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Warren Shaw
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Westpac Group
Awards in Order of Presentation
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Like mother, like daughter.
Rita Robbins was unable to attend the annual InvestmentNews Women to Watch awards in November to receive the Alexandra Armstrong Lifetime Achievement Award. But her daughter, Ali Arnold, stood in for her mother, founder and president of Affiliated Advisors, a giant branch office in the Osaic Holdings Inc. network.
“My mom is so incredible, and having followed her into the financial services industry, I’m so grateful I’ve had her in my life,” Arnold, a vice president of global marketing at Citi, said after the award ceremony. “She’s had the opportunity to make such an impact on so many other people, and that makes me grateful.”
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Nominations
InvestmentNews celebrates achievements that measurably advance women in all aspects of the investment industry, at employers of all sizes. We invited you to nominate yourself or third-party candidates and/or companies who exemplify these outstanding accomplishments through their leadership, passion, creativity, and willingness to help others along the way.
Nominations were open July 18 – August 18, 2023.
Excellence Awardees
Once all nominations were considered and research was complete, Excellence Awardees (Finalists) were selected in each category and notified via email or phone.
Judging
All submissions from our Excellence Awardees were forwarded to the independent judging panel comprising mortgage and finance industry leaders and senior representatives. The panel assessed and voted for their winners in each category according to the relevant category criteria.
Voting commenced September–October 2023 and judgement was impartial, balanced, incisive, and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a category recused themselves from judging that category.
Winners
Using a simple points system to aggregate judges’ votes, the finalist with the top score in a category was named the winner.
Winners were announced at the event on November 7, 2023, and on this website. They were also promoted in InvestmentNews.
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Canada’s Safest Public Transportation Employer
Canada’s Safest Manufacturing Employer
Canada’s Safest Logistics and Supply Chain Employer
Allyship Champion of the Year
Working to make an impact
34 women, 13 companies received awards and honors at InvestmentNews’ Women to Watch event last November
Australians trust and value the independent service mortgage brokers provide. We support and celebrate this as we come together to recognise an industry of hard-working and high-achieving professionals at this year’s AMAs.
Congratulations to all the excellence awardees – we applaud your achievements and wish you all the very best of luck.
The WSIB Award for Canada’s Best Health & Safety Culture
The BGIS Award for Safety Leader of the Year
Canada’s Safest Public Sector/Non-Profit Employer
The Avetta Award for Best Safety Industry Provider
The Alexandra Armstrong Lifetime Achievement Award is named for financial planning pioneer and leader Armstrong, who has spent more than five decades helping women plan strong financial futures and promoting the financial advice business as a top career for women. The award is given to one outstanding woman annually in the financial advisory and investment sphere.
In total, 34 women and 13 companies received awards and honors at the event on Tuesday, November 7, in lower Manhattan for their work across the financial advice and planning industries, in categories ranging from Female Trailblazer of the Year to Portfolio Manager of the Year.
The other Women to Watch winners were Kay Lynn Mayhue, Female Trailblazer of the Year; Colleen Bell, Allyship Champion of the Year; Brittney Olinger, Rising Star Advisor of the Year; Christine Cappabianca, Portfolio Manager of the Year; Thrivent, Employer of Choice; and Raymond James & Associates, Excellence in Gender Diversity & Inclusion.
“I really do believe it takes all of us to bring other people into our firms and industry,” said Bell, president of innovation and experience at Cambridge Investment Research. “I’ve always had great mentors, like Eric Schwartz and Amy Webber, and I need to pay that back to pay it forward. Empowered women can empower the world. The goal is to bring other people up in the industry.”
“This is such an honor,” said Kay Lynn Mayhue, president of Merit Financial Advisors. “I believed in and supported myself throughout my career, and now I get to do that for others. There are so many people who pushed me when I needed a nudge and pulled me up when I needed a hand. Now I get to focus my time on helping others reach new heights!”
“It means a lot to me, but I think it means even more to me being a representative of my company,” said Brittney Olinger, a financial advisor at Koss Olinger. “We’re an independent firm that’s a three-generation-strong company out of Gainesville, Florida, and it was our first female partner who put me up for this award. She and all the other partners have been massive proponents of bringing more women into our space and into our sector, so I’m just really, really honored. I wasn’t expecting it.
Cappabianca, vice president and portfolio manager for systematic strategies at Impax Asset Management, said: “I love my job, and I’m getting honored for doing something that I love. It’s great to show that kind of example to my kids, that you can have a job that is an intersection of your skills and passion.”
“We have amazing women and amazing volunteers who put in so much of themselves to make sure our program – the mentorship opportunities and career opportunities – exist,” said Samantha Trebesch, senior vice president and head of advisor inclusion networks and sustainable investing at Raymond James. “And they raise up every single woman who comes to the firm.”
Sponsors and award presenters hailed the event as a chance for people to come together, connect, and share experiences.
Lindsey Lewis, director of the Center for Women in Financial Services at The American College, presented Mayhue with her award. She said, “If you look at the percentage of women who are in the industry, if you look at CFP professionals, that hasn’t changed in two decades – around 23 percent. So, you are seeing so many women having to create their own path to success. Being a trailblazer in this space, therefore, is so paramount because you want other women to be able to see those guideposts and be successful in the industry.”
Katherin Jollon Colsher, CEO at Girls Who Invest, handed out the allyship award to Bell. She added, “It’s incredibly exciting to see Colleen recognized and celebrated today for her commitment to allyship because it’s the community that will propel everybody forward.”
Research
The Women to Watch Summit and Awards team conducted research and drew on knowledge and information gained through InvestmentNews to support and supplement nominations received and to ensure that no one deserving of recognition was missed. “Excellence Awardees” (shortlisted Finalists) in each category were determined from both pools of information.
Toni Gonzales
Sonya Lutter
Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer
Kristi Martin Rodriguez
Katherine Jollon Colsher
Sheryl Hickerson
Sheena Gray
Dana Wilson
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help celebrate excellence, support women, and celebrate and connect with the leaders shaping the industry.
2023 Judging Panel
As the industry’s leading custodian for independent registered investment advisors (RIAs), Schwab Advisor Services is dedicated to helping advisors achieve their business goals. For over 30 years we have supported firms of all types and sizes and earned the trust of over 13,000 advisors.
Schwab Advisor Services serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support services of Schwab.
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We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us at the remarkable Women to Watch Summit and Awards. Your presence and active participation made the event a resounding success, leaving us with remarkable memories to cherish.
This special occasion celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of inspirational women across various industries of financial advisory, shattering boundaries and carving paths for future generations. We are extremely proud to have recognized and honored these extraordinary individuals who continue to redefine leadership and empower others.
Congratulations are in order for all the deserving winners of the Women to Watch Awards. These remarkable women have displayed an unwavering commitment to their respective fields and have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience. Their accomplishments serve as a shining beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.
Moreover, we extend our deep gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity played a vital role in making this event possible. Your commitment to empowering women and celebrating their achievements is truly commendable.
As we reflect on this momentous gathering, let us carry with us the inspiration, knowledge, and connections made during the Women to Watch Summit and Awards. Together, we can continue to create a more inclusive and equitable world where women thrive and succeed in every sphere.
Thank you once again for being a part of this extraordinary event, and we look forward to your continued engagement in InvestmentNews events.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | TRIBECA 360° NEW YORK CITY
Kerry Barrett is an Emmy-Winning anchor, host and on-camera expert who turned a paralyzing fear of public speaking into a multi-decade career in broadcast journalism for internationally renowned media institutions like NBC, ABC and Fox TV. Now she helps business owners, executives and team’s breakthrough mindset issues and cultivate their on-camera delivery and persona.
Kerry Barrett has become known for overcoming a massive and debilitating fear of public speaking and using that experience to help clients breakthrough mindset issues and cultivate their video X-factor, or what she calls Video IQ (VIQ).
Kerry Barrett works as a motivational speaker helping people overcome fear. She teach workshops and seminars on the art of public speaking and speaking on camera to help grow their business, brand and confidence.
Kerry has personal experience as a mom, military wife, someone who has struggled with multiple miscarriage and a global traveller. Kerry Barrett has hosted countless speaking engagements, charity auctions, public events, and fundraisers.
Host and Emmy-Winning Anchor
Kerry Barrett
Ascension Groove Band delivers high energy, show stopping live musical entertainment for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, private and corporate events. Simply put they ROCK THE HOUSE! Founded and led by Joe Palawan, they are comprised of some of the best singers and talent in the Toronto music industry and regarded as one of the city's premiere wedding and corporate bands. They have performed on Broadway and have had club and chart success Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the luxury cruise lines of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska Panhandle.
Known for the authentic sounds of Motown, R&B, Soul Funk, Jazz and Rock, they are also on the pulse of what’s new and current in today’s market. Ascension Groove Band also performs in Italian and Spanish. They strive to create an immersed experience for clients that are of the highest caliber. Whether you want a soloist or an 11 piece superband fronted by 3 stellar vocalists and a “killer” horn section for your wedding or event, Ascension Groove Band not only provides great music but will cater to your specific needs and create a customized package for you which includes a photographer/videographer at a preferred rate, professional sound, lighting and DJ services so you don't have to hire another music provider. We can make a playlist of the songs that you want to hear between breaks.
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Excellence Awardees
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All Excellence Awardees were then invited to finalize their detailed nomination form (“submission”). These submissions were provided to the judging panel for voting and otherwise remained confidential and were not shared with any third parties other than the judges.
Excellence Awardees were officially announced in September 2023 on the event website and promoted in InvestmentNews.
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AWARD CATEGORIES
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Winter Salad
Boston Lettuce, Roasted Red & Golden Tomatoes, Moroccan Olives, Frizzled Onions, Petite Olive Crisp, Roasted Tomato Base, Sherry Vinaigrette
Main Course
Grilled Filet Mignon
Served with Au Poivre, Potatoes Au Gratin, Steamed Asparagus Spears, Frizzled Onions
Grilled Mediterranean Branzino
White Cauliflower Puree, Sautéed Beet Tops
Heirloom Carrot Risotto
Olive Oil Braised Beluga Lentils, Cashew Pesto, Pea Tendrils
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Dessert
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Female Trailblazer of the Year
Excellence in Gender Diversity & Inclusion
Rising Star Advisor of the Year
Employer of Choice
Portfolio Manager of the Year
The Alexandra Armstrong Award For Lifetime Achievement in the Financial Services Industry
Sheena Gray
Executive Director for the U.S. Wealth Management Diversity & Inclusion
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Sheryl Hickerson
Founder & Chief Engagement Officer
Females & Finance
Katherine Jollon Colsher
CEO
Girls Who Invest
Kristi Martin Rodriguez
Senior Vice President
Nationwide Retirement Institute®
Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer
Founder & President
Omega Wealth Management
Sonya Lutter
Director of Financial Health and Wellness
Texas Tech University School of Financial Planning
Dikshita Awotarowa
Co-Founder and President
Women in Finance and Investment Network (WIFIN)
Toni Gonzales
Divisional Vice President
Ameritas
Commonwealth Financial Network®, a national firm dedicated to providing advisor-focused business solutions, recognizes the strength in its community of women advisors and is committed to creating a space where all feel supported, valued, and empowered, as well as providing the tools to elevate their success. Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser, provides a suite of business solutions that empowers more than 2,000 independent financial advisors nationwide. Privately held since 1979, the firm has headquarters in Waltham, Mssachusetts, and San Diego, California.
commonwealth.com
Silver Sponsor
Cambridge Investment Group, Inc. is a privately-controlled financial solutions firm focused on serving independent financial advisors and their investing clients. Cambridge is also a national corporation with a registered investment adviser as well as an industry leading independent broker-dealer. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices regarding advisor-focused financial solutions: succession and acquisition financial lending plus business technology expertise; advice solutions for both asset management and financial planning with portfolio overlay management; platform choices comprised of a corporate RIA or independent RIA for dual registration or fee only business models; a full spectrum of middle office services designed for solo/ensembles, branches, and super branches; as well as outsource services centered on independent advisor firms, including business consulting, client marketing, and office assistance, as well as insurance services. Cambridge’s national reach includes: Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. – a large corporate RIA; and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. – an independent broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, that is among the largest privately-controlled independent broker-dealers in the country. Overall, Cambridge supports over 3,000 independent financial professionals nationwide who serve their thousands of clients as registered representatives and investment advisor representatives, choosing to use either Cambridge’s firm Registered Investment Adviser or their own.
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Impax is a specialist asset manager investing in the opportunities arising from the transition to a more sustainable global economy. Impax believes that capital markets will be shaped profoundly by global sustainability challenges, including climate change, pollution and essential investments in human capital, infrastructure and resource efficiency. These trends will drive growth for well-positioned companies and create risks for those unable or unwilling to adapt. The company seeks to invest in higher quality companies with strong business models that demonstrate sound management of risk. Impax offers a well-rounded suite of investment solutions spanning multiple asset classes seeking strong risk-adjusted returns over the medium to long term.
Supporting Partner
At The American College Center for Women in Financial Services, we pride ourselves on having excellent research that not only provides great insights into the industry, but with that research, we advance, promote and empower women to excel in the industry. Women working in financial services face unique challenges – challenges easier to overcome with support from other women. Welcome to a safe space built exclusively by women for women working in wealth.
We invite you to get to know your “neighbors” and develop meaningful connections with other women across the industry. Our online community is a private forum inaccessible to the public and protected behind a firewall, so you can feel free to come as you are. Ask questions, share experiences, and impart your wisdom – together, we can inspire, mentor, uncover solutions, and identify opportunities for gender parity in financial services.
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Strategic Partner
“Seeing women supporting other women, regardless of where they are in the industry, is inspiring”
Colleen Bell, president of innovation and experience, Cambridge Investment Research
“Women’s equality is becoming an increasing theme, particularly in the investing style I do. That includes gender-lens investing”
Christine Cappabianca, portfolio manager, Impax Asset Management
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AGENDA
SUMMIT
4:20 PM – 4:25 PM
Opening Remarks
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Registration and Networking
4:25 PM – 5:05 PM
Paving the way with excellence
In an often turbulent market, companies need to go above and beyond to adjust to market conditions and respond to the changing needs of both their clients and employees. It takes great commitment to build a workplace that recognizes excellence and supports success and growth for all. Hear from today’s finalists of the Employer of Choice category, as they discuss strategies that set them apart and are directing their future.
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PANELISTS:
SVP, Community
Commonwealth
Jessica Fougere
Vice President, Sales & Development
Prudential Advisors
Terri Kinsella
Executive Vice President, Business Transformation
Osaic
Cindy Hamel
Partner at RMB and a Co-Managing Director of Wealth Management
RMB Capital
Michele Francisco
CEO
SageView Advisory Group
John Longley
Director, Business Consulting & Education
Charles Schwab Advisor Services
Sheila Foley
MODERATED BY:
In an industry where women are generally underrepresented in leadership positions, there still proves to be incredible women leaders paving the way. Today we celebrate the career of highly respected industry executive, Rita Robbins, President of Affiliated Advisors, and this year’s honored recipient of The Alexandra Armstrong Award For Lifetime Achievement in the Financial Services Industry, as she reflects upon key moments that led to her success and insights learned on her leadership journey.
A reflection on an exemplary career
5:15 PM – 5:55 PM
AWARDS
7:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Cocktail Reception & Networking
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Awards Ceremony and Dinner
Paid parking is available at Manhattan Parking Group (MPG) located at 34 Desbrosses Street, New York, NY 10013.
Free street parking is also available after 6:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays but use at your own discretion.
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Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting Ontario workers and businesses. A proud partner in Ontario’s occupational health and safety system and a trusted safety advisor since 1917, WSPS has a rich history of making Ontario workplaces safer.
Website: www.wsps.ca
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Allyship Champion of the Year
WSPS is committed to recognizing leadership excellence that builds a culture of health, safety and well-being. With the CEO of the Year Award, we celebrate strong, proactive leaders who through a set of shared values influence attitudes and behaviours at their workplace, and foster an environment where workers feel safe, valued, heard and supported.
Jody Young, President & CEO, WSPS
BACK
This award recognizes individuals of all identities who have supported and empowered women to fulfil their potential and achieve excellence within the workplace. Nominees must be able to demonstrate their impact over the past 12 months and be based in the US.
Excellence Awardees
Mary Beth Storjohann, Abacus Wealth Partners
President of innovation and experience, Cambridge Investment Research
Colleen Bell
WINNER
Laurie Stack, Avantax Wealth Management
Marianna Goldenberg, Curo Wealth Management
Tasneem Dohadwala, Excelestar Ventures
Ashley Golson, Jackson
Alyssa Moeder and Courtney Moore, Merrill Wealth Management
Aditi Javeri Gokhale, Northwestern Mutual
Amy Jamrog, The Jamrog Group
