Championing Women in Fintech: A Spotlight on Trailblazers

This October, The Fintech Times is shining a light on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. With women making up only about 30% of the fintech workforce, it’s crucial to celebrate those who have not only reached the top but have also paved the way for others. We hear from six inspiring leaders—Julianne Sloane, Nolvia Serrano, Vivienne Hsu, Aliya Sadeque, Kathy Stares, and Nabilah Hussain—who share their journeys and insights on empowering the next generation of female talent in fintech.

Julianne Sloane, Co-founder and CEO, Nossa Data

Julianne Sloane emphasizes her responsibility as a female founder to uplift other women and minority groups in fintech. She highlights three key strategies her organization employs to foster inclusivity:

1. Hiring Practices: Sloane is committed to transparency in hiring, ensuring that job openings are widely advertised. This approach counters the common practice of hiring from existing networks, which often limits opportunities for diverse candidates.

2. Growth Opportunities: Once employees are onboarded, Sloane focuses on their professional development. Regular check-ins help identify individual aspirations, allowing her to facilitate training and experiences that align with their career goals.

3. Mentorship: Understanding the challenges faced by female and minority founders, Sloane dedicates time to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. She hopes to eventually provide capital to support early-stage women and minority founders, further expanding their opportunities in the fintech landscape.

Nolvia Serrano, Head of Operations, El Salvador, BlockBank

Nolvia Serrano’s journey is deeply rooted in her commitment to mentoring young girls from her father-in-law’s orphanage. She believes in the power of emotional intelligence, particularly for women and Latina women in tech. Her insights include:

• Emotional Awareness: Serrano encourages young women to embrace their emotional intelligence as a strength in the tech industry. This unique perspective can enhance their ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

• Cultural Perspective: She emphasizes the advantages of being a Latina woman in a predominantly homogeneous tech space, advocating for the value of diverse viewpoints in problem-solving and innovation.

• Promoting Internal Growth: Serrano also stresses the importance of promoting women from within organizations, as this creates a more supportive environment for mentorship and development.

Vivienne Hsu, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Sokin

Vivienne Hsu believes in the power of inclusion and collaboration. Her approach to leadership focuses on:

• Creating Opportunities: Hsu advocates for opening doors for others by including them in her journey. She highlights the importance of providing accessible platforms for learning and growth, particularly in fast-paced industries like fintech.

• Team Dynamics: Emphasizing a non-hierarchical approach, Hsu believes that surrounding oneself with diverse talents fosters a resilient team. She encourages leaders to listen and understand what motivates their team members.

• Breaking Down Barriers: Hsu is inspired by the growing movement of women at all levels advocating for change, signaling a shift in the industry’s culture.

Aliya Sadeque, Senior Director CRM Ecosystems, Zafin

Aliya Sadeque’s transition from a close-knit startup to a large organization inspired her to create a peer support group. Her contributions include:

• Building Connections: Recognizing the isolation that can come with large organizations, Sadeque initiated a safe space for colleagues to share challenges and experiences, fostering a sense of community.

• Pilot Programs: The success of her peer support group led to an organization-wide initiative, demonstrating the value of connection and support in professional environments.

Kathy Stares, Executive Vice President, North America, Provenir

Kathy Stares has made significant strides in her role at Provenir, focusing on mentorship and diversity:

• Mentorship Programs: As a member of Mentium, Stares is dedicated to guiding the next generation of leaders. She emphasizes the importance of helping women find their voice and confidence in the workplace.

• Work-Life Balance: Stares believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for her team, recognizing that personal well-being translates to improved productivity.

• Advocacy for DEI: Her involvement in the Canadian Lenders Association reflects her commitment to developing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the financial services sector.

Nabilah Hussain, Head of Financial Crime, 3S Money

Nabilah Hussain’s passion for coaching and mentoring is evident in her current role:

• Internship Programs: At 3S Money, Hussain serves as a mentor in the internship program, sharing her knowledge and experience to shape future talent in the industry.

• Leadership Responsibility: She believes that leaders have a duty to educate and foster an inclusive culture, ensuring that their teams feel supported and valued.

These women exemplify the strength and resilience of female leaders in fintech. Their stories not only inspire but also serve as a call to action for the industry to continue championing diversity and inclusion. By sharing their experiences and insights, they are paving the way for future generations of women to thrive in fintech.