Celebrating Women in FinTech: Change Agents for Equality

Women have long been at the forefront of the fight for equality, and in the world of financial technology (FinTech), their contributions are both transformative and inspiring. This article highlights the incredible talents of women who are not only excelling in their fields but also serving as change agents, paving the way for a more equitable future in the industry.

The Inspiring FinTech Females Award

The Inspiring FinTech Females award is a testament to the remarkable achievements of women in the FinTech sector. As Larissa Carrera, Associate Director of LeFrak Investment Holdings and a member of the NYC FinTech Marketing Committee, aptly stated, "So many women are doing impactful work behind the scenes; it is time for a list like ours to celebrate them and bring them to the forefront." This initiative aims to recognize and honor women who are making significant strides in their careers while also uplifting others.

Each recipient of the award is featured on the NYC FinTech Women’s website for a full calendar year, showcasing their contributions and inspiring others in the industry. The 2020 winners exemplify a diverse range of roles, from founders to leaders, each committed to fostering inclusivity and innovation.

Founders: Pioneers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Among the awardees are tenacious female founders who are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. These women are not just entrepreneurs; they are mentors, building diverse teams and empowering other women to follow in their footsteps. Notable names include:

• Asya Bradley, Cofounder of Boulevard
• Jenn Byrne, CEO and Co-Founder of Quesnay
• Jessica Eting, Co-Founder and COO of Flourish Savings
• Aimeelene Gaspar, CEO & Co-founder of LionX

These founders are not only creating successful businesses but are also committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive.

Leaders: Driving Change and Inclusion

Leadership in FinTech is crucial for driving change and promoting equity. The award recognizes women whose mission-led leadership is reshaping their organizations and championing the inclusion of women. Among the leaders honored are:

• Carley Brandt, Managing Director – Sector Head of FinTech at Silicon Valley Bank
• Colleen Coda, Managing Director at Blackstone
• Stephanie Foster, Head of Regional Product Management at Finastra

These women are not only leading their teams but are also advocates for a more inclusive workplace, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued.

Money Movers: Investing in Diversity

The financial landscape is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this change, actively investing in and supporting diverse FinTech founders. The Money Movers category highlights women who are challenging the status quo within venture capital. Key figures include:

• Cheryl Campos, Head of Venture Growth & Partnerships at Republic
• Cat Hernandez, Partner at The Venture Collective
• Addie Lerner, Founder & Managing Partner at Avid Ventures

These women are shifting the distribution of wealth and opportunity, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the investment landscape.

Network Builders: Fostering Connections

Building a robust network is essential for innovation and collaboration in FinTech. The Network Builders category celebrates women who leverage their connections to foster a more inclusive ecosystem. Notable network builders include:

• Lyanne Alfaro, Supervising Producer & Social Media Content Director at Nasdaq
• Elise Brown, Product and Investor Marketing Lead at Anthemis
• Jean Donnelly, Advisor at FinTech Sandbox

These women are creating pathways for collaboration, enriching experiences, and ultimately driving better innovation within the industry.

Product Builders: Innovating for the Future

Innovation is at the heart of FinTech, and women are leading the charge in developing products that power decision-making. The Product Builders category honors women who are committed to building solutions that enhance representation and inclusivity. Key innovators include:

• Ying Cao, Head of Digital Product at Barclays
• Erica Lee, Senior Product Manager at Better.com
• Deepa Sathaye, Full Stack Engineer at Alloy

These women are not only solving complex problems but are also advocates for increased representation in product development.

A Community of Support

The Inspiring FinTech Females initiative has garnered significant attention, with over 400 submissions from a diverse array of nominees. Sasha Pilch, Head of New Business at Ramp and Co-Founder of NYC FinTech Women, expressed her excitement about the community’s growth, stating, "It was uplifting to see so many brilliant women nominated by both female and male supporters across friends, colleagues, mentors, and inspired members of the community."

This initiative not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a sense of community among women in FinTech, empowering them to advance their careers and support one another.

About NYC FinTech Women

NYC FinTech Women is an organization dedicated to connecting, promoting, and empowering women in the FinTech sector. With over 6,000 members, the organization hosts events, features women in its Female Fridays, and provides resources like a job board, HireHer. Collaborating with major FinTech companies and institutional enterprises, NYC FinTech Women is committed to advancing women’s careers in this dynamic industry.

Through initiatives like the Inspiring FinTech Females award, the organization continues to highlight the incredible talents of women, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and celebrated.