03/27/2026
It's the month of women!
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we wanted to take some time to recognize and honor the contributions of some women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for future generations in finance.
Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the financial services industry, leaving a permanent mark on its trajectory and evolution. Here are some significant areas where women have impacted the financial industry and paved the way for women to accumulate wealth and protect their families and futures.
Inventor of Social Security – Frances Perkins was the architect behind the Social Security Act. Serving as the Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins spearheaded the development and implementation of Social Security during the tumultuous era of the Great Depression. Motivated by her deep-rooted commitment to social justice and economic reform, Perkins was pivotal in crafting legislation providing a safety net for vulnerable individuals and families. Perkins's visionary leadership and tireless advocacy paved the way for establishing Social Security as a cornerstone of America's social welfare system, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and resilience for generations to come.
US Stock Exchange Member - Muriel "Mickie" Siebert broke Wall Street's gender barrier in 1967 by becoming the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. Through her pioneering efforts, Siebert paved the way for greater gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated world of finance.
Woman-Owned Brokerage Firm - Founding the first female-owned brokerage firm on Wall Street, Victoria Woodhull was a trailblazing advocate for women's rights and financial reform. Along with her activism, Woodhull was a successful stockbroker and entrepreneur. Her efforts to challenge gender norms and break into the male-dominated world of finance paved the way for future generations of women in the industry.
First Woman Investor - Abigail Adams, whose astute financial acumen and business savvy helped to sustain her family's finances during her husband's political career. Her correspondence with John Adams provides insights into her investment decisions, highlighting her keen understanding of economic matters and strategic financial planning.
Today, women continue to make strides in finance, from leading investment firms and hedge funds to driving innovation in fintech and financial services.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor the achievements of these remarkable women and those continuing to pave the way by fostering an inclusive and equitable financial industry where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.
Well behaved women don't make history? Some do!
