More than 500 finance industry leaders came together for an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, connection and the next generation of women in finance.
What a night to remember! 100 Women in Finance celebrated its 25th Anniversary New York Gala on November 3, 2026, at the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, bringing together more than 500 leaders from across the global finance industry.
The sold out celebration marked an extraordinary milestone, honoring 25 years of leadership, connection and progress while looking ahead to the infinite possibilities still to come. The evening raised an incredible $1.1 million in support of the 100 Women in Finance Foundation, advancing its mission to create pathways into finance for diverse, pre-career women and support women at all career stages in achieving their professional potential.
The evening honored Kelly Young, Chief Executive Officer of Acadian Asset Management, with the 2026 Americas Industry Leadership Award, presented by 2025 recipient Jody Gunderson, Managing Principal of AB CarVal. Reflecting on her 25 year career, Young emphasized the responsibility of industry leaders to create opportunities for future generations.
“Talent and ambition are everywhere, but opportunity is not. Those of us who have benefited from opportunity have a responsibility to help create more of it,” said Young.
The celebration also recognized three distinguished leaders with special 25th Anniversary Awards: Elaine Crocker, Legacy Builder Award; Seema R. Hingorani, Trailblazer Award; and Jennifer Prosek, Champion of Change Award. During a conversation moderated by 100 Women in Finance Co-Founder Dana Hall, the honorees shared personal stories of leadership, mentorship and paying it forward, reinforcing the power of women supporting one another.
The evening also featured special remarks from 100 Women in Finance Co-Founders Sarah Dyer and Dana Hall, who reflected on the organization’s founding and the growth of its global community over the past 25 years. They celebrated the power of bringing women together to share knowledge, build meaningful relationships and support one another, values that continue to define 100 Women in Finance today.
Rehana Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of 100 Women in Finance, reflected on the organization’s legacy and the opportunities ahead.
“There is important work ahead. Our next chapter is about accelerating progress, strengthening our global community and ensuring that the finance industry reflects the extraordinary depth of talent within it,” said Farrell.
Over the past 25 years, 100 Women in Finance has grown into a global community of 10,000 members across 33 locations worldwide, supported by more than 600 volunteers. Through education, peer engagement, professional development and opportunities for greater industry visibility, the organization connects women at every career stage, fostering meaningful relationships, knowledge sharing and a culture of members supporting one another.
Complementing the Association’s work, the 100 Women in Finance Foundation has awarded more than $23 million in grants since inception to organizations that expand access to careers in finance and strengthen the pipeline of emerging talent. In 2026, LaunchMe, 100WF’s global mentorship program, connected 568 mentors and mentees across 19 countries, helping participants build confidence, develop professional skills and form meaningful industry relationships.
As 100 Women in Finance looks toward its next 25 years, the organization remains committed to advancing a true meritocracy in finance, where talent, dedication and opportunity drive success.
25 Years of Impact. Infinite Possibilities.
Explore Our 25th Anniversary | View the New York Gala Highlights