Allyship in Wealth Management: What is Working Now

The Columbia SPS Women of Wealth Management Club is shining a spotlight on allyship this Women’s History Month so we can celebrate—and emulate—what is working. Women are projected to control $34 trillion in assets by 2030, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in the profession. According to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board), women make up less than 24 percent of total CFP® professionals. Only 15 percent of financial advisors are women, as reported by McKinsey. Despite this imbalance, the demand for female advisors is rising, with many women preferring to work with professionals who can relate to their financial experiences and priorities. This panel will be about not what is wrong, but what is right and how we can do more of it.

Meet four leading wealth management professionals who are driving industry change by leveraging mentorship, sponsorship, and new ways of creating inclusive workplaces and client relationships. They will share firsthand experiences of breaking barriers, advocating for diverse talent, and ensuring that the next generation of advisors reflects the evolving demographics of wealth holders.

Following the conversation, the event will be opened for a question and answer period, where attendees can ask questions directly.

Topics of Discussion Include:
 

• The Gender Disparity in Wealth Management: Why representation matters and how firms can take action
• Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The role of senior leaders in advancing diverse professionals
• Championing Women in Finance: How to advocate for underrepresented talent at every stage of their careers
• The Business Case for Diversity: Aligning workforce demographics with the changing wealth landscape
• Measuring Impact: Best practices for tracking and scaling diversity initiatives

Panel:

Lori Choi, Senior Advisor & Partner, Veris Wealth Partners

Kathleen McQuiggan, Portfolio Manager, Brown Advisory

Harry O’Mealia, President & CEO, 1919 Investment Counsel

Richard Shaw, Principal & Senior Client Advisor, Bessemer Trust

Moderator: Julia Pimsleur '26SPS, Founder, Million Dollar Women, President of Women of Wealth Management Club

For questions about this event, please contact Mary Dawidziuk, md3554 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

To obtain additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (inquire[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu).

If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, disability [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (disability[at]columbia[dot]edu), at least 10 days in advance.

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