSWS student from our Chicago cohort, Alinda went on to graduate from the University of Michigan and now works as an Equity Research Associate at William Blair. Her talk highlighted what early access to financial education and industry mentors can make possible.

“RTSWS provided access to the fundamentals to help me understand finance, not just as a concept but as a career path. The program encouraged us to ask informed questions, and connect with professionals who saw my potential. A mentor from those early days remains someone I still turn to for guidance.

From high school to university and internships and now as an analyst at a global firm, RTSWS has been more than a program; it is a launchpad, now offering me a chance to give back.”

— Alinda Li, RTSWS Alumna

RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich and COO Johannah Mullenix attended the events, meeting with university students, alumnae and professionals while showcasing the RTSWS Career Center. This growing platform connects students directly to internships, early career roles and industry sessions.

DONATE & CHANGE A LIFE

Capital Confidence Campaign:
Building Girls’ Confidence in the Capital Markets

At Rock The Street Wall Street, we know that financial and investment literacy changes lives. When young women graduate with the confidence to save, invest, and grow their wealth, they’re ready to take charge of their futures and make bold decisions.

You can be the reason a student says yes. Yes to finance. Yes to leadership. Yes to a future she may not have thought possible.

“RTSWS was such a great experience. It really contributed to my interest in finance and encouraged me to see it as something I could potentially pursue.” — Emma, New York

You can further help us:
Your support will directly impact high school girls and university women by providing them with the tools to confidently manage their financial futures and explore careers in finance, while expanding participation in the industry.

  • $250 – Confidence Catalyst
    • Help equip a student with access to RTSWS’s online events
      Your support sparks a girl’s journey into financial empowerment, opening doors to knowledge and connection.
  • $500 – Pathway Builder
    • Help fund a student’s immersive field trip to a financial institution
      Give a girl her first look inside the world of finance, igniting curiosity and courage for what's possible.
  • $2,500 – Foundation of Confidence
    • Help fund the delivery of RTSWS’s financial and investment literacy curriculum
      Provide the tools and skills that empower girls to own their financial future with confidence.
  • $5,000 – Future Leader Champion
    • Support specialized programming for graduating seniors and university students as they transition into internships and careers
      Your investment helps young women confidently step into leadership roles, fully prepared to thrive in the financial world.

Your contribution opens the door for students who may have never imagined themselves as a future financial leader. With your help, we can change that story.

Join us in building a financially empowered future. Let’s invest in the potential of tomorrow, today.

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.

2025 Morgan Stanley Summer Academy (Year 11 - Year 13)

(Virtual Program for Secondary School & Sixth Form students)

Morgan Stanley

Virtual

Private Client Service Analyst

(Full Time Role)

AllianceBernstein

San Antonio, TX

Graduate Level Scholarship for RTSWS Alumnae

(For both prospective MS and MBA students)

Fordham Gabelli School of Business

New York, NY

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

Your donation advances our important mission and works toward our future plans that will assist even more girls and expand the talent pipeline while narrowing the wealth gap

Connect, Collaborate, & Cultivate

Network with Female Finance Professionals.

Join Our LinkedIn Financial Networking Hub

RTSWS: From FinLit Month to Early Career Roles

May 2, 2025 | RTSWS Newsletter

FinLit Month Sparks Mentorship and Industry Access

April set the stage for Financial Literacy Month along with National Volunteer Month and we are seeing the power of our community in action.

Students across more than 30 cities in the US, Canada, and the UK are gaining financial skills, and university women are stepping boldly into our Career Center, preparing for the opportunities ahead.

In April, some highlights included:

  • CEO Ashley Leftwich joined Student Insight Events in Toronto
  • Founder Maura Cunningham & Ashley led fireside chats with volunteers in London
  • 100+ students joined the RTSWS Career Center following our university events
  • RTSWS participated in UN Women’s Generation Equality event
  • Volunteers from San Francisco to NY led RTSWS mentorship programs

“These activities remind us how important our work is to equip young women with the financial knowledge and tools to help them succeed,” said Ashley. “With a background in mathematics, I know how powerful investment fundamentals can be in creating real opportunities. RTSWS is building financial fluency, expanding access to career paths in finance and connecting students with industry mentors. From Toronto to London to across the US, these young women are raising their hands to learn and to lead.” 

EXECUTIVE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Gwen Smith

Head of Global Strategic Engagement & MD,
US Government Affairs, Invesco Ltd.

“We’re committed to creating workplaces where employees are valued, supported and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. At Invesco we believe that empowering the next generation of talent is essential to the future of our industry.

Rock The Street Wall Street is opening pathways for young women to gain the financial knowledge and industry access to help them succeed. We’re proud to support this mission and applaud RTSWS for helping to build a more inclusive and dynamic financial workforce.”

RTSWS READING LIST

Celebrating World Book Day During
Financial Literacy Month

In celebration of World Book Day many of you shared favorite books that inform, inspire, and broaden the conversation around finance, math, and related fields. Finance is a language of opportunity and these reads invite more voices into the conversation.

We’re excited to feature our Book List for 2025, highlighting a wide range of voices and experiences that help open doors to opportunity.

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.

Analyst/Associate - Client Solutions

(Full Time Role)

Pimco

Newport Beach, CA

Advisor Development Program - Financial Solutions Advisor Trainee: Circle C Ranch: Austin, TX

(Full Time Role)

Bank of America

Austin, TX

2026 Global Transaction Banking, US Cash Management Summer Analyst

(Undergraduate students graduating between
December 2026 – June 2027)

CIBC

New York, NY

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

From Campus to Capital Markets: RTSWS University Growth

Apr 18, 2025 | RTSWS Newsletter

From Campus to Capital Markets:
RTSWS University Growth

RTSWS Joins Ivy+ Just-In-Time Job & Internship Fair 

With graduation season just around the corner, we’re proud to work with many universities and join this year’s Ivy+ Just-In-Time Virtual Job & Internship Fair, which connects top-tier students with leading organizations across industries.

Through the RTSWS Career Center, sponsors and supporters, we help young women access internships and job opportunities at top financial firms. Events like this align closely with our mission to expand access and opportunity across the capital markets.

Participating Ivy+ Schools

  • Brown University
  • Duke University
  • Stanford University
  • Columbia University
  • Harvard University
  • University of Chicago
  • Cornell University
  • MIT
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Dartmouth College
  • Princeton University
  • Yale University

Virtual Events Highlight Career Paths & the Power of Networking

In addition to Ivy+ we recently held two virtual sessions with students from Harvard as well as Saint Mary’s College along with the University of Notre Dame to explore careers in finance.

Founder Maura Cunningham shared her path from Wall Street to launching RTSWS, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, networking, and resilience. Students were also introduced to our RTSWS Career Center, which offers nearly 100 internships, jobs, and mentorships along with resume support and early career coaching.

At the Saint Mary’s/Notre Dame event, RTSWS Board Member Gretchen Flicker, who also serves on the Saint Mary’s College Board of Trustees, joined Maura to share career insights. She highlighted the value of alumni connections and the importance of staying adaptable throughout one’s career.

We welcome all universities to join our network. See how RTSWS Career Center supports young women:

EXECUTIVE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Blair DuQuesnay

Investment Advisor, Ritholtz Wealth Management

“I’ve had the privilege of launching and expanding RTSWS programming in coordination with the CFA Society of Louisiana at a local high school. One of the program’s highlights is the office visit, where we welcomed students into the office and engaged senior leaders at a volunteer firm. These office field trips are more than just a glimpse into the industry—they’re a powerful, shared experience highlighting the depth of what these students are learning.

We are continually inspired by their drive and determination to build their own futures, many of which lead into related degrees as well as the financial industry. The impact of RTSWS is lasting, and I’m proud to be part of this journey.” 

STUDENT LEADERS

Celebrating Our 2024 Student CEOs

We recently honored this year’s exceptional RTSWS Student CEOs during our virtual Leadership Summit. The event featured special guest Claire Marie Thomas, VP from Vision Ridge Partners, who shared valuable insights and encouragement with our student leaders.

This year, 96 students served as Student CEOs, helping grow RTSWS’s impact on their campuses and inspiring the next generation of finance-minded changemakers.

Claire reflected on some of the most rewarding parts of her work: "The amount I get to talk to people and spend time with them. I think that's the best part of finance and investing—in people and companies—is how much you get to interact with others."

She encouraged students to be bold, take risks and seek out new experiences and cultures.

"Travel was important in developing into the person I am. Being able to work with a lot of different kinds of people cannot come from staying in one bubble... It will be critical to nearly anything you want to do and achieve."

Thank you to each of our Student CEOs for your leadership, energy, and dedication throughout the year.

Want to take on a leadership role next year?
Applications for the 2025–2026 Student CEO program are now open.

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.

2025 Morgan Stanley Summer Academy

(Secondary School Students, Year 11-Year 13)

Morgan Stanley

London, UK / Virtual

2026 Summer Associate: Stifel Equity Research - Chicago

(Undergraduate students with expected graduation date
between December 2026 and Spring 2027)

Stifel

Chicago, IL

2026 Summer Internship Program

(Undergraduate or master’s students graduating between September 2026 and July 2027)

BlackRock

Multiple Locations

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

2025 RTSWS Woman of the Year

Apr 4, 2025 | RTSWS Newsletter

2025 RTSWS Woman of the Year

To close out Women’s History Month and welcome Financial Literacy Month, we hosted our inaugural Woman of the Year Luncheon in Nashville—honoring our Founder and Executive Chair, Maura Cunningham.

The event was co-chaired by our CEO Ashley Leftwich and Keri McInnis of Pinnacle Financial Partners and included moving tributes and reflections on Maura’s significant impact. Judy Ricketts, longtime supporter and industry leader, presented Maura with the Woman of the Year Award, calling RTSWS 'essential' and 'life-changing' for our students.

We also recognized Anders Hall, RTSWS Board Chair, with our first Supporter of the Year Award for his leadership and dedication to expanding access to finance.

As we continue to expand beyond 30+ cities in the US, UK and Canada, we remain focused on bringing the M in STEM to life for high school girls and university women, and increasing access for the next generation of leaders.

Resolution Recognizes Our Founder & RTSWS

Rock The Street, Wall Street Day kicked off this inaugural Woman of the Year Event. The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives, passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 193, recognizing RTSWS’s statewide impact and celebrating Maura Cunningham as the 2025 RTSWS Woman of the Year for her leadership in expanding participation in the capital markets and championing financial literacy for young women.

SPRING MENTORSHIP SESSION

Building University & Career Connections

We recently wrapped up our Spring Mentorship Virtual Sessions, a new resource designed to support students alongside the in-person mentorship. 

During our second session, we welcomed Mosammad K., a RTSWS alumna and current Fordham University student, who shared her insights with students from RTSWS high schools. Mosammad offered valuable advice on building a professional network in high school, overcoming networking nerves, preparing for events, setting up informational interviews, and staying organized while building new connections.

If you missed the session, you can access the event recording. Additional networking resources and guidance are available on the RTSWS Alumnae & Career Center (ACC).

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.

AB Explore High School Internship Program

(RTSWS High School Seniors only in Nashville metro area)

AllianceBernstein

Nashville, TN

2026 Commercial & Investment Bank Innovation Development Summer Analyst Program

(Undergraduate students with expected graduation date
between December 2026 and Spring 2027)

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

New York, NY

Financial Solutions Advisor - Consumer Investments - Raleigh/Durham Market

(Full Time Role)

Bank of America

Raleigh, NC

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

International Women’s Day Across 30 Cities

Mar 21, 2025 | RTSWS Newsletter

International Women's Day Across 30 Cities

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) proudly celebrates Women’s History Month with a dynamic lineup of events across 30+ cities in the US, Canada, and the UK. Throughout March, RTSWS is connecting students, alumnae, and industry leaders with keynotes, panels, mentorship, and networking opportunities, reinforcing its mission to bring the M in STEM to life through financial and investment mathematics.

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate progress and drive continued action. It’s an opportunity to expand access for young women in finance while reinforcing our commitment to creating more pathways in the industry. From our visionary Founder to our CEO, dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and students, we are proud of this work and grateful to those who help open doors for the next generation of women in the capital markets.

RTSWS + Pi Day

Ashley Leftwich is a lifelong math enthusiast who shares:

"Mathematics is a universal language that opens doors, drives innovation and fuels confidence. 

From classrooms to careers, we’re dedicated to expanding Financial & Investment literacy—proving that math isn’t just powerful, it’s FUN!"

Looking for inspiring stories to mark the day?
🔗 Check out The New York Times’ Steven Strogatz's article Pi Day: How One Irrational Number Made Us Modern

🔗 Also don't miss NYT's Siobhan Roberts' take
A Mathematical ‘Fever Dream’ Hits the Road

RTSWS IN THE NEWS

PODCAST The Important Part: Investing with Liz Thomas

Watch video

RTSWS is happy that CEO Ashley Leftwich joined The Important Part: Investing with Liz Thomas to discuss how financial literacy can help close the wealth gap. Alongside another nonprofit recognized through SoFi’s Give Her Credit initiative, Ashley shares how their organizations empower young women with the skills and confidence to navigate finance and investing. Tune in to learn how early intervention, female role models, and corporate support can drive lasting financial independence and participation.

STUDENT EVENTS

Spring Mentorship Virtual Session:
Building University & Career Connections

📢  Attention RTSWS High School & Secondary School students!

Join the RTSWS team for our second Spring Mentorship Virtual Session as we explore the power of networking in shaping your academic and professional future!

📅  Monday, March 24, 2025
🕖  7:00 PM ET | 6:00 PM CT | 5:00 PM MT | 4:00 PM PT (Check your timezone!)
📍  Virtual Event

In this session, you’ll discover how to:

✨ Maximize the value of your professional connections
✨ Get involved on campus to grow your network
✨ Build strong mentor relationships for long-term success

Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable networking strategies as you prepare for college and your future career. Sign up today!

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.

2025 BlackRock Summer Excellence Internship

(RTSWS High School Juniors & Seniors only in NYC metro area)

BlackRock

New York, NY

2025 PIMCO Prep Program

(Undergraduate Freshmen & Sophomores interested
 in PIMCO's summer 2026 and 2027 internships)

PIMCO

Virtual

Trade Support Analyst

(Full Time Role)

Broadridge

Houston, TX

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