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
Carin Pai – Fiduciary Trust International
The Fidelity Charitable® Award for Excellence in Philanthropy & Community Service
Michelle Clary – Piton Wealth
Executive Excellence Award
Sneha Shah – SEI Investments Company
Financial Literacy Champion
Jennifer Aube – Wironen Aube Wealth Management
Fastest Growing, Female-Led Advisory Team
CovingtonAlsina
The Alexandra Armstrong Award For Lifetime Achievement in the Financial Services Industry
Carolyn McClanahan, M.D., CFP® – Life Planning Partners, Inc.
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
