There is no doubt that women have had an enormously long row to hoe when it comes to the world of finance. In fact, it was only as recently as the 1970’s that women in America really began to gain widespread rights to not only hold their own bank and credit accounts, but own their own property and have full control of their own finances. Even today, however, there are still a number of obstacles women often have to overcome when it comes to controlling their own finances and managing their own money. That being said, there are also women who have spent years rising through the ranks to become leaders in the world of finance, who are now in a position to help other women gain even greater freedom and control over their own financial destiny. Here are three of the most inspirational women in finance.
- Janet Yellen
As the 78th United States Secretary of the Treasury, Yellen is also the very first woman appointed to this position. As the 15th chair of the Federal Reserve, she was also the first woman to hold that position as well, making her a true trailblazer in the world of finance. In fact, Yelles is the first person ever to have led the White House Council of Economic Advisors, the Federal Reserve, and the Treasury Department.
- Anne Ackerly
In addition to being a Managing Director and Head of BlackRock’s Retirement Group, she is also a co-founder of BlackRock’s Women’s Network (WIN). She is a tireless champion for women’s leadership and has won awards for both her own leadership in the industry and her work advancing gender equity. She was named to Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” list in both 2020 and 2021.
- Mary Callahan Erdoes
As the CEO of JPMorgan Chase’s Asset & Wealth Management, Erdoes is not only responsible for protecting the 200-year-old legacy of a trusted fiduciary to major corporations, global governments, high-profile institutions and individuals, but also her own 25 year investment in the company, which she spent working her way up the ranks of JPMorgan Chase. In addition to being CEO, she also holds a seat on the firm’s most senior management team, the JPMorgan Chase Operating Committee.