Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) proudly announces the relaunch of its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a transformative year of leadership transitions, program expansion, and a steadfast commitment to empowering young women through financial and investment literacy.

The 2024 Annual Report celebrates significant milestones, including the appointment of Ashley Leftwich as RTSWS’ CEO. A seasoned leader and lifelong advocate for mathematics, Ashley brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal experiences. 

“My deep affinity for math has shaped my career and leadership,” Ms. Leftwich shared. “Early on, I recognized the transformative power of mathematics—as a subject as well as a tool to open doors, solve problems, and create opportunities. At RTSWS, we are dedicated to sharing that power with young women, equipping them with the understanding and access to excel across finance. This year, reaching over 7,000 students highlights the incredible impact we’re making together with our sponsors and volunteers.”

Maura Cunningham, RTSWS Founder and Executive Chair, reflected on the organization’s origins: 

“As a Wall Street veteran, I witnessed firsthand the stark gender gap in leadership and knew the importance of creating opportunities for young women to imagine themselves in those positions. Engaging with these ambitious high school girls in dynamic, financial professional led cohorts helps them understand the strength of investing and the power of math.”

Anders Hall, Chair of the RTSWS Board and Vice Chancellor for Investments and Chief Investment Officer at Vanderbilt University, commended the organization’s progress: 

“Rock The Street Wall Street has positively impacted thousands of families by equipping young women with the skills and opportunities to enter the financial industry. Under Ashley’s leadership, we look forward to empowering even more young women to flourish in the financial sector, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable workforce.”

The 2024 Annual Report highlights key accomplishments, including:

• Expansion to over 60 high schools across more than 30 cities, including new locations in Canada and the UK.
• The launch of the reimagined Alumnae & Career Center, connecting high school and university students with university guidance, internships, job shadowing, and early career opportunities.
• Signature events like the Student CEO Summit in NY; Empowering Secondary School Girls with Financial & Investment Literacy in London; and Toronto Stock Exchange Market Close and Industry Panel, Driving Inclusion Across the Industry

As RTSWS looks to the future, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to transform lives through financial education, foster inclusion, and create opportunities for young women in the financial industry.

The RTSWS 2024 Annual Report is available now.

During National Mentoring Month, Rock The Street Wall Street proudly announces its inaugural Woman of the Year Luncheon. This special event will honor visionary founder Maura Cunningham taking place during Women’s Month on March 27, 2025, in Nashville.

RTSWS Founder & Executive Chair Maura Cunningham commented:

When I founded Rock The Street, Wall Street 13 years ago, my vision was clear: To see more women in leading roles within the financial industry and to ensure they have a seat at the table in corporate boardrooms. I wanted to create opportunities that empower young women to pursue careers in finance, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to break barriers and drive meaningful change in the industry.

 

As a Wall Street veteran, I witnessed firsthand the stark gender gap in leadership and knew the importance of creating opportunities for young women to imagine themselves in those positions. Empowering high school girls through participatory, hands-on financial projects led by female financial professionals — introducing them early to the math behind investing—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. All too often, we hear from our volunteers and academic partners that they, too, wish they had access to such opportunities and networks during their own high school education.

The RTSWS Woman of the Year Luncheon is co-chaired by Ashley Leftwich, RTSWS CEO, and Keri McInnis, SVP at Pinnacle Financial Partners and a member of the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees. Pinnacle Financial Partners serves as the presenting sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to community engagement and financial education.

RTSWS also recognizes its dedicated volunteers and talented students who participate in programs across more than 30 cities in the US, as well as in Toronto and London. Mentoring Month highlights the critical role our female mentors play in inspiring young women to explore careers across the financial arena. Through mentorship and guidance, RTSWS students gain access and tools to pursue opportunities from high school and university to internships, job shadows, as well as early professional roles through the RTSWS Alumnae & Career Center. 

“This inaugural event celebrates the transformative impact of Maura Cunningham’s vision and her enduring legacy in empowering young women,” said Ashley Leftwich, RTSWS CEO. “Maura’s leadership established a strong foundation, allowing us to advance alongside our high school and university students as they pursue degrees, internships, and early professional roles. Together, we are cultivating a pipeline of motivated talent prepared to excel across the financial industry.”

The RTSWS Woman of the Year Luncheon will bring together industry leaders, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate Maura Cunningham’s contributions and the organization’s ongoing impact. Looking ahead, RTSWS plans to rotate the Woman of the Year event across its cities.