New York – 17 November 2023 – 100 Women in Finance (“100WF”), a global, non-profit organization that serves professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries, announces that it successfully raised over $900,000 in gross proceeds in support of 100 Women in Finance Foundation (“100WF Foundation”). More than 450 industry professionals attended the 22nd annual New York Gala hosted on November 8 at Cipriani 42nd Street.
Carole K. Crawford, 100WF Global Association Board chair gave opening remarks highlighting the organization’s remarkable success and shared the vision for its future trajectory. Emphasizing the achievements thus far, Crawford expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to continue thriving and outlined strategies for further growth and advancement.
Chief Executive Officer and President of Columbia Investment Management Company, Kim Lew, was honored as 100WF’s Americas Industry Leadership Award recipient. This accolade is a testament to her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to driving innovation, shaping industry standards, and inspiring positive change. Through visionary leadership, Lew has not only achieved remarkable success but has also become a beacon of inspiration for others in the industry.
This Award is presented annually in recognition of exemplary professional talent, business ethics, and passion for investing that further define and advance the industry’s standards of excellence. To view past 100WF Industry Leadership Award honorees click here.
Sarah Dyer Dana, 100WF Global Association Board secretary and 100WF co-founder, introduced the Americas Industry DEI Award, sharing its origins and desired impact. Montserrat Serra-Janer, Global Head of Private Markets Platform Sales at J.P. Morgan, announced that Cambridge Associates emerged as the winner of the 100WF Americas Industry DEI Award. They triumphed amidst fierce industry competition. This achievement can be attributed to their deliberate implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and initiatives. This dedicated approach has led to a notable enhancement in female representation within senior investment and executive committee roles within the organization.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as this year’s recipient of 100WF’s Americas Industry DEI Award,” stated Melinda Wright, Global Head of DEI for Cambridge Associates. “We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but essential values that drive our success. We have implemented several initiatives to promote DEI within our organization, working to ensure that every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.”
The goal held by 100 Women in Finance in creating the award, generously sponsored by J.P. Morgan, is to recognize those organizations that are driving forward and shaping the future of women in the finance industry. The hope is to make these organization’s efforts and positive results more visible to other companies and individuals, inspiring others to be catalysts of change.
Strategic Investment Group and Wellington Management were named as finalists for this year’s Americas Industry DEI Award. For more information about the Industry DEI Award click here.
New York Gala Chair Graham McDonald stated in his opening remarks, “To continue this mission, all of us must look to the future to ensure opportunities for women increase, recruitment is focused, and sponsorship is given.” McDonald continued, “That ask is not easy. We have made progress but there is still a long road ahead.”
100WF Foundation supports the organization’s programs and initiatives, as well as the efforts of our local program partners, that empower women in the industry at every career stage and inspire the next generation of pre-career women to find pathways into the industry. Donations to support the 100WF Foundation can be made here.