Celebrating Women in Fintech: October Spotlight at The Fintech Times
This October, The Fintech Times is dedicated to highlighting the remarkable contributions of women in the fintech industry. As we shine a spotlight on their achievements, challenges, and aspirations, it becomes clear that while strides have been made towards gender equality, the journey is far from complete. The industry still has significant work ahead to achieve true representation and champion full equality, as noted in the recent EY Women in Fintech Report 2023.
To celebrate the influential roles women play in fintech, we feature six extraordinary women who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, sharing their greatest achievements and insights.
Neha Singh: Driving Technology Innovation
Neha Singh serves as the Vice President of Product Strategy & Innovation at Broadridge, a leading financial technology provider. Reflecting on her journey, Neha shares, “As an immigrant executive from a middle-class background in India, I’ve always faced a steep learning curve when leading teams.” Her experience at Boston Consulting Group equipped her with valuable insights into financial services, but her passion for technology led her to Broadridge.
One of Neha’s standout achievements was leading the product integration during Broadridge’s largest-ever acquisition of Itiviti. “I am leading the creation of a unique offering that aims to provide a lower cost of ownership, reduced risk, and increased agility to clients,” she explains. Her collaborative approach has positioned Broadridge to tackle challenges in the Capital Markets industry, showcasing her commitment to innovation.
Tina Hsiao: Impacting Lives Through Leadership
As the Co-Founder and COO of Soundry Health, Tina Hsiao has a rich history of scaling businesses, including her time at WePay. “When I joined, we were a small fintech just post-Series B. By the time I left, we had scaled through multiple funding rounds and were acquired by JP Morgan Chase,” she recalls.
However, Tina emphasizes that her most cherished memories are not the financial milestones but the relationships she built along the way. “I think of the teams that bonded while achieving great things together and the individuals I mentored who flourished,” she reflects. Her focus on people and community underscores the importance of human connections in the fintech landscape.
Felicia Tang: Seizing Opportunities in Marketing
Felicia Tang, the Marketing Director at Airtime Rewards, highlights her pivotal role in leading the marketing strategy for Volt.io’s Series A funding round. “My greatest achievement was securing $23.5 million in funding, marking a significant milestone in the open banking industry,” she shares.
This experience not only showcased her marketing prowess but also served as a key learning opportunity. Felicia’s journey illustrates how strategic marketing can propel fintech companies to new heights, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the sector.
Jodi Neiding: Enhancing Access to Financial Services
Jodi Neiding, Vice President of the Americas Banking Portfolio at Diebold Nixdorf, has made significant strides in enhancing access to cash for underbanked populations. “My greatest achievement has been developing an award-winning ATM family that expands access to cash in over 100 countries,” she states.
Jodi’s work bridges the gap between physical and digital financial services, ensuring that essential services are accessible to all demographics. Her commitment to solving business challenges while enhancing customer experiences is a testament to the impact of technology in financial inclusion.
Lauren McCollom: Building a Supportive Environment
As the Director of Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) at Grasshopper Bank, Lauren McCollom reflects on her career journey with pride. “My greatest achievement was reaching a point where I am comfortable in my strengths and feel supported by leadership,” she explains.
This realization has empowered Lauren to embrace her role as a builder in the fintech space. “Over the last few years, I’ve never had more success or felt more passionate about my career,” she shares, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment in fostering growth and innovation.
Dubie Cunningham: Breaking Barriers in Leadership
Dubie Cunningham, North American Banking Group President at Zafin, describes her elevation to president as a career-defining moment. “Receiving the president role was a huge accomplishment, especially in an industry where few women hold such executive positions,” she notes.
Dubie’s role allows her to leverage her extensive experience to solve complex problems for banking clients. “I hope to inspire other women in technology to pursue leadership positions,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of representation in driving change within the industry.
A Collective Journey Towards Equality
These six women exemplify the incredible talent and resilience present in the fintech industry. Their stories highlight not only their individual achievements but also the collective journey towards greater representation and equality in a sector that continues to evolve. As we celebrate their contributions this October, we are reminded of the importance of championing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for future generations of women in fintech.