A quarter-century of pushing for gender equity in finance was celebrated in style on November 3, as 100 Women in Finance hosted its 25th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The event, which drew 500 leaders from across the global finance industry, wasn’t just about looking back — it raised $1.1 million to fuel the organization’s foundation and its ongoing mission to level the playing field for women at every stage of their careers.
The 25th Anniversary Gala raised $1.1 million to support the 100 Women in Finance Foundation.
The evening’s top honor, the 2026 Americas Industry Leadership Award, went to Kelly Young, Chief Executive Officer of Acadian Asset Management. Jody Gunderson, Managing Principal of AB CarVal and last year’s recipient, presented the award. Young, reflecting on a career that has spanned 25 years, made clear that success comes with a duty to open doors for others.
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“Talent and ambition are everywhere, but opportunity is not. Those of us who have benefited from opportunity have a responsibility to help create more of it,” Young said.
Three other leaders received special 25th Anniversary Awards: Elaine Crocker, President at Moore Capital Management, was honored with the Legacy Builder Award; Seema R. Hingorani, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and Founder of Girls Who Invest, received the Trailblazer Award; and Jennifer Prosek, Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners, was named Champion of Change. During a conversation moderated by 100 Women in Finance Co-Founder Dana Hall, each honoree shared candid reflections on leadership, learning, and the importance of paying it forward.
Co-Founders Sarah Dyer and Dana Hall also took the stage to reflect on the organization’s origins and the relationships that have held its global community together for 25 years. Dyer captured the sentiment succinctly: “They outlast job titles, firms and market cycles. That is the lasting power and enduring legacy of 100 Women in Finance.”
Rehana Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of 100 Women in Finance, acknowledged the organization’s achievements while keeping an eye on what’s next. “Our accomplishments are significant, and there is still important work ahead,” Farrell said. “Our next chapter is about accelerating progress, strengthening our global community and ensuring that the finance industry reflects the extraordinary depth of talent within it.”
Since its founding, 100 Women in Finance has grown into a global network of 10,000 members spread across 33 locations, supported by more than 600 volunteers. The organization focuses on education, peer engagement, professional development, and increasing industry visibility — all aimed at connecting women at every career stage and fostering a culture of mutual support.
Its philanthropic arm, the 100 Women in Finance Foundation, has awarded more than $23 million in grants since inception, backing programs that expand access to finance careers and strengthen the pipeline of emerging talent. In 2026 alone, LaunchMe — the group’s global mentorship program — paired 568 mentors and mentees across 19 countries, helping participants build confidence, sharpen professional skills, and form lasting industry connections.
Why it matters: The gala’s $1.1 million haul and the organization’s continued growth underscore a persistent truth: even as the finance industry evolves, systemic barriers remain. With more than $23 million in grants already deployed and a mentorship network spanning nearly 20 countries, 100 Women in Finance is proving that targeted, community-driven support can accelerate progress toward a more equitable industry — one where talent, not access, determines success.
