Financial Women's Association Celebrates 2021-2023 President Hermina 'Nina' Batson During Its 65th Anniversary Year
Ms. Batson is proud to lead the FWA as its first Black President, continuing leadership programming and mentoring with an eye on expanded IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access. Friends and partners of the FWA include BMO, BNP and Ninety One.
NEW YORK, November 22, 2021 /3BL Media/ - The Financial Women’s Association of New York celebrates Hermina ‘Nina’ Batson, the FWA’s first Black president during its 65th Anniversary, with a Giving Tuesday Campaign, and FWA headline events and sponsorships extending across her two-year term. Ms. Batson is responsible for guiding the organization in advancing women and helping to deliver on its mission to promote the professional development and advancement of all women through education, mentorship, scholarships, networking, and alliances across the financial community.
Ms. Batson serves as FWA President during its 65th Anniversary of the FWA, the 30th Anniversary of the FWA’s educational initiatives, and the 20th Anniversary of the FWA’s Baruch College partnership, among other accolades that the FWA Members and Supporters have worked to achieve. Over the years, the FWA has served more than 6,000 high school and undergraduate student scholars from underrepresented backgrounds in the Greater New York City area through mentoring and scholarships and has engaged with hundreds of women in the financial services sector.
Founded in 1956, the FWA is led by its President who sets the priorities for the organization during their one- to two-year term. Ms. Batson highlights that IDEA, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access are her priorities for the Board and the FWA overall. These are woven into the financial programming and FWA experiences for Members, guests, and supporters.
Ms. Batson shares her personal background with Members and Mentees including that she is first generation American. Ms. Batson rose through the ranks from a teller position to Director and Global Head of BIA Regulatory Engagement, and hopes her career path serves as an example for others – especially her daughter, who is attending university this year.
Ms. Batson commented, “I believe in the FWA: we know that with inclusion, comes diversity – diversity of thought and diversity of experiences just to name a few. We can continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings to bring about a more equitable workplace and environment. And, I believe that starts with access.”
How can this be done? Ms. Batson highlighted a favored phrase: it takes a village. “We can achieve this with Perseverance, Determination, Champions, Mentors and Community – together, as a village. The FWA is committed and invested in enriching the careers of financial services professionals and I’m passionate about fostering an inclusive environment that brings out the best in each one of us – thank you to our Members, Mentors, Mentees and Supporters.”
Every year, BMO donates 100% of one day’s institutional equity trading commissions in North America and Europe to charities through its Equity Through Education program. Since it was founded in 2005 more than US$23 million dollars has been raised to support non-profits that focus on education including the FWA. These partners provide scholarships, mentoring programs and development opportunities.
“Congratulations, Nina Batson, on your appointment as President of FWA,” said Dan Barclay, CEO and Group Head, BMO Capital Markets. “BMO wishes you great success as you take on this important role while continuing to advance women and champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. We’re also proud to work with organizations like the FWA, a partner of BMO’s Equity Through Education program. Organizations like the FWA have had a lifelong impact on young people, many of whom have flourished from the support of our Equity Through Education program.”
BNP Paribas is also an active supporter and host of FWA global capital markets events as well as an FWA Annual Summit. “BNP Paribas has a long history of supporting diversity and inclusion, not only in the US but on a global stage. We are proud to partner with Financial Women's Association (FWA) and like-minded organizations who recognize the importance of diverse leadership and make inclusion a priority in the financial services industry. We congratulate Nina on her achievement and look forward to working with her and the FWA in the coming year,” stated Claudine Gallagher, Chief Human Resources Officer for CIB Americas, BNP Paribas.
Ms. Batson engages with corporate supporters across the industry; she has held many volunteer leadership positions within the FWA, including the Chair of the Membership Committee and for the past two years as President-Elect, where she has listened to firms and shared her priorities. Immediate Past President and FWA Board Member Simone Vinocour commeted, “As a true partner and leader, we are inspired by Nina’s energy and vision in action every day. Nina is a generous networker and thoughtful collaborator. She is a tireless advocate, connecting people and firms for mutual benefit and growth.”
Another corporate partner, Ninety One, is the annual supporter of FWA’s International Women’s Day mentee programming, providing leaders to engage with mentees in impactful sessions. “We’re delighted to celebrate key milestones with the FWA and congratulate Nina. Many Sponsors of the FWA are committed to sharing best practice and lessons learned with mentees, as well as hiring and retaining a diverse team. A big part of that is educating and encouraging talented young women to pursue career ambitions in financial services,” Cynthia Holahan, Ninety One’s Head of Marketing for North America stated. "Our partnership with the FWA is one meaningful way to help achieve these goals.”
About Financial Women's Association (FWA)
With a rich history since 1956, the FWA works collaboratively with leading firms to help accelerate mutual goals of advancing the leadership and success of women creating a community of lifelong learners. With over 800 Members – both women and men – and numerous corporate, government, and academic allies, the FWA presents key thought leadership events, builds performance skills, and promotes valuable business connections through networking opportunities for its members. It produces annual international conferences facilitating exposure to global business and economic opportunities. In addition, the FWA gives back to the community and is helping to develop a diverse pipeline of talent by providing scholarships and mentoring to young professionals and to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to continue their education. Members and student mentees have access to members-only programs, including professional development workshops and Member2Member mentoring.
The FWA of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, please visit the FWA's website.
