The 2024 InvestmentNews Women to Watch winners revealed

Best in class: Sneha Shah, of SEI; Ann Covington, from Covington Alsina; Lindsey Lewis, of the American College of Financial Services; and Gloria Garcia Cisneros, of LourdMurray. Picture by Becky Yee.

Leading women in the financial advisory profession came together in New York City last night to honor and celebrate achievement and resilience.

NOV 07, 2024

By Manal Ali

The 2024 InvestmentNews Women to Watch awards in New York City was a night marked by powerful stories, emotional moments, and inspiring accomplishments. At the heart of this memorable evening was a moving tribute by Gloria Garcia Cisneros, of LourdMurray, who was named Rising Star of the Year and took a moment on stage to thank her grandmother, emphasizing the values and sacrifices that guided her journey to success.

“For me, this award isn't just for me,” Cisneros shared, “it's for young women, for Latinas, immigrants who need to see that success is possible, even when the path isn’t clear.” Cisneros’ words resonated deeply with attendees, reminding everyone of the power of representation and resilience.

Held at Tribeca 360, the awards ceremony gathered top leaders in finance to celebrate women who are breaking barriers and setting new standards in an industry historically dominated by men. Hosted by Emmy-winning anchor Kerry Barrett, the event highlighted not only professional achievements but also the personal commitment and tenacity driving them forward.

Among the evening’s honorees, Lindsey Lewis, of the American College of Financial Services, won the Female Trailblazer of the Year award for her contributions to financial education. “It’s really impactful because I’ve spent countless days and nights working toward changing the demographics of client-facing advisors in finance,” she shared.

Lewis candidly shared the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, including moments of weariness and doubt that come with pushing for change. Despite these feelings, Lewis acknowledged that being part of an event like this renewed her sense of purpose. “This year, I definitely had a level of skepticism and, like, cynicism and fatigue,” she admitted, “but seeing everyone here reminds me why it’s worth pushing forward.”

Shauna Mace, Head of Practice Management at SEI, main event sponsors, emphasized the broader impact of the work being recognized: “The work that happens in our business is just so important for families and for the lives of all of the families that these advisors and financial planners touch. It's important work, and for us to be a part of supporting that, for the future of business owners that are advisors, but also the families and individuals they support, it's absolutely critical work.”

InvestmentNews would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who made this year’s Women to Watch Awards an unforgettable evening. Fidelity Charitable and SEI served as main sponsors, supporting the celebration of these exceptional industry leaders. A special acknowledgment to Commonwealth, our Video Sponsor. A particular highlight of the evening was the photobooth, sponsored by RFG Advisory and Strong Her Money, which added a fun, celebratory element to the night. It became a focal point for attendees.

Park Avenue Securities created a glamorous welcome as our Red Carpet Sponsor, and The American College of Financial Services served as our Education Sponsor, recognizing the importance of continued learning in finance.

Here is a full rundown of the winners:

Allyship Champion of the Year

Heather Fortner – SignatureFD

Female Trailblazer of the Year

Lindsey Lewis – The American College of Financial Services

Excellence in Gender Diversity & Inclusion

Fiduciary Trust International

The SEI Award for Rising Star Advisor of the Year

Gloria Garcia Cisneros – LourdMurray

Employer of Choice

Prudential Advisors

Portfolio Manager of the Year