Women in Finance
Women have played a critical role in shaping finance, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate their impact and advocate for a more inclusive future in investing.
Betty Friedan, feminist writer and activist
“Economic equity is enormous empowerment of women. Having jobs that provide income means that women can be a more effective force, a more equal force, in the political process. Women with income take themselves more seriously and they are taken more seriously”
Mary Callahan Erdoes
Mary Callahan Erdoes is one of the most influential figures in the financial industry, serving as the CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management. Leading a division that oversees more than $4 trillion in client assets, she plays a pivotal role in global banking and investment management. Since assuming her position in 2009, Erdoes has been instrumental in expanding J.P. Morgan’s wealth management services, helping ultra-high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and families navigate complex financial landscapes.
A strong advocate for disciplined risk management and long-term investing, Erdoes has driven innovation within J.P. Morgan, integrating technology and data-driven strategies to enhance client portfolios. She has also been a key voice in advancing diversity and inclusion within finance, encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles in an industry historically dominated by men.
Erdoes’ influence extends beyond J.P. Morgan—she is frequently recognized as one of the most powerful women in finance, shaping the future of investment strategies and wealth management. Her leadership continues to inspire aspiring financiers, proving that strong decision-making and strategic vision can redefine an entire industry.
As a trailblazer in finance, Erdoes is not only managing wealth—she’s shaping the future of financial leadership.
Janet Yellen
Janet Yellen is not just a financial leader—she is a history-maker. As the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve and later become U.S. Treasury Secretary, her impact on economic policy is unparalleled. With a career spanning decades, Yellen has been at the forefront of major financial decisions that have shaped the modern economy.
During her tenure at the Federal Reserve (2014–2018), she prioritized job growth and financial stability, helping the U.S. recover from the lingering effects of the Great Recession. Her leadership was marked by careful monetary policy adjustments that supported economic expansion without triggering runaway inflation. In 2021, as Treasury Secretary, she took on an even greater challenge—guiding the nation through pandemic-driven economic turbulence, spearheading stimulus programs, and addressing long-term fiscal sustainability.
Yellen’s influence extends beyond policy; she is a champion for women in finance and economics, advocating for increased diversity in decision-making roles. Known for her intellect and steady leadership, she has earned respect across political and financial circles. Her legacy is one of resilience, expertise, and groundbreaking achievements, proving that the most powerful figures in finance aren’t just shaping markets—they’re shaping history.
Sallie Krawcheck
Sallie Krawcheck has spent her career breaking barriers in finance, not just by rising to the top of Wall Street, but by reshaping the industry to be more inclusive. As a former executive at Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, and Citigroup, she was one of the highest-ranking women in finance, leading major wealth management divisions. But her most influential work came after she left traditional banking—when she turned her attention to closing the gender investing gap.
In 2016, Krawcheck co-founded Ellevest, a digital investment platform designed specifically for women. Recognizing that traditional finance often overlooked the unique financial challenges women face, she built a firm focused on helping women take control of their wealth. Under her leadership, Ellevest has grown into a major force in financial empowerment, proving that investing isn’t just for the elite—it’s for everyone.
Beyond her role as an entrepreneur, Krawcheck is a vocal advocate for diversity in leadership, frequently speaking about the need for more women in finance. Her work is a testament to the power of financial education and inclusion, making her one of the most transformative figures in the industry today.
Abigail Johnson
Abigail Johnson is one of the most influential figures in asset management, transforming Fidelity Investments into a modern financial powerhouse. As CEO and Chair, she oversees over $4.5 trillion in assets, guiding the company through rapid technological advancements and shifting market trends. Since taking the helm in 2014, she has expanded Fidelity’s global reach, embraced digital innovation, and positioned the firm at the forefront of the investment industry.
Unlike many Wall Street executives, Johnson grew up in the business—her grandfather founded Fidelity in 1946. However, her rise to leadership was built on merit, not just legacy. With an MBA from Harvard and years of experience across various departments, she worked her way up, proving herself as a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of both markets and investor needs.
One of her most notable moves has been Fidelity’s early adoption of cryptocurrency and digital assets, making it one of the first major investment firms to embrace blockchain technology. Under her leadership, Fidelity continues to push boundaries, ensuring that investing is more accessible and future-focused.
Abigail Johnson’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and a commitment to making investing work for everyone.
Women are critical to
our financial infastructure
Women in Finance bring diverse perspectives, drive economic growth, and play an essential role in investment, policymaking, and leadership, shaping a more inclusive and resilient global economy.