Celebrating Women Trailblazers in Finance
Celebrating Women Trailblazers in Finance
As we commemorate Women's History Month, we remember female pioneers of innovation, perseverance, and strategic planning whose stories offer invaluable lessons for today's business owners. Let's explore how these trailblazing women turned their visions into reality through meticulous financial planning and bold leadership.
Muriel Siebert: The First Woman of Finance
Muriel Siebert, often called "The First Woman of Finance," broke barriers by becoming the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange in 1967. For the next decade, she remained the only female out of 1,365 NYSE members.
Key Planning Strategy: Her success wasn't just about breaking the glass ceiling; it was rooted in a strategic commitment to education a life-long learning. Siebert pioneered a personal finance program that became a mandatory part of every economics course in New York City high schools.
Dr. Janet Yellen: Economist Extraordinaire
Dr. Janet Yellen is also a woman of firsts and has been instrumental in significantly shaping U.S. economic policy. She was the first woman to Chair the Federal Reserve Board, a role she held from 2014-2018, and from 2021-2025, she was the first woman to serve as the U.S. Treasury Secretary. She also served under President Bill Clinton from 1997-1999 as the Chair of the Which House Council on Economic Advisers.
Key Planning Strategy: Yellen's focus on long-term economic stability over short-term gains is a principle that women can apply to their own investment decisions.
Abigail Johnson: Fidelity's Visionary Leader
In 2024, Abigail Johnson ranked sixth on Forbes World's 100 Most Powerful Women. As the CEO of Fidelity Investments, Abigail Johnson has steered one of the world's largest financial services since taking over as president in 2012, and as CEO in 2014. Her leadership demonstrates the power of innovative thinking blending with tradition.
Key Planning Strategy: Through Johnson's leadership, Fidelity has embraced new technologies, set ambitious goals, and fostered a culture of transparency throughout the company.
Your Path to Financial Success
The stories of these remarkable women prove that with strategic planning, innovation, and perseverance, extraordinary success is possible. As you chart your own course in the business world, remember these lessons:
- Continue to learn
- Plan for the long-term
- Stay adaptable and open to innovation
- Balance growth with sustainability
At Hurlow Wealth Management Group, women comprise over half our current staff. Claire and Dawnetta serve as Advisors, and Laura, Dona, Stacey, Angie, and Jen complete our Client Service Team. We look for ways to encourage each other to grow and develop both professionally and personally. When female colleagues feel supported, unity builds within an organization and propels the company forward. If you would like to meet with a member of our team (male or female) please click to Schedule a Financial Planning Consultation.