Celebrating Women in Finance and Technology This Women’s History Month
This Women’s History Month, we take a moment to spotlight the incredible women making waves in the finance and technology sectors. While we aspire to a future where the achievements of women are universally recognized without the need for special acknowledgment, the reality is that many industries, particularly finance and tech, remain male-dominated. However, the rise of FinTech—an industry dedicated to improving and automating financial services—has seen remarkable contributions from women who are reshaping the landscape.
As we celebrate this month, let’s explore some of the trailblazers who are not only making headlines but also inspiring future generations to carve their own paths in their respective fields. Here’s a glimpse into the dynamic world of women in FinTech.
1. Flori Marquez: Queen of Mainstreaming Blockchain
Flori Marquez’s journey into the world of alternative currencies took off when she co-founded BlockFi in 2017 at just 25 years old. BlockFi is revolutionizing the crypto market by offering institutional banking products, thereby providing credit services to underserved populations. Flori’s motivation stems from her parents’ experiences as immigrants from economically insecure Argentina in the 1980s. Before launching BlockFi, she honed her expertise in alternative lending products and institutional relationships at various advisory firms, positioning her as a leader in the blockchain space.
2. Amanda Spann: The Facilitator
Amanda Spann is a powerhouse in the FinTech and entrepreneurial arenas. As a serial entrepreneur and strategist, she is currently spearheading The App Accelerator, a project designed to help non-tech entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of building mobile and web applications. Amanda’s unique insights into the entrepreneurial journey enable her to address critical issues like diversity and inclusivity, making her a vital resource for aspiring business owners.
3. Jen Yip: Genius Solutions for Everyday Finance Needs
Jen Yip, the founder of Lunchmoney, embodies the spirit of innovation in FinTech. Her journey began with a simple need: managing finances while working abroad. What started as a spreadsheet-based budgeting system with her husband evolved into Lunchmoney, a SaaS personal finance platform. This tool not only helps users track their finances but also offers features like multi-currency support and habit improvement tools. Jen’s story is a testament to how personal experiences can lead to groundbreaking solutions in finance.
4. Devie Mohan: The Secret Weapon
In the often-overlooked realm of FinTech marketing, Devie Mohan stands out as a strategic force. As a marketing strategist and research professional, she plays a crucial role in shaping market and investment strategies for finance and tech companies. Devie’s expertise extends to providing workshops and advisory services, and she is a sought-after speaker and contributor in the media and academic circles. Her focus on cashless societies and the broader FinTech ecosystem makes her an invaluable asset to the industry.
5. Abigail Johnson: Tradition Meets Innovation
No discussion of women leading in finance would be complete without mentioning Abby Johnson, the CEO of Fidelity Investments. Abby is a pioneering figure in one of the largest and most respected financial firms in the U.S. Her insights into the future of alternative currencies, such as Bitcoin, were highlighted during her appearance at the 2020 CoinDesk Consensus conference. Under her leadership, Fidelity is not only a key player in traditional finance but is also making strides in the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.
Listen to Jean Chatzky’s interview with Abby on the HerMoney Podcast: Abby Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments On Career Growth, Female Investors, Risk Tolerance And More.
Looking Ahead: Women in FinTech
The achievements of these remarkable women illustrate that determination, resilience, and talent are key drivers of success in FinTech. As we continue to celebrate their contributions, it’s essential to recognize the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. For those interested in learning more, check out Benzinga’s Women in FinTech resources.
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