Celebrating Women in Fintech: October Highlights from The Fintech Times
This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women making waves in the fintech industry. Their stories of achievement, resilience, and vision not only inspire but also underscore the ongoing journey toward gender equality in a sector that still has a long way to go. While strides have been made to close the gender gap, true representation remains a goal yet to be fully realized.
In this article, we delve into the experiences of six extraordinary women who have carved out significant roles in fintech, sharing their greatest accomplishments and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
Lissele Pratt: A Rollercoaster Journey
Lissele Pratt, co-founder of Capitalixe, describes her journey as “a rollercoaster with no seatbelts.” Building a fintech business from the ground up has been her greatest achievement. Over nearly five years, Lissele has navigated a landscape filled with challenges and triumphs.
Her recognition as the youngest female on the Forbes 30 Under 30 finance list in 2021 was a moment of pride, not just for herself but for her team, half of whom are women. “Their hard work and dedication have been the driving force behind our success,” she notes. For Lissele, the freedom to live life on her own terms is the ultimate reward, and taking risks in fintech has allowed her to create the life she always dreamed of.
Martha Salinas: Innovative Leadership
Martha Salinas, chief commercial officer at TreviPay, has spent two decades growing her career within the company. She takes pride in her role as a leader, particularly in assembling global teams that have driven TreviPay’s expansion into new verticals and international markets.
Martha’s innovative leadership has resulted in impressive revenue and EBITDA growth, showcasing her ability to foster tenacity and ingenuity within her teams. Her journey reflects the importance of strong leadership in navigating the complexities of the fintech landscape.
Misty Beaulieu: Paying It Forward
As the head of operations and risk for North America at Worldline, Misty Beaulieu considers her promotion to this role one of her greatest successes. Over the years, she has played a crucial role in expanding the company’s business across Canada and the United States.
Misty emphasizes the importance of mentorship, particularly for young women in the industry. “I am extremely proud seeing young women I have mentored advance their careers and become experts in their own right,” she shares. Her commitment to empowering others is a testament to the collaborative spirit that can drive change in fintech.
Aizhan Holovan: Trailblazing Developments
Aizhan Holovan, head of mobile financial services at Beeline Kazakhstan, has made significant strides in the fintech sector with the launch of Simply, the first neo-banking product in Kazakhstan. This innovative service includes features like Google Direct Carrier Billing, allowing users to purchase digital content seamlessly.
Aizhan’s work in developing the Beeline Kazakhstan card, the country’s first digital payment card linked to mobile financial services, showcases her commitment to pioneering advancements in the industry. Her achievements highlight the potential for fintech to transform financial accessibility in emerging markets.
Rebecca Alter: Founding Member Impact
Rebecca Alter, trust and safety architect at Sift, reflects on her experience as a founding member of the St. Louis office for Block (Square). Moving across the country to build her own team from scratch was a significant milestone in her career.
Under her leadership, the office grew to over 200 employees within a year, becoming a vibrant part of the St. Louis tech sector. Rebecca’s journey illustrates the impact of women in leadership roles and the importance of fostering inclusive environments in tech.
Suki Gao: Providing Value Across Borders
Suki Gao, co-founder and China GM of 40Seas, has had the opportunity to work with various fintech companies, contributing to their growth in the Chinese market. Her experience includes significant roles at PayPal, Payoneer, and Alipay, where she has been part of transformative developments in B2B payments and cross-border trade financing.
Suki’s journey emphasizes the importance of providing value to diverse enterprises and highlights the global nature of fintech innovation.
Sarah Owen: Pivotal Initiatives
As the chief product officer at One Inc, Sarah Owen has built a strong team of product professionals, with a notable 66% female representation. Her work on pioneering initiatives in payments—such as mobile wallet integration and contactless payments—has changed the way consumers engage with financial transactions.
Sarah’s focus on collaboration and continuous learning within her team reflects a progressive approach to leadership in fintech, setting the groundwork for future innovations.
These stories not only celebrate the achievements of women in fintech but also serve as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of these women will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations, inspiring a more inclusive and equitable fintech landscape.