press releases Archives | Rock The Street, Wall Street

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.

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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

RTSWS Celebrates Women’s Month Across 30+ Cities

Mar 3, 2025 | Press Releases

Rock The Street Wall Street (RTSWS) proudly celebrates Women’s History Month with a series of impactful events spanning more than 30 cities across the US, Canada and the UK. Throughout March, RTSWS is connecting students, alumnae and industry leaders with both its Founder and its CEO through keynotes, panels, mentorship, and networking, reinforcing its mission to bring the M in STEM to life through financial and investment mathematics for young women.

Rock The Street Wall Street is collaborating with Citadel and Citadel Securities for an International Women’s Day event in New York, giving high school students and alumnae a front-row seat to careers in finance. RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich will moderate a panel featuring Citadel’s Emily Yan and Bhavya Kethireddipalli, along with Citadel Securities’ Melody Wen, who will share insights on careers in investment management, trading, and quantitative finance. The event will also include small-group networking with Citadel professionals from both firms, offering students valuable industry access and background insight.

Another featured event is the Inaugural RTSWS Woman of the Year Luncheon, honoring Founder Maura Cunningham for her leadership in advancing financial and investment literacy for over 7,500 young women. Set for March 27 in Nashville, Tennessee, the event will be co-chaired by Ashley Leftwich and Keri McInnis, SVP at Pinnacle Financial Partners, the event’s presenting sponsor.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate progress and drive continued action,” said Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street Wall Street. “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 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.”

Beyond these milestone events, RTSWS expands its offerings to serve young women entering the industry:

> RTSWS established its West Coast Advisory Council, expanding opportunities in key financial hubs with regional leaders.

> Alumnae & Career Center increases Open Role Opportunities and virtual programming, including recent sessions for RTSWS students such as, Crafting Your Resume for University & Career Success as well as Career Insights: Exploring Paths for University and Beyond.

> The Executive Sponsor & Volunteer Gallery launches this month, highlighting industry leaders and their impact on RTSWS students, with featured spotlights including Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO, Manulife John Hancock Investments, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management.

RTSWS invites you to help expand access for young women and celebrate Women’s History Month in a meaningful way.

Click to register for the RTSWS Woman of the Year Luncheon

Click to support RTSWS programs

Supporters can post open roles to the RTSWS Alumnae & Career Center

About Rock The Street Wall Street

Rock The Street Wall Street (RTSWS) empowers high school girls and university women by bringing the M in STEM to life through Financial & Investment fundamentals. Providing industry access, mentorship and career guidance to support students and alumnae on their journey from classrooms to careers, RTSWS fosters expanded participation in the capital markets.

The 2024 RTSWS Annual Report has been recently released, showcasing the organization’s growth and industry collaborations. Each year more than 1,000 RTSWS students enter the workforce through internships and early-career roles, many of which are sourced through the RTSWS Career Center. Alumnae demonstrate a 70% increase in Financial & Investment literacy and RTSWS students pursue finance, economics and related degrees at five times the national rate for female students, driving a more inclusive and dynamic future across the industry.