Press Releases Archives | Rock The Street, Wall Street

Kristie Feinberg Named 2026 RTSWS Woman of the Year for Expanding Pathways to Finance

Mar 19, 2026 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) will honor Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments, as the 2026 RTSWS Woman of the Year, recognizing her leadership, mentorship, and longstanding commitment to expanding opportunities in finance. Ms. Feinberg’s recognition comes at a time when financial institutions are increasingly focused on strengthening talent pipelines and expanding participation in the capital markets.

A dedicated champion of financial literacy and industry access, Ms. Feinberg has supported mentorship with students throughout her career. She serves as Executive Sponsor for RTSWS and also supports Manulife John Hancock’s MLK Scholars program in Boston. Her leadership reflects a belief that preparation, access, and visible role models help build stronger futures.

“People are living longer lives, and that makes financial preparedness more critical than ever,” said Ms. Feinberg. “We believe financial education is foundational to longevity. Expanding young people’s access to clear, credible financial knowledge helps close gaps, reduce uncertainty, open career pathways, and build financial resilience to last a lifetime.”

Manulife John Hancock’s global partnership with RTSWS brings this commitment to life by equipping young people with financial education through classroom programs in Toronto, Boston, and London. Employees serve as in-school volunteers, delivering project-based education and mentorship, and the collaboration also includes events that support networking and career exploration, helping students pursue university pathways and careers in the capital markets. This work aligns with the launch of the firm’s Longevity Institute, a global platform for research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment.

Each year, the RTSWS Woman of the Year Luncheon rotates to a city within the organization’s growing footprint. In 2026, the event will be held in April, Financial Literacy Month, in Boston, a global financial and technology hub and an important center for the organization’s expanding reach.

Event Details
Date: April 28, 2026
Arrivals: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Luncheon & Keynote Program: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Location: Fairmont Copley Plaza
138 St. James Street
Boston, MA

Rock The Street, Wall Street equips high school and university students by bringing the M in STEM to life through financial and investment fundamentals. Programs led by RTSWS with industry professionals provide students and alumni with knowledge, industry access, and career guidance. By bridging classrooms and careers, RTSWS expands participation in the capital markets and strengthens the next generation. In addition to industry leaders and supporting firms, the luncheon will include high school and university students progressing into internships, finance-related majors, and early career roles. Their journeys underscore the measurable impact of sustained mentorship and industry engagement.

The event will also recognize Reginald Sanders, CFA, CAIA, as the 2026 RTSWS Supporter of the Year. Mr. Sanders serves as Managing Director, Hedge Funds and Fixed Income at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. A former RTSWS Board Member and current Advisory Council Member, he was instrumental in the creation of the RTSWS Career Center, helping connect students and alumni with programs that can help bridge students to internships and career opportunities across the industry.

“RTSWS creates real pathways into the capital markets,” said Mr. Sanders. “When students connect with industry leaders and see what is possible, confidence follows. Investing time and expertise in these cohorts is one of the most meaningful ways we can help shape a stronger and more inclusive financial ecosystem.”

Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS and Event Chair, emphasized the significance of both honorees and the students they support. “Kristie represents the very best of our industry, a leader who recognizes that access and mentorship change trajectories and helps build more financially secure futures,” said Ms. Leftwich. “Her sustained commitment to our students has helped inspire others and fuel our measurable outcomes, including a fivefold increase in the pursuit of finance-related degrees among our alumni.”

Ms. Leftwich added, “Reggie leads by example and encouragement. His deep experience, vision for students, and commitment to expanding participation in the capital markets demonstrate success in action. Together, they set a powerful standard for purposeful leadership that builds actionable and lasting futures.”

For many students, the impact is personal. One RTSWS alum shared, “RTSWS showed me I can belong in the financial industry. I never considered that before. Meeting professionals who believed in me changed how I see my future and chart my own course forward.” The outcomes reflect that confidence. RTSWS students pursue finance and related degrees at five times the national average, demonstrating the power of mentorship, financial education, and direct industry engagement.

Together, leaders like Kristie Feinberg, Reginald Sanders, dedicated volunteers, and professionals across the financial industry are helping RTSWS students move from classrooms to careers, strengthening the future of the capital markets one cohort at a time.

For sponsorship opportunities or tickets to the luncheon, please see RTSWS Woman of the Year details.

About Rock The Street, Wall Street

Rock The Street, Wall Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the M in STEM to life by delivering financial and investment fundamentals to high school and university students, especially young women. Founded by Maura Cunningham, RTSWS provides curriculum and connects students with industry professionals through cohort-based programming, mentorship, and career access, expanding participation in the capital markets and building stronger financial futures.

Read Full Release

Rock the Street Wall Street Marks IWD and Women’s History Month, Reaching More Than 10,000 Young Women Through Financial Math and Access to Industry Leaders

Mar 2, 2026 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street announced its International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month programming, marking a significant milestone as the nonprofit surpasses 10,000 female students served across the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

RTSWS brings the M in STEM to life through financial and investment fundamentals, pairing classroom workshops with mentorship, coffee chats, its Career Center and direct industry access. The organization supports high school and university students, especially young women, as they move from classrooms to careers and expand participation in the capital markets. RTSWS alumni demonstrate a 79 percent increase in financial and investment literacy and pursue finance-related degrees at five times the national average.

“Reaching more than 10,000 students reflects what’s possible when financial and investment access is intentional,” said Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street. “We are grateful to the industry leaders and volunteers who join us in helping students at pivotal academic and career decision points to see what’s possible and guide them into early roles with clarity and purpose.”

RTSWS IWD Programming Includes:

In-Office Insight Days
RTSWS is hosting in-office Insight Days for students across its footprint, from California to New York, from London to Atlanta. Students gain real-world insights and lessons through panels, discussions and trading floor tours led by sponsors and industry volunteers.
Launch of RTSWS Podcast: Rocking Finance
Building on the success of Invest Your Time with Investors, RTSWS is launching Rocking Finance: Real stories. Real access. Real paths into finance. The podcast brings RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich and student alumni into candid, high-impact conversations with industry leaders and volunteers to help young women confidently advance through the financial industry.
Cultural & Educational Collaborations
RTSWS is coordinating with the National Women’s History Museum through a fireside chat focusing on leadership and financial agency. RTSWS is a featured speaker with CFA San Francisco and an active participant in the International Women’s Day Community #GiveToGain global campaign.

“Our programming shows students what’s possible,” Ms. Leftwich said. “RTSWS students are stepping forward, building skills, and recognizing that ongoing learning fuels opportunity in today’s financial markets. There is space for them and we are proud to help expand participation across the capital markets.”

During April, Financial Literacy Month, RTSWS will also honor its 2026 Woman of the Year in Boston on April 28, with additional updates to be announced this month.

About Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS)
Rock The Street, Wall Street is an innovative nonprofit that brings the M in STEM to life for students, especially young women, through financial and investment fundamentals delivered at pivotal academic and career decision points. Founded by former Wall Street executive Maura Cunningham, RTSWS operates in 30+ cities across the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. The organization leverages industry leaders and volunteers, helping students envision themselves in impactful roles and supporting their journeys from classrooms to careers.

24-_-New-York-_-Sacred-Heart-Preston-Varde220

RTSWS Founder Maura Cunningham named to Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact list

Nov 5, 2025 | Press Releases

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Rock The Street, Wall Street announces its Founder and Executive Chair, Maura Cunningham, has been named to the 2025 Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact list. The annual Forbes article recognizes women who make fearless pivots in their careers, demonstrate impact at scale and improve the lives of others. Forbes honored Maura, and other distinguished leaders on the list, at a celebratory event in New York City on November 4, 2025.

Founded in 2012 by Ms. Cunningham, Rock The Street, Wall Street empowers high school and university students, especially young women, by bringing the M in STEM to life through a focus on Financial & Investment mathematics.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by this recognition, but it belongs to the entire organization – our team members, board members, and passionate volunteers,” said Maura Cunningham. “I started Rock The Street, Wall Street with a desire to change the narrative in finance: I was often the only woman in the room; and I wanted to inspire more young women to consider math careers. We’ve now reached more than 8,500 young women across three countries, igniting interest in finance and investment at a critical stage.”

The impact of Rock The Street, Wall Street continues to grow reaching more than 30 cities across the US, Canada and the UK. Since launching the Career Center for college-age students and alumni in 2023, the organization has built a powerful network across more than 100 universities. Rock The Street, Wall Street alumni pursue finance and related computations degrees at 5x the rate of the average US female university student.

“Our students look to Maura as a role model, and we celebrate her impact along with this well-deserved recognition,” said Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street. “We’re proud to build on the strong foundation that Maura established. Together with our industry volunteers, we continue to educate, prepare, and advance talented students as they gain access to the financial industry, navigate internships, and launch their careers.”

Ms. Cunningham enjoyed a robust career on Wall Street for more than 25 years with Merrill Lynch, Lincoln Financial Group and Capital Group. This included her professional rise on the trading floor and responsibility in Capital Markets, Real Estate Syndication, Mortgage Backed Securities and financial and wealth management. She then created a way to harness the power of understanding math, investing, and finance to reach the next generations of girls which in turn increases their proactive training and career selection to include investment, financial and technology roles.

Earlier this year, the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives issued a joint resolution recognizing the impact of Maura Cunningham and Rock The Street, Wall Street.

To donate to or get involved in Rock The Street, Wall Street, visit: rockthestreetwallstreet.com/get-involved

About Rock The Street, Wall Street
Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) is a nonprofit that brings the M in STEM to life for high school and university students through financial and investment mathematics. By providing industry access, mentorship, and career guidance in a supportive environment, RTSWS equips young women with skills and confidence to pursue studies and careers in finance..

Founded by Maura Cunningham in 2012, RTSWS now operates in more than 60 schools across 30 cities in the US, Canada, and the UK. The organization delivers project-based programming, professional mentoring, and early-career preparation through its Career Center, serving the next generation of financial leaders.

SEE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Rock The Street Wall Street Reaches 8,500 Students, Welcomes New Board Members and Issues Annual Report

Jul 10, 2025 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), the innovative nonprofit dedicated to bringing the M in STEM to life for students with a focus on high school girls and university women through financial and investment education, proudly announces it has reached more than 8,500 students across the US, UK, and Canada. In a female-empowering environment, RTSWS continues to prepare and propel young people from classrooms to careers by building their financial confidence and expanding access to the financial industry.

As the organization celebrates this milestone, RTSWS also welcomes four leaders to its Board of Directors: Meredith Heimburger, Rajiv Kapoor, Robert McGrail and Leslie Eisen. Their expertise will help further RTSWS’ mission to increase participation in the financial sector.

“I’m delighted to welcome our newest board members who bring deep experience across the financial, investment and educational backgrounds,” said Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street. “They join our distinguished Board of Directors, sharing our commitment to expand access to the capital markets, aligning powerfully with our mission. Their insight is valuable as we continue to grow and reach more students across our footprint.”

RTSWS recently issued its Annual Report highlighting key milestones including reaching more than 8,500 students since its founding, with over 1,500 students served this past academic year while engaging more than 700 industry volunteers.

“As economic conditions continue to evolve, our goal to Educate, Prepare, and Advance students in investing becomes even more essential,” Ms. Leftwich added. “We are focused on creating long-term pathways that equip students to lead in tomorrow’s financial landscape.”

As RTSWS looks to the future, demand for programming continues to grow and the nonprofit recognizes new board members:

Robert McGrail serves as Head of Legal & Compliance at DUMAC, Inc., the investment office of Duke University. He oversees regulatory, compliance, and governance matters in support of the management of Duke’s endowment and affiliated investment vehicles. Prior to joining DUMAC, he practiced investment funds law at Akin Gump and Proskauer Rose. He holds both a J.D. and B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Leslie S. Eisen is Managing Director and Head of Long/Short Equities at Wellington Management, where she leads the strategic growth of the firm’s platform and drives investment talent development. With more than 20 years of experience, she has held senior roles at Brevan Howard, Precocity Capital and Point72 as well as its predecessor firm SAC Capital. Leslie earned her MBA from New York University and her BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Meredith Heimburger is Partner and Head of Impact Investing at Global Endowment Management (GEM), a leading Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO) providing institutional investment capabilities for endowments, foundations, and other long-term investors. Prior to joining GEM, she spent seven years with Teach For America, as a classroom teacher and later as a staff member, helping expand regional operations across the US. She holds degrees in English and Gender Studies from Davidson College and studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh.

Rajiv Kapoor is Founding Partner at Chai Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in women-led businesses across industries. He is a strategic investor and entrepreneur focused on building a scalable, women-friendly VC model by supporting a community of iconic female founders. Rajiv earned his BA in Economics from Vanderbilt University and his Master’s in Management from the London
Business School.

RTSWS also acknowledges Art Steinmetz, former CEO of OppenheimerFunds, and Michelle Borré, former Senior Portfolio Manager at Invesco and current Independent Director on the Mutual Fund Board for William Blair, who both recently completed their terms on the RTSWS Board of Directors. The Board appreciates the strategic momentum they helped foster over the years.

Get Involved:
RTSWS invites financial and investment professionals to help build the future by volunteering. Opportunities including Virtual Coffee Chats. A 30-minute informational interview with high school or university students.

You can also make a difference by donating to support this mission. Your gift helps us reach more students, expand our Career Center, and bring financial fundamentals to life in even more communities. Sign up to sponsor, volunteer or donate today.

About Rock The Street, Wall Street
Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the M in STEM to life for high school and university students through financial and investment mathematics. By providing industry access, mentorship, and career guidance in a female-empowering environment, RTSWS supports students on their journey from classrooms to careers, expanding their participation in the capital markets and the financial workforce.

Founded by Maura Cunningham in 2012, RTSWS now operates in more than 60 schools across 30 cities in the US, Canada and the UK. The organization delivers project-based classroom programming, professional mentoring, and early-career preparation through its Career Center, empowering the next generation of financial leaders.

Rock the Street Wall Street Honors Founder Maura Cunningham as 2025 Woman of the Year

Mar 31, 2025 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) closed out Women’s History Month and welcomes Financial Literacy Month with its inaugural Woman of the Year Luncheon, a special celebration honoring Founder Maura Cunningham and her extraordinary contributions to financial and investment education and industry access.

As part of this milestone 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 Woman of the Year for her leadership in expanding participation in the capital markets and championing financial literacy for young women.

Held in Nashville, the luncheon was co-chaired by Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS, and Keri McInnis, SVP at Pinnacle Financial Partners. The event featured heartfelt tributes and a look ahead at RTSWS’s growing impact as it operates in more than 30 cities across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Guests heard from RTSWS Board Members and enjoyed a live reading of the official state resolution—a powerful moment that commemorated the designation of Rock The Street, Wall Street Day and underscored the importance of this milestone.

“Celebrating Maura during Women’s History Month, and now heading into Financial Literacy Month, is both fitting and powerful,”

said Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS.

“Maura’s vision continues to drive us forward, and her commitment to building access to the capital markets is shaping a new generation of financially confident young women. We’re proud to grow the organization she founded and carry her mission into new cities and campuses.”

Judy Ricketts, industry leader and longtime RTSWS supporter, presented Maura with the Woman of the Year Award, reflecting on her early involvement with the program,

“Maura and Ashley often call me an early adopter, and they’re right—I saw from the start, with Maura’s focus on financial math, that this program would change lives,” said Ms. Ricketts. “What Maura built is not just innovative, it’s essential. I’m so proud of her and what RTSWS continues to achieve.”

In her remarks, Maura Cunningham, Founder and Executive Chair of RTSWS, conveyed both heartfelt gratitude and a sense of urgency to continue the mission.

“I’m deeply thankful for this recognition and the incredible community that has made it possible. When I founded RTSWS in 2012, my goal was to provide investment knowledge, confidence, and access to students who may not have seen a future for themselves in finance. To see 7,500 students complete our programs and transition into college majors and careers, many in the finance industry, is more rewarding than I ever imagined,”

she shared. Ms. Cunningham continued that while there’s still much to be done, today is a moment to reflect and express gratitude to the board, volunteers, partners, and to Ashley Leftwich, who is leading RTSWS into exciting and pivotal years ahead.

Also recognized during the event was Anders Hall, RTSWS Board Chair who received the inaugural Supporter of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership and dedication to expanding participation in the capital markets. Mr. Hall has been instrumental in helping advance RTSWS’s mission and fostering lasting pathways for students into finance.

As RTSWS expands its reach, the organization remains focused on bringing the M in STEM to life, equipping students with financial and investment fundamentals, mentorship, and real-world industry access.

About Rock The Street, Wall Street:
RTSWS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that equips high school girls and university women with financial and investment literacy. Founded in 2012 and based in Nashville, RTSWS delivers project-based programming in classrooms, industry mentoring, and early-career preparation through its Alumnae & Career Center—empowering the next generation from classrooms to careers.

Rock The Street Wall Street and Citadel and Citadel Securities Celebrate International Women’s Day by Connecting Students to Careers in Finance

Mar 8, 2025 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a nonprofit bringing the M in STEM to life for high school and university women, proudly collaborated with Citadel and Citadel Securities to host an International Women’s Day event giving RTSWS students and alumnae a front-row seat to careers in finance. This initiative provided attendees with actionable insights, direct industry access, and invaluable networking opportunities with professionals from Citadel and Citadel Securities.

Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS moderated a panel discussion featuring female leaders from Citadel and Citadel Securities who shared their career journeys, experiences in finance, and guidance for young women entering the field.

Demystifying Careers in Finance Panelists:
· Emily Yan, Director, Citadel Global Equities
· Bhavya Kethireddipalli, Associate, Citadel
· Melody Wen, Quantitative Trader, Citadel Securities
· Ashley Leftwich, CEO, RTSWS (Moderator)

Following the discussion, RTSWS students and alumnae participated in interactive networking sessions, engaging in small-group conversations with professionals from both firms. These sessions provided students the opportunity to build connections, ask career-focused questions, and gain firsthand knowledge about roles in investing, trading, and quantitative finance.

“As we empower young women in finance, we are grateful to collaborate with Citadel and Citadel Securities for this International Women’s Day event as we continue working to level the playing field for young women in finance,” said Ms. Leftwich. “Bringing the M in STEM to life through financial and investment fundamentals is central to our mission, and this event provides students with the visibility, mentorship, and career pathways that help students thrive in the industry and see what’s possible.”

Citadel and Citadel Securities echoed the importance of increasing pathways to careers in finance and technology. “A diverse team and a meritocratic culture are foundational to delivering on our mission,” said Julia Quinn, Director of Philanthropy for Citadel and Citadel Securities. “We are proud to partner with RTSWS as part of our broader commitment to supporting educational access, increasing exposure to our industry, and broadening pathways into the firms for talented students.”

The event concluded with small-group networking between students and professionals from Citadel and Citadel Securities, followed by closing remarks that underscored the power of the panel and the meaningful industry discussions for the RTSWS students.

>RTSWS thanks Citadel, Citadel Securities, and its generous volunteers for their participation. By creating meaningful opportunities for young women to explore financial careers, this event reinforces the >importance of mentorship, representation, and industry access.

>>About Rock The Street, Wall Street>

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the M in STEM to life for high school girls and university women through financial and investment mathematics. By providing industry access, mentorship, and
career guidance, RTSWS supports young women on their journey from classrooms to careers, expanding their participation in the capital markets and financial workforce. Founded by Maura Cunningham, RTSWS operates in 60+ schools across 30+ cities in the US, Canada, and the UK