News
5 Women in Finance We’ll Pay Attention to in 2024
M_a_y_a / Getty Images
It’s a well-documented problem: Women in the financial sector are heavily underrepresented. According to Zípia, 26.4% of finance professionals in the US are women, while 73.6% are men. Women are even more dramatically underrepresented in leadership roles, with just 15% holding executive roles.
Lauren M. Williams, CFP, CRPC, MBA, wealth advisor and co-founder of ProsperPlanexperience the problem firsthand.
“We are in a heavily male-dominated field,” Williams told GOBankingRates. “The CFA Institute has written numerous times about women representing 18% of all accredited financial analysts.”
Read next: I’m a financial advisor: see why my rich clients identify with the middle class
Discover: 4 genius things all rich people do with their money
The huge gender disparity is not just a shame; It’s a huge missed opportunity. Women, in Williams’ opinion, bring something special to the financial sector.
“That’s the thing about financial professionals: We are wholehearted educators,” Williams said. “We care for other people, guiding them through the ups and downs of not just the markets, but life as a whole. Women in this industry are cut from a different cloth. Our hearts belong to the people we care for. Our customers become our community and our second family.”
To help increase the presence of women in finance, we must lift up those already in space and celebrate their work. Let’s consider just a few professionals who are inspiring others in the financial field.
These are five women in finance who are financial professionals paying special attention to 2024.
Bethsheba Botaitis
While observing the rise of financial influencers on social media, Ramona Ortega, CEO and founder of Wealth creation, is always looking for insightful experts with insider knowledge. Betsabe Botaitis, financial director of Hederacaught his approving attention.
“As one of the few Latinas in the crypto/blockchain space, I consider her not only an emerging blockchain expert, but also an expert in the Tier 1 regulatory space,” Ortega said. “She always has insight into the intersection of finance, blockchain and global regulation. Before joining Hedera, she held several senior roles at renowned and cutting-edge companies.”
Try this: I’m a Self-Made Millionaire: Here’s My Monthly Budget
Vanessa N. Martinez
Gloria Garcia Cisneros, CFP, of Lourd Murray has its eye on Vanessa N. Martinez, CEO and managing partner of Expressive Wealth.
“Vanessa’s impact extends to leadership in her community and empowering women through Experienced ladies,” Cisneros said. “She is also the founder of a meeting of Latino SER advisors. She is driven by impact and wants to create change in the financial advisory space.”
The story continues
Farnoosh Torabi
“I have my eye on a podcast called ‘So money‘ by Farnoosh Torabi,” said Kelli Smith, CFP, CRPC, director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines. “I found her a while ago, hoping to help a client’s adult daughter become more educated. Farnoosh covers a variety of relevant topics, incorporates celebrities, and is relatable. I like her because, as a younger influencer (44), she connects well with post-boomer generations of workers and savers. She states that money is not just mathematics, there is a psychological component to it.”
Cameron Dawson
Cameron Dawson, CFA, chief investment officer at NewEdge Wealthis an example of a woman in finance on Williams’ radar.
“She has legitimately become an icon in financial media, but she still seems down to earth,” Williams said. “And she is very smart! It’s incredibly motivating to have a strong, positive female influence like Cameron Dawson leading the charge as chief investment officer as she turns to the media to share her wisdom.”
Bridget Venus Grimes
Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP, a CFP Board Ambassador and co-founder of Equita Financial Networkis another powerful woman in finance who caught Williams’ attention.
“This woman is amazing,” Williams said. “Not only does she lead a network of financial advisors called Equita Financial Network, but she also opens her time and heart to help other women financial planners. She is a coach, mentor, leader and voice of reason when she needs support.”
Grimes has a special place in Williams’ heart — not because of the work she does, but because of how she personally helped Williams during a difficult time.
“I was in a valley of self-doubt and she restored my confidence in a 20-minute phone call,” Williams said. “That takes skill!”
More from GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates. with: Financial Experts: 5 Women in Finance We’re Paying Attention to in 2024