For more than 17 years, 100 Women in Finance has been working to effect change in the finance and alternative investment industries and beyond.
100 Women was founded in 2001, when three women working at hedge funds had a novel idea: bring together 100 senior female investment professionals to better leverage their collective relationships and enhance communication within the alternatives industry. With an inaugural education event in New York City, they launched 100 Women in Hedge Funds.
In the following months, the growing nonprofit organization identified three areas where its collaborative efforts could effect change in the industry and beyond: Peer Engagement, Philanthropy, and Education.
A simple idea became a powerful mission, and rippled through the industry – drawing members from hedge funds, but also alternative investments more broadly as well as the wider finance industry. From the beginning, the 100 Women in Finance model has been practitioner- and member-driven. With a small staff and volunteer board, the organization boasts more than 500 active volunteers who implement the mission across 23 locations.
Through our initiatives, we have built a powerful network of professionals, raised nearly $50 million USD (gross) for nonprofit organizations aligned with our mission, and held nearly 1,000 educational events.
Today, we are 100 Women in Finance: more than 15,000 global members strong.
DECEMBER 2001
New York City location launched by co-founders Carol Kim, Sarah Dyer, and Dana Hall
FEBRUARY 2002
First Education event: Hedge Funds and the Media: Managing Visibility and Handling the Press
DECEMBER 2002
Inaugural gala held at Cipriani New York City
OCTOBER 2006
First Peer Engagement event: Strategic Leaders PAG for Senior Practitioners
FEBRUARY 2007
Ringing bell of NYSE to commemorate 5th Anniversary
2010
HRH The Duke of Cambridge becomes Patron of 100 Women philanthropic initiatives in the UK
2011
100 Women Institute created to provide members with unique educational opportunities and scholarships
2011
10th Anniversary celebrations held throughout the year
January 2013
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry all become Patrons of 100 Women UK philanthropic initiatives
September 2013
400th Education event held with Stanley Druckenmiller, former Chairman and CEO of Duquesne Family Office
September 2013
Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaims September 23, 2013 “100 Women in Hedge Funds Education Day” in New York City
2015
Investing in the Next Generation Initiative launched to build a talent pipeline of women who will become the future leadership of the industry
November 2015
HRH The Countess of Wessex becomes Global Ambassador of 100 Women Investing in the Next Generation Initiative
December 2016
100 Women in Hedge Funds celebrates its diverse membership from across the finance and alternative investments industry, changing its name to 100 Women in Finance
December 2016
15th Anniversary celebration unveiling new logo and branding and launching redesigned website 100women.org