Forbes Recognizes RTSWS' Founder Maura Cunningham
We’re proud to share that RTSWS Founder and Executive Chair Maura Cunningham has been named to the 2025 Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact list, recognizing women whose leadership and innovation are transforming industries and improving lives.
Since founding RTSWS in 2012, Maura has inspired more than 8,500 students across three countries to harness the power of math, Finance & Investing, helping young women pursue studies and careers in financial and investment fields at five times the national rate.
“Our students look to Maura as a role model,” said RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich. “We’re honored to continue building on the foundation she created, preparing the next generation to thrive across finance.”
To support our mission, visit get involved or donate today.
Students Explore Financial Careers During Office Visit
RTSWS Students from one of our cohorts in St. Louis recently visited Stifel for a day of immersive learning and connection. They toured the firm’s offices and gained access to professionals across departments while learning more about opportunities in the financial industry.
RTSWS Champion Andy S. shared:
“These young women heard your messages about taking risks, saying yes to opportunities, and building relationships, and they took them to heart... Comments like ‘I think I want to try this,’ ‘I hadn’t thought of that before,’ and ‘I had no idea those opportunities existed’ were the resounding remarks. As teachers, we don't often have the opportunity to see such immediate and impactful moments that highlight truly life-changing shifts in our students’ thinking and, ultimately, their potential career choices. The joy of witnessing this is beyond measure.”
We’re grateful to the Stifel team for inspiring our students. See more stories from our sponsor firms and how RTSWS is bridging classrooms to careers at rockthestreetwallstreet.com
INDUSTRY EVENTS
What Financial Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
Our CEO, Ashley Leftwich, joined M Financial Group’s Annual Marketing Meeting 2025 to share how RTSWS brings Financial & Investment fundamentals to life, empowering students to see finance as a place where they belong and helping firms build welcoming pathways.
During her session, Ashley posed one powerful question to leaders: What financial advice would you give your younger self?
The response was inspiring. Over 75 professionals shared personal reflections on confidence, initiative, and long-term success, writing their advice on note cards featured on the RTSWS board.
Mary Jo Innis, CPFA, President of The R.O.W. Group, reflected:
“If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: Trust the timing. Every season — even the challenging ones — has a purpose in shaping what comes next. Starting in a male-dominated industry taught me resilience and the power of using my voice. To young women in finance — this industry needs yours too.”
Jennifer Congdon, SVP & Chief People Officer at M Financial Group, shared:
“I absolutely loved that you had us write advice to our younger selves. As I was reading through what others wrote, I wished someone had said some of those things to my younger self! RTSWS is such an impressive nonprofit. Thank you for all you do!”
We’re grateful to the M Financial community for featuring RTSWS as their nonprofit partner and for generously sharing their wisdom, showing our students what’s possible when mentorship meets opportunity.
GIVING BACK
This Giving Tuesday, Empower the Next Gen of Financial Leaders
Together, we’re transforming how young women see the industry, not as observers but as future decision makers.
Our supporters, volunteers, and mentors help us equip students with fundamentals that open doors from classrooms to careers.
Many firms offer matching gift programs that can double your impact.
Educate. Prepare. Advance.
FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES
RTSWS Career Center
Explore the sampling of internships and jobs listed below as a glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our sponsors provide.
Private Wealth Summer Intern - WDC
(Undergraduate Students with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027)
AllianceBernstein
Washington, DC
Spring Insight Program 2026 – Banking, Markets, Global Payments Solutions, Enterprise Credit
(Undergraduate students with an anticipated
graduation date in 2028)
Bank of America
London, UK
Equity Research MBA Intern
(MBA Students with an anticipated graduation date in 2027)
Janus Henderson Investors
Denver, CO
Contact careercenter@rockthestreetwallstreet.com to post internships, entry-level jobs and
industry opportunities on the RTSWS Career Center.
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
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