Press Releases Archives - Rock The Street, Wall Street

Rock The Street Wall Street Closes the Market at Toronto Stock Exchange, Celebrates Milestones of Empowering 7,000 Young Women in Finance and Expanding Further in Toronto

by RTSWS | Oct 29, 2024 | Canada, Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a leading nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gender gap in finance celebrated key milestones at Toronto Stock Exchange during a special market close ceremony on October 24. The event marked the achievements of empowering over 7,000 young women through its impactful financial and investment programs and further expanding its presence in Toronto.

Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, alongside Cindy Bush, Chief Human Resources Officer of TMX Group, joined by RTSWS Canadian Advisory Council & Board Members, supporters, volunteers and students, commemorated this significant occasion.

“We are deeply moved to have such a range of supporters, friends and students together at the Toronto Stock Exchange,” said Ms. Leftwich. “It’s an honor to ring the bell and join you in this iconic venue as we celebrate the growth of Rock The Street Wall Street with our expanding reach in Toronto this school year. Thank you to the TMX Group for this opportunity, and to our supporters and volunteers—your unwavering dedication fuels service to our students.“

RTSWS is committed to bringing the M in STEM to diverse high school girls, equipping them with vital financial and investment fundamentals. The program notably enhances young women’s engagement in the financial sector, with many pursuing degrees in economics, finance, and related fields at a rate five times higher than the average female student.

With active programs in over 25 cities across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and online virtual offerings, RTSWS strives to foster inclusivity in the capital markets and prepare students and alumnae for seamless transitions from classrooms to careers.

Ms. Bush expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Rock The Street Wall Street forges paths and provides access for young women into finance. We support this important work and are proud of the ongoing impact these students and alumnae will make in the financial and capital markets sector and beyond.“

The event also featured a pivotal panel discussion: “Driving Inclusion Across the Industry,” where financial leaders shared best practices for expanding participation in capital markets and engaged in a Q&A session with attendees.

Speakers and Panelists:

Welcome and Opening Remarks: Cindy Bush, CHRO of TMX Group and Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS
Founder’s Vision: Maura Cunningham, Executive Chair & Founder of RTSWS
Panel: Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments; Brandon Gill New, MD & Head of External Partnerships at AIMCO; David Ross, Senior MD & Head of Total Portfolio Management at OPTrust
Moderator: Frederick Pinto, CFA; CEO of CFA Society Toronto

“This industry event underscores our gratitude towards this strong network of leading voices and reaffirms our commitment to RTSWS students and alumnae as we strive for greater inclusion within the financial sector,” added Ms. Leftwich. “We’re celebrating best practices and the significant impact of our volunteer-led programs. Together, our students are breaking barriers, ensuring broader access to capital markets, and contributing to a more diverse and growing client base. When we elevate diverse voices, the benefits are universal.“

RTSWS Students, Canadian Advisory Council & Board Members

RTSWS & TMX Speakers: Cindy Bush, Ashley Leftwich, Maura Cunningham and Industry Panel

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/755894501/rock-the-street-wall-street-closes-the-market-at-toronto-stock-exchange-celebrating-key-milestones

https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/227752/Rock-The-Street-Wall-Street-Canadian-Bankers-Association-Closes-the-Market

Rock The Street, Wall Street – Canadian Bankers Association Closes the Market in Toronto

by RTSWS | Oct 24, 2024 | Canada, Press Releases

On October 24, 2024, Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), joined Cindy Bush, TMX Group’s Chief Human Resources Officer, at the Toronto Stock Exchange to close the market in celebration of RTSWS’s impact, reaching over 7,000 young women with its financial and investment programming.

RTSWS, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering diverse high school girls in Financial & Investment mathematics, offers programs guiding students from classroom to careers, promoting inclusivity in the capital markets. Now active in over 25 cities across the US, UK and Canada, RTSWS helps young women pursue degrees in economics and finance at five times the national average for female students.

Watch the Event

https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/227752/Rock-The-Street-Wall-Street-Canadian-Bankers-Association-Closes-the-Market

Rock the Street Wall Street Announces New Collaboration with Manulife John Hancock’s Wealth and Asset Management Division to Provide More Young Women Access to Financial and Investment Fundamentals

by RTSWS | Sep 4, 2024 | Canada, Press Releases, UK, US

Boston – Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the M in STEM to young women, with a focus on financial and investment mathematics, has announced a new collaboration with Manulife | John Hancock’s global wealth and asset management division. Delivered primarily through in-classroom volunteers who are investment professionals, RTSWS provides extracurricular financial & investment fundamentals to female high school students. Once completing the in-school curriculum, participants are offered support and guidance as they navigate their university education, internships, and entry level professional roles in the capital markets and financial workforce.

Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO Manulife John Hancock Investments, and an RTSWS Executive Sponsor commented, “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.”

As part of the broader Manulife Impact Agenda, the business is focused on driving inclusive economic opportunities to create a more even playing field for all and believes that advancing financial education and career mentorship through volunteerism and community investment will help to build more equitable communities. This collaboration with RTSWS represents a shared vision of promoting gender diversity in finance and opportunity for financial empowerment. 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.

Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS, said, “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 has served more than 7,000 young women since its founding, with nearly 1,000 students soon-to-enter the workforce and more than 60 financial firms work with RTSWS to help deliver programming. RTSWS analysis shows that the young women who have completed RTSWS programing are pursuing finance and related degrees at five times the rate of the average female university student.

RTSWS continues to innovate and evolve as the students age up. The Alumnae & Career Center provides ongoing support to RTSWS Alumnae as young women navigate university life, internships, job shadowing, mentoring and early career stages with more than 300 jobs and internships posted from across the industry. RTSWS is active in 25 cities across the US, UK and Canada and offers online and virtual options as well.

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

Ashley Leftwich, CEO
Rock The Street, Wall Street

About Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS):

Rock The Street, Wall Street is an innovative nonprofit that brings the world of finance to young women, providing financial and investment literacy before college and career decisions are made, serving them through university and early entry level roles. Founded by former Wall Street executive Maura Cunningham, RTSWS operates in over 50 high schools across more than 25 cities in the US, UK, and Canada. The program leverages female leaders in the financial industry as volunteer instructors and coaches, helping students envision themselves in key roles within the finance sector.

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

Media Inquiries
Kimberly Weinrick
Rock The Street Wall Street
+1 917-224-5335
email us here

Elizabeth Bartlett
Manulife | John Hancock
ELIZABETH_BARTLETT@jhancock.com

See press release

RTSWS Celebrates Milestone of Empowering 7,000 Girls through Financial & Investment Education

by RTSWS | Jul 1, 2024 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a leading nonprofit dedicated to introducing underrepresented high school girls to financial and investment mathematics, proudly announces a significant milestone in its mission. As of today, RTSWS has empowered over 7,000 girls, equipping them with critical financial and investment fundamentals along with insights into the financial industry. This announcement coincides with the leadership transition at RTSWS, with Ashley Leftwich assuming the role of CEO, succeeding Founder Maura Cunningham.

Founded in 2012 by Maura Cunningham, a 25-year Wall Street executive, RTSWS has been working to narrow the gender and racial wealth disparities. The organization’s comprehensive programming provides early financial and investment education and offers access to students showcasing potential careers in finance at crucial decision-making stages in their university and early professional journeys.

Ashley Leftwich, with a background in mathematics and formerly the Chief Operating Officer, steps up as CEO, ready to continue the organization’s expansion and deepen its impact. “Taking the helm from Maura, I am profoundly honored and excited to lead RTSWS into its next chapter. Our commitment to these young women begins with introductions to investing and grows with them as we aim to spark a lifelong passion for finance, creating paths to individual success and access to the sector. We are grateful to dedicated sponsors and remarkable volunteers from the financial industry, “ said Ms. Leftwich.

Maura Cunningham, continuing her involvement as Founder, Executive Chair, and Board Member, remarked, “It has been a privilege to see how RTSWS has transformed so many lives over the years. I look forward to continuing to grow our reach and build our impact. Together, we will keep working to empower young women by integrating the M in STEM, opening doors to rewarding careers and financial independence.”

Under the new leadership, RTSWS will continue to innovate and develop its reach. The newly reimagined Alumnae & Career Center is one such initiative, providing ongoing support to RTSWS Alumnae as they navigate university life, internships, job shadowing and early career stages in the financial sector. Rock The Street, Wall Street is in 25 cities across the US, UK and Canada and offers online and virtual options as well.

RTSWS works together with its Sponsors and Supporters of world-class organizations, full list can be seen here.

Read Full Press Release

Rock The Street Wall Street Welcomes New CEO as its Founder Assumes Role of Chair

by RTSWS | May 15, 2024 | Press Releases

Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a high-impact nonprofit empowers underrepresented high school girls by reintroducing the M in STEM with a focus on financial and investment mathematics, announced its leadership transition. Ashley Leftwich, the Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Maura Cunningham as the Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Ms. Cunningham will continue to serve a pivotal role as Founder, Chair and Board Member, focusing on advocacy and outreach across the U.S., U.K. and Canada, while Ms. Leftwich will drive the vision, growth and engagement serving RTSWS students, alumnae and volunteers.

Founded in 2012 by Ms. Cunningham, following her successful 25-year career in finance, RTSWS has been a pioneering force in introducing financial and investment mathematics to a diverse cohort of young women. The organization’s mission is twofold: to narrow the gender and racial wealth disparities and to empower young women by igniting their interest in financial sector participation and providing awareness of careers at a pivotal stage in their education, before they select their university courses. This vision leverages the power of STEM professions to uplift families within a single generation. RTSWS is making a profound impact already reaching over 6,000 students. More than 70% of RTSWS female students identify as BIPOC, and 50% attend schools with free and reduced lunch programs. Under Ms. Cunningham’s leadership, RTSWS has developed a comprehensive investment literacy curriculum, programming and mentorship that educates and equips young women, resulting in RTSWS Alumnae pursuing finance and economics at a rate 5x higher than the average female university student.

Trained in mathematics, Ashley Leftwich is stepping in as CEO and brings a strong track record of leadership, expansion and engagement along with a deep commitment to the organization’s goals. With a background in statistics and notable experience at a Fortune 100 company, Ms. Leftwich has been instrumental in scaling RTSWS’ footprint and operations to encompass over 60 schools across more than 25 cities in three countries. Through effective execution and integrating innovation, Leftwich leads the team day to day and will build on RTSWS’ success in this next phase.

“I’m proud to chair our esteemed Board, and we each celebrate Maura’s vision, fortitude and incredible legacy in increasing girls’ interest in financial and investment mathematics. Thanks to Maura, more than 6,000 families have been positively impacted as these young women gain access to the industry and transition into the workforce. They are poised to create a remarkable future and expand the talent pipeline, a testament to the transformative power of Maura’s initiative in founding RTSWS,” commented Anders Hall, CFA, Chair of the RTSWS Board and Vice Chancellor for Investments and CIO of Vanderbilt University.

“Furthermore, Ashley’s expertise in scaling initiatives and deep commitment to fostering financial mathematics and STEM education among young women position her well as CEO for RTSWS,” Mr. Hall added. “With Ashley at the helm, we anticipate ongoing evolution, enabling us to empower the next generations of young women to flourish in the financial sector in our shared pursuit of a more equitable future.”

Based on Maura’s founding thesis and research, girls in the US, UK and Canada perform on par with boys in math during elementary school, however their performance wanes significantly in high school/secondary school, and beyond. Contributing factors include societal biases, lack of female role models in math-related fields, and gender-based socialization. At the university level, women frequently find themselves as solitary figures in finance, math and economics classes, often without much recognition. This lack of visibility contributes to fewer women opting for careers in STEM and in the finance sector, thus perpetuating the gender disparity in these fields. However, research affirms that interventions boosting high school girls’ math interest yield positive results in narrowing this gap.

RTSWS’ programs reignite girls’ enthusiasm for financial mathematics during a critical juncture in their lives when they are making crucial decisions. By highlighting real-world female role models in investment management, mentoring, and financial careers, RTSWS aims to cultivate girls’ interest in their financial independence and future professional paths. The organization sparks high school girls’ passion for finance, broadening their exposure to and involvement in the global markets.

The transition comes as RTSWS is expanding its support for alumnae through its newly reimagined Alumnae & Career Center. This initiative provides ongoing support to RTSWS alumnae as they navigate university, internships, job shadows and early career roles, ensuring they continue to thrive in competitive financial sectors.

Maura Cunningham commented, “I’m proud to hand over the reins to Ashley, whose commitment has been pivotal to our success. Her forward looking approach leads the team with engagement, technology integration and an exciting vision for our volunteers, schools and sponsors. In my role as Founder, Board Member, and Chair, I will continue to advance the cause of investment literacy while expanding career choices in the M of STEM among young women across our growing footprint. Their ongoing curiosity and accomplishments fuel my passion daily.”

RTSWS’s impact has been recognized across the industry by leading firms as well as by The White House, Catalyst, Nasdaq, the Women’s Bond Club of New York, 100 Women in Finance, Bloomberg and the United Nations among others, underscoring its role as a leader in financial and investment education for young women.

In her remarks about the succession, Ms. Leftwich shared, “It’s an honor to follow Maura into the role of CEO and continue working alongside our dedicated RTSWS team. Together, we are committed to empowering the next generation of women in finance, and I am looking forward to creating additional opportunities ahead for our talented students and alumnae as well as new ways to engage our dedicated volunteers and sponsors.”

For more information about Rock The Street, Wall Street and its programs and sponsors, visit here.

About Rock The Street, Wall Street

RTSWS is an innovative nonprofit dedicated to bringing the world of finance to high school girls, providing financial and investment literacy before college and career selections are made. Founded by former Wall Street executive Maura Cunningham, RTSWS has expanded internationally to bring STEM to young women in over 60 high schools across more than 25 cities in the US, UK and Canada. The programs leverage women leaders in the financial industry as volunteer instructors and coaches, and firms as sponsors, helping students see themselves in key roles, expanding their reach, and offering them the social capital and a flight path into financial careers.

Read Full Article

RTSWS Announces Canadian Advisory Council Expanding its Financial & Investment Literacy Programming for Toronto’s High School Girls

by RTSWS | Apr 19, 2024 | Canada, Press Releases

During Financial Literacy Month, Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), bringing the M in STEM to diverse high school girls, is proud to announce the establishment of its Canadian Advisory Council, featuring prominent industry leaders.

RTSWS is dedicated to bringing financial and investment mathematics to high school / secondary school girls providing additional support through university, internships, job shadow and early career roles across 25 cities in the US, UK, and Canada. The council members include Netila Demneri from Russell Reynolds, Amy Miller, former Managing Director & Global Head of Loan Syndications at Scotiabank, Ingrid Montarras, a bilingual Co-op and Business Teacher, Frederick Pinto, CFA, CEO of CFA Society Toronto, and Anthony Ostler, President & CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association.

Founder & CEO Maura Cunningham shares her vision: “Toronto, as Canada’s hub for business and finance, has been a key location for us. This vibrant city’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity has already proven an ideal environment for our launch last year in Toronto. This Financial Literacy Month, we are especially inspired by the support from Canadian leaders and organizations eager to contribute to our mission of enhancing financial literacy among talented, hard working young women.”

Rock The Street, Wall Street provides invaluable opportunities for racially diverse high school girls to deepen their engagement with math, encouraging them to choose STEM-related university courses and career paths. Notably, RTSWS alumnae pursue degrees in finance, economics, or related fields at a rate 5x higher than the national average for female university students. Earlier this month, the organization unveiled its newly reimagined Alumnae & Career Center, empowered by ING Americas, aimed at supporting students and graduates as they advance through the RTSWS programs and transition through university and into early careers in the financial sector.

With over 25 years of Wall Street experience, Ms. Cunningham has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation of women in STEM, specifically financial math, emphasizing the transformative power of these professions to elevate families in one generation.

Contributing as an RTSWS Canadian Council Member, Ingrid Montarras of Harbord Collegiate Institute also serves as the first RTSWS School Champion. “I am honored to work alongside such distinguished industry leaders on the Canadian Advisory Council,” said Ms. Montarras. “This collaboration with Rock The Street, Wall Street forges significant connections and elevates the understanding of financial and investment math among our high school girls, opening doors to financial, business and academic sectors in Toronto.”

“RTSWS is enthusiastic about the impact we are creating together. The students are propelled by strong programming and gain from the expertise of female leaders in finance as volunteer instructors and mentors, alongside the support of male allies and sponsoring firms. RTSWS Canadian Advisory Council marks a significant step forward within the financial community as we build strong corporate and academic partnerships that will have a lasting impact on young women in Canada,” Ashley Leftwich, RTSWS Chief Operating Officer remarked.

Rock the Street, Wall Street’s supporters include leaders from Morgan Stanley, CIBC, ING Americas, J.P. Morgan, Scotiabank, Ernst & Young, Ninety One, CFA Society Toronto, Bloomberg, Franklin Templeton, Invesco, Amazon, Carson Group, Varde Partners, LightBay Capital, Canadian Bankers Association, and many others. Click here for a complete list.

About Rock The Street, Wall Street:

RTSWS is a pioneering 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings the intricacies of finance to high school girls, fostering financial and investment literacy before college and career decisions are made. Founded by former Wall Street executive Maura Cunningham, RTSWS has grown internationally, reaching young women in over 60 high schools across more than 25 cities in the US, UK and Canada. The program leverages the expertise of female leaders in finance as volunteer instructors and mentors, alongside the support of sponsoring firms, to help students envision themselves in influential roles within the financial sector, thereby addressing the gender gap in STEM fields effectively.

See Full Press Release