Annual Letter from Board Chair

Jan 9, 2020

Dear 100 Women in Finance Member:

As we enter a new year and a new decade, it is a good time to reflect on the history of our organization. 100WF has much in which to take pride since our first days – 1000+ education events, expansive global peer networks for each career stage, success in raising more than USD $50 million (gross) for organizations around the world, and our Investing in the Next Generation and FundWomen initiatives.

Today, however, I am excited to share with you that we will step into 2020 with a clear vision for the finance industry’s future and a sharpened mission to shape our organization’s work.

A Vision for 30×40, and a Mission to Achieve it.

At the September 2019 Global Association Board meeting, the Board adopted a 30×40 Vision – a guiding statement of purpose for 100WF’s next two decades – in which women will occupy 30% of investment team and executive leadership roles by 2040.

This vision required a rethinking of “how” we will accomplish our organization’s “why.” We remain fully committed to empowering women working in the finance industry to achieve their professional potential at each career stage. Going forward, we additionally will inspire, equip and advocate for a new generation of industry leadership, in which women and men serve as investment professionals and executives, equal in achievement and impact. Through our pillars of Education, Peer Engagement and Impact, we will further the progress of women who have chosen finance as a career, and enable their positive influence over pre-career young women.

Impact for Tomorrow’s Finance Industry.

You will observe the greatest expression of our 30×40 Vision in our Impact pillar. Formerly known as Philanthropy, this pillar will evolve to squarely address 30×40 gearing opportunities. Knowing how critical the expansion of the front-end of the talent pipeline is to realizing our vision, all 100WF’s future fundraising efforts will support our Investing in the Next Generation initiatives and local program partners who prepare and encourage pre-career young women to pursue pathways into the finance industry. Furthermore, we will measure our performance, and that of the industry, eager to make further gains on what’s working. I have been encouraged by our early success and eagerly anticipate the global impact of our efforts.

An Opportunity for All 100WF Members.

Importantly, I hope all 100WF members will get behind our 30×40 vision and focused mission. In the year ahead, I invite you to think about how you can help move the industry one step closer to 30×40. We believe that one of the most effective ways to support our vision is by being publicly visible in your work and serving as a role model to pre-career young women, of all backgrounds. As the proud mother of two young adult women, I know the powerful influence you possess in forging a student’s aspirations, just by being known and accessible to those starting to discover the unlimited possibilities.

I also hope you will join 100WF in engaging men in applying practical solutions to attract, retain and promote women, particularly into investment roles. We know that the vast majority of men wish to be helpful. They, too, recognize that the industry needs far greater representation of women in these roles if it is to serve clients to the best of its ability.

Our Appreciation for Past and Continued Support.

In our nascent pursuit of 30×40, I have been heartened by the full support of the Board, our CEO and staff, our Leadership Council, our Global Advisory Council, volunteer leaders around the world, our Global Angels and members everywhere. Thank you for this commitment, which I encourage you to sustain along this journey.

If you have not already done so, please join me, the Board, and other dedicated members as a Global Angel supporter of 100WF, or to make a donation to 100WF, to further our Investing in the Next Generation initiatives. Your backing will enable the strongest possible commitment to our 30×40 vision.

Together we will demonstrate what’s possible when the finance industry comes together to realize one of today’s greatest investment opportunities – tapping the extraordinary talent, drive and capacity for leadership that young women possess – to create a next wave of female investors and executives, at scale, to serve clients and the industry as never before.

Thank you for joining us on the road to 30×40. I’ve never been more confident or excited about what we might accomplish by working together toward a shared goal. Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Lauren Malafronte
Chair, 100WF Global Association Board