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Annual Report 2025

8,500+

A Message from Our CEO

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As I complete my first year as CEO of Rock The Street Wall Street, I’m grateful and energized. Amid shifting priorities and policies, we stayed focused on equipping high school girls and university women with the financial foundations to thrive in the capital markets.

A standout moment this year was our first Woman of the Year Luncheon, honoring Founder Maura Cunningham and recognizing Board Chair Anders Hall as Supporter of the Year. The event highlighted our lasting impact with heartfelt tributes from students and alumnae, some recalling experiences from nearly a decade ago that underscored the power of financial math, investing concepts and industry mentors.

Maura’s founding vision continues to guide our mission and inspire future women in finance. This year, the Tennessee Senate and House honored RTSWS’ work and her impact with Senate Joint Resolution No. 193, recognizing our role in advancing financial literacy.

Mathematics, technology and innovation fueled our growth this year. We focused on building the infrastructure to meet rising demand, leading to record student registrations. In addition, more than 35,000 have now taken our Career Quiz, helping students explore different paths in finance.

Driven by volunteer feedback, we launched the Lead Volunteer Portal to make training and student support faster and easier. We expanded university partnerships, broadened career offerings and deepened our international presence with new programs in Toronto and London. Another highlight of the year was ringing the bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange with students, volunteers and sponsors, a powerful moment that reflected our growing reach.

RTSWS also expanded its industry presence through a range of high-profile events, including WealthTech Executive Summit, CFP Board's Power Women Design Summit, CFA Institute Live & CareerFest, where an alumna shared her journey from student to investment professional. Now active in over 30 cities across the US, UK and Canada, we continue to help students see themselves in finance, even amid market volatility.

Thank you for your continued support. As donors, volunteers, educators, students and alumnae, your involvement drives our mission and amplifies our impact. Together, we can keep expanding access and participation in the capital markets.

With appreciation,

Ashley Leftwich CEO, Rock The Street, Wall Street

Our Mission

Rock The Street, Wall Street empowers high school girls and university women by bringing the M in STEM to life through a focus on Financial & Investment fundamentals. We provide industry access and guidance to our students & alumnae supporting their journey from classrooms to careers while fostering expanded participation in the capital markets.

72%

Alumnae are pursuing finance, economics & related degrees at 5x the rate of the average female university student*

On average, Rock The Street, Wall Street alumnae have shown a 72% increase in Financial & Investment literacy

*National Center for Education Statistics (2023). Table 318.30

Our Impact

8,500+

30+

1,000+

With dedicated volunteers and sponsors, RTSWS has equipped more than 8,500 young women

Our in-school campus programs are impacting girls’ lives in more than 30 cities, spanning the US, UK and Canada

The RTSWS Career Center connects our 1,000 alumnae & university women entering the workforce with internships and entry-level opportunities

Driving Change in the Financial

Our Approach

We focus on workforce readiness, economic mobility, and building confidence in math and investing. Together with our partners, we’re expanding access and broadening the pathway to success in the capital markets.

Our programs equip the next generation with the tools, mentors and opportunities to enter and rise within the financial industry. Our work helps bridge access and drive participation at every level of the sector.

Our Programming

Financial Industry

What We Do

With the support of industry volunteers and sponsors, Rock The Street, Wall Street delivers practical solutions that equip students with the skills, knowledge and access needed to succeed.

Our programs include school-based cohorts, investment workshops, internships, and early career guidance. Students build peer networks, take on leadership as Student CEOs, and connect with mentors and role models who reflect their backgrounds and show how math powers the financial world.

This pipeline begins in high school and continues through university into early careers, reaching more than 8,500 students to date. Through our Career Center, we extend support with leadership events, career coaching, and direct connections to employers.

We educate, prepare and advance the next generation to help them thrive in the financial industry.

Industry Leadership

Using our curriculum, mentors equip students with the tools to help with college and career navigation. We're changing the national student-to-counselor ratio from 482:1 to an impactful 2:1. This shift is especially powerful for students in underserved schools, helping to build their academic and career paths along with long-term trajectories.

Our dedicated volunteers provide more than guidance. They deliver social capital and industry access. By connecting students to professionals in finance, we help break barriers. As students progress through our program in cohorts, these connections can create lasting networks and open doors that once seemed out of reach.

*Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), "State-by-State Student-to-Counselor Ratio Report," 2023

Expanding the Pipeline

At Rock The Street, Wall Street, we're also helping firms strengthen and expand their talent pipeline by preparing the next generation of women to enter the financial workforce with confidence. Our programs equip students with the financial acumen, career readiness and industry access to help them succeed.

Through meaningful connections with professionals and employers, as well as curated job and internship opportunities, we connect ambitious, prepared candidates with organizations actively seeking emerging talent. We serve as a bridge between motivated young women and the companies committed to building a high-performing, future-ready workforce.

"RTSWS has allowed me to gain a confidence and skill set that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I recieved an internship at Morgan Stanley with the help of a mentor’s recommendation, and learned different kinds of careers within the financial sector...

RTSWS hosts many events where I’ve connected and networked with industry professionals who’ve shared feedback and advice helping me reach my goals."

Sophia T., 2024-2026 RTSWS Student High School of Economics and Finance

Our Programming

High School Offerings

Autumn Classroom Workshops

Classroom workshops focus on financial & investment fundamentals

Office Field Trip Experience Spring Mentorship Pairings

Half-day student field trips to sponsor firms' offices include tour, panel and feedback discussion

Classroom mentoring sessions help young women navigate next steps

RTSWS curriculum provided

University & Early Career Offerings

RTSWS

Career Center

Support students to thrive in college, internships and early career roles with centralized job postings and resources

Sponsor firms post job shadow, internship and entry-level positions

Industry Events & Workshops University Sessions

Provide access to industry professionals for career development and events for RTSWS Alumnae and other enterprising young women

Equip university women with early career coaching, resume-building tools and peer-supported strategies to help them confidently launch financial careers

Our Locations

Serving more than 60 cohorts across 30+ cities

United States

Albany, NY

Alpharetta, GA

Atlanta, GA

Austin, TX

Boston, MA

Chandler, AZ

Charlotte, NC

Chicago, IL

Dallas, TX

Denver, CO

El Segundo, CA

Hempstead, NY

Houston, TX

Jacksonville, FL

Los Angeles, CA

Menlo Park, CA

Minneapolis, MN

Nashville, TN

New York, NY

Newark, NJ

Newport Beach, CA

Nolensville, TN

Omaha, NE

Pasadena, CA

Philadelphia, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Portland, OR

Raleigh, NC

San Francisco, CA

San Mateo, CA

St. Louis, MO

York, SC

United Kingdom

London, England

Canada

Toronto, Ontario

Special Event Timeline

The 2025 fiscal year was one of momentum, growth and lasting impact. We celebrated our Founder’s vision and legacy while advancing our mission through the strategic leadership of our CEO. With an expanding international footprint and strong support from industry partners, we delivered highimpact events that connected students with finance professionals, deepened financial knowledge and opened doors for the next generation of women in finance.

20th Annual Intercollegiate Business Convention features RTSWS for its STEM panel as well as the Career Fair geared toward undergraduate students

RTSWS Closes the Market at Toronto Stock Exchange celebrating key milestones, including program expansion in Canada and our industry panel: Driving Inclusion Across the Industry

RTSWS Joins WealthTech Executive Summit where CEO Ashley Leftwich and Founder Maura Cunningham speak on expanding opportunities for young women in finance and tech

RTSWS at Harvard BOLD 2024 with CEO Ashley Leftwich speaking on mentorship and financial literacy at Harvard’s BOLD event, reaching 300+ high school students during National Mentoring Month

Demystifying Careers in Finance hosted by RTSWS, Citadel & Citadel Securities celebrating International Women’s Day and connecting students with women leaders in investments, finance and tech

RTSWS CEO Ashley Leftwich speaks at Rutgers HerStory Conference 2025, sharing insights on financial access and advocating for greater inclusion in the industry during Women’s History Month

Inaugural Woman of the Year, celebrating Founder Maura Cunningham's vision and the lasting impact of financial education on students and alumnae across the country; Anders Hall RTSWS Board Chair named Supporter of the Year

Generation Equality Parliamentarians Dialogue Series, by UN Women, includes RTSWS as a participant in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

CFA Institute Live & CareerFest, spotlighting a RTSWS Alumna's financial journey and role in the industry

RTSWS connects with industry leaders and supporters focused on talent pipelines and the future of client stratagies

RTSWS at CFP Board’s Power Women

Design Summit has founder Maura Cunningham joining top industry leaders to spotlight actionable stratagies to attract, retain and advance women in the industry

Woman of the Year

Inaugural Event Honoring RTSWS Founder

In March we hosted our inaugural Woman of the Year Luncheon in Nashville, honoring Founder Maura Cunningham for her visionary leadership in advancing financial & investment education and access to the capital markets. The event brought together industry leaders, volunteers, and students to celebrate Maura’s lasting impact and recognize her role in empowering over 7,500 young women since RTSWS’s founding in 2012; see the moving tribute video here.

“When I founded RTSWS in 2012, my goal was to provide investment knowledge, confidence, and access to students who may not have seen a future for themselves in finance. To see 7,500 students complete our programs and transition into college majors and careers, many in the finance industry, is more rewarding than I ever imagined.

There’s still much to be done, but today is a moment to reflect and express gratitude— to our board, volunteers, partners, and to Ashley, who is leading RTSWS into exciting and pivotal years ahead.”

— Maura Cunningham RTSWS Founder & Executive Chair

“This inaugural event celebrates the transformative impact of Maura Cunningham’s vision and her enduring legacy in empowering young women.

Maura’s leadership established a strong foundation, allowing us to advance alongside our high school and university students as they pursue degrees, internships, and early professional roles. Together, we are cultivating a pipeline of motivated talent prepared to excel across the financial industry.”

— Ashley Leftwich, RTSWS CEO

The special day also recognized Rock The Street, Wall Street's Board Chair Anders Hall with the inaugural Supporter of the Year Award for his outstanding commitment to expanding participation in the capital markets.

Celebrating Success

Innovating for the Future

In fiscal year 2025, we have much to celebrate. Ashley Leftwich led RTSWS through a pivotal year of transition and growth. We continued to broaden our reach, strengthen our infrastructure, and deepen our commitment to financial and investment education for young women.

As we honored Founder Maura Cunningham at our inaugural Woman of the Year Luncheon, Tennessee recognized RTSWS' impact along with our founder's vision. With students and sponsors, we closed the market at the Toronto Stock Exchange and launched our largest student cohorts to date. Engagement from university women reached a new high through our Career Center Scalable systems to support rising demand included a streamlined volunteer portal, new technology integrations and continued growth of our Career Quiz, now with over 35,000 completed.

Students applied what they learned in real-world settings across more than 30 cities, from boardrooms to trading floors. At the same time, RTSWS leadership shared our mission with audiences in three countries, showing how Financial & Investment education can change the course of a student's future. Demand is growing, and with your support, we can reach even more young women with the math and mentorship that opens doors to careers in finance.

Resolution 193: A Mark of Impact

For advancing financial literacy and fostering economic independence among young women, Rock The Street, Wall Street was formally recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly with the passing of Resolution 193, underscoring the growing reach and impact of our mission. This joint resolution, issued by both the Senate and House, honors RTSWS and our visionary founder Maura Cunningham.

It stands as a meaningful distinction and a reflection of the thousands of students, volunteers, and partners who bring this mission to life. This recognition affirms the urgency and importance of expanding access to the capital markets for the next generation.

2025 Financial Focus

Providing Investment Fundamentals

Rock The Street, Wall Street continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Every data point reflects real momentum, with students gaining the knowledge, confidence and connections to explore finance and take charge of their future.Fueled by multi-year commitments from corporate sponsors and transformational supporters, RTSWS upheld fiscal stewardship during a shifting policy landscape.

In 2025, RTSWS earned the Candid Platinum Transparency Seal. In addition, we recently received 100% rating with 4 of 4 stars from Charity Navigator on Impact & Measurement; Accountability & Finance; Culture & Community and Leadership & Adaptability.

Measurable Results

1,500 50

Delivering Real Impact & Strategic Growth

In 2025, over 1,500 students completed at least two RTSWS sessions, gaining practical financial knowledge and a clearer view of careers in finance. Backed by more than 50 corporate sponsors, 10 in-kind partner organizations and 700 dedicated industry volunteers, our programs combined classroom learning with mentorship and access to professionals and resources. Students showed a 72% average increase in investment literacy, as measured by standardized FINRA testing, clear evidence that focused investment education can create lasting change.

We also advanced long-term growth through multi-year sponsorships that fund support initiatives such as our Career Center and Leadership Series. Transformational Sponsorships make it possible to serve students from high school through early career, helping build a stronger pipeline of futureready talent. As RTSWS scales, we remain focused on delivering meaningful financial learning and expanding access to the capital markets.

“When students see what’s possible and meet the people in these roles, careers stop feeling distant. One conversation, one interaction can change how they pursue their future.”

Ashley Leftwich, CEO, Rock The Street, Wall Street

RTSWS Alumna

From Student to Industry: Giving Back

In full circle moments, RTSWS Alumnae are now leading the charge, running campus events, mentoring the next wave of students and speaking at industry forums.

Alinda L., a RTSWS Alumna from our Chicago program, is now an Equity Research Associate at William Blair and was a featured speaker at CFA Institute CareerFest 2025. Her journey reflects the power of early access, real-world experience, and lasting mentorship through RTSWS.

“RTSWS provided access to the fundamentals to help me understand finance, not just as a concept but as a career path. From high school to internships to my role today, RTSWS has been more than a program; it is a launchpad that now gives me the chance to give back.”

The RTSWS Alumnae Council is a remarkable assembly of driven and talented graduates who are passionately advancing the mission of Rock The Street, Wall Street. By uniting their collective expertise and experience, they help empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders, dismantling barriers and excelling in the ever-evolving realm of finance.

RTSWS Alumnae Council

Sophia M., RTSWS Alumna and former Student CEO, created Wall Street Firms for Girls, a podcast where women in finance share insights on their careers and offer guidance to help high school and college girls explore paths in the financial industry.

Three RTSWS alumnae, now in college, returned as guest speakers to share their journeys beyond high school. They spoke about their studies, career goals, and how RTSWS continues to support their paths, offering current students a powerful glimpse of what’s possible.

RTSWS has been proud to take part in several events at Harvard University, bringing our mission to campus through panels and conversations that highlight women in finance and promote inclusive dialogue.

We were especially proud to have RTSWS Alumna Julia K. in attendance, now active in multiple Women in Business committees. She shares, ''Every time someone asks me, 'Why finance?' I realize RTSWS is my answer."

Champion Spotlights

Real change is driven by the people who carry RTSWS' mission forward. Volunteers from the industry share lessons learned helping students navigate. Educators open doors for their students through financial education. Alumnae build on those lessons as they grow into confident professionals. These spotlights feature the power of that connection.

Malisa Mashud, RTSWS School Champion

Assistant Curriculum Leader, Toronto District School Board

As school champion, Malisa Mashud led a three-day RTSWS program for her school with support from BlackRock. Her students explored personal finance, investing and the stock market through interactive sessions led by women in finance. A highlight was hearing from Marcia Moffat, Managing Director and Country Head of Canada at BlackRock. Students practiced building investment strategies and role-played as financial advisors, then ended with a panel and networking session featuring BlackRock professionals.

“Witnessing their growth in confidence and understanding was truly inspiring,” Malisa said. The program gave students practical tools and a clearer view of what’s possible in finance.

From Classroom to Career

Megan M., RTSWS Alumna Class of 2016

Apprentice, Charles Schwab Aspiring Talent Academy 2025

Megan M. joined RTSWS in high school through a program at TD Ameritrade. She was paired with a mentor from Charles Schwab who introduced her to the role of an investment consultant and helped her connect her interests to a future in finance.

Megan interned at TD Ameritrade for nearly four years, and is now part of the Aspiring Talent Academy at Charles Schwab. She recently shared on LinkedIn the impact of RTSWS.

“RTSWS is a program that truly changed my life… It gave me direction and support at a time when I needed it most.”

Testimonials

“Even though I’ve graduated, I’d love to stay involved with RTSWS and give back the way my mentors did for me. I’m so grateful for the opportunities and experiences RTSWS has provided, not just for me but for my school and my city.”

- Danielle N, University of Illinois Chicago Class of 2027, Business Administration | RTSWS Alumnae Council Member

“I’ve been thrilled to be a part of this amazing program—from my sophomore year of high school to my freshman year of college.”

- Sophia M., Columbia University Class of 2028, Chemical Engineering and/or Financial Engineering RTSWS Alumnae Council Member

“I’m so thankful for Rock The Street, Wall Street. I’ve made some really good connections, and it opened up my eyes to finance as a prospective field and how to navigate networking and build my career.”

- Trisha R, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Class of 2025, Statistics & Analytics, Data Science RTSWS Alumnae Council Member

“Rock The Street, Wall Street has been life-changing for me. It’s given me so much insight into the financial world that I wouldn’t have gotten had I not joined. I hope we as a community can keep giving back and helping more young girls.”

- Khujista U., Columbia University Class of 2026, Mathematics RTSWS Alumnae Council Member

“RTSWS has been a really big part of my life. I didn’t know anything about finance or the business world. Now, I’m a college junior officially entering the field of finance, and I can confidently say none of that would’ve been possible without Rock The Street, Wall Street.”

- Devanshi S., UCLA Class of 2026 Mathematics/Economics RTSWS Alumnae Council Member

“I’m proud to be part of Rock The Street, Wall Street—an organization that brings the M in STEM to life by equipping high school girls and university women with the tools to navigate finance and investing.

RTSWS meets students at a pivotal moment, connecting them with real-world mentors and showing them what’s possible. Every lesson, every role model, and every opportunity helps narrow the gender gap in the financial industry.”

- Jezell G., University of Rhode Island Class of 2026, Cellular and Molecular Biology | RTSWS Alumnae Council Member

Executive Gallery

We proudly launched our Executive Sponsor Gallery highlighting some of our dedicated leaders driving change and empowering the next generation of talented professionals in finance. Their commitment to mentorship, financial education and industry access plays a vital role in guiding the future of our hardworking RTSWS students. Explore the gallery to see these insights, read what they have to say about RTSWS and our students and watch impactful videos from our sponsors that bring this support to life.

Brandon Gill New, Managing Director & Head of External Partnerships, AIMCO

“At AIMCO, we are committed to advancing financial literacy and mentorship. Through our partnership with Rock The Street, Wall Street, our volunteers equip high school girls with real-world finance and capital markets knowledge while providing guidance for their future careers.

By exploring asset classes, engaging with industry professionals, and hearing insights from senior women in finance, these students expand their understanding of the field and the possibilities ahead. AIMCo is proud to support their growth and future success.”

“Rock The Street, Wall Street is opening pathways for young women to gain the financial knowledge and industry access to help them succeed. We’re proud to support this mission and applaud RTSWS for helping to build a more inclusive and dynamic financial workforce.”

- Gwen Smith, Head of Global Strategic Engagement & MD, US Government Affairs, Invesco Ltd.

“Our team is passionate about supporting and teaching the next generation of female leaders in finance. Investing in young women’s education and confidence in financial literacy—like the work being done by Rock The Street, Wall Street—is essential for building a stronger and more dynamic industry.”

- Michael Buchman, Chief Investment Officer & Vice President, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

“Starting from a whiteboard full of ideas and data, including the insight that girls often leave math around age 9… Rock The Street, Wall Street became a national movement. It’s absolutely incredible to see that vision become a true reality.”

- Deborah Taylor Tate, U.S. Federal Communications Commission (Ret.); Director-Emerita, TN Supreme Court; Director, HealthStream, Inc.

“We are continually inspired by their drive and determination to build their own futures, many of which lead into related degrees as well as the financial industry. The impact of RTSWS is lasting, and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”

- Blair DuQuesnay, Investment Advisor, Ritholtz Wealth Management

Our Sponsors

Transformational Supporters

BMO

First Citizens Bank

Manulife John Hancock

2025 Board of Directors

Michelle Borré, CFA

Independent Director - Mutual Fund Board, William Blair; former Head of Fundamental Alternative Strategies at Invesco

Delano Brissett Product Manager, Google; former educator and management consultant

Maura Cunningham Founder of Rock The Street, Wall Street

Gretchen Flicker, CFA

Former Senior Institutional Investment Executive, Dimensional Fund Advisors; Former Trustee, Saint Mary’s College

Anders Hall, CFA

RTSWS Board Chair, Vice Chancellor for Investments and Chief Investment Officer, Vanderbilt University

Penny Novick Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Prime Brokerage, Morgan Stanley

Sonya Park Managing Director State Street Global Advisors

Arthur Steinmetz Former Chairman, CEO, and President OppenheimerFunds

Stephen Tisdalle Chief Marketing Officer FS Investments

Advisory Council

Meredith Jones

Managing Director at EY & Founder of MJ Alternative Investment Research

Viraj Parikh Managing Partner, TechCXO, LLC

Judy Ricketts

Executive Vice President of Operations, LPL; former Managing Director of Investor Services, TD Ameritrade

Reginald Sanders, CFA, CAIA Director of Investments, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Tracy Sedlock

Chief Operating Partner, Accel; former Manager of Investments, Princeton University

Matthew Stone, CFA

Managing Director of Public Markets and Absolute Return, University of Chicago

Canadian Advisory Council West Coast Advisory Council

Netila Demneri

Consultant in Financial Services and Corporate Officers Sectors; specializes in asset and wealth management, capital markets, and insurance

Amy Miller

Global Head of Loan Syndications, Scotiabank; advocate for diversity and inclusion

Ingrid Montarras

Co-op and Business Teacher in Ontario; innovator in education with AI and Design Thinking

Anthony Ostler, CFA

President and CEO, Canadian Bankers Association; Board Member, International Banking Federation

Frederick M. Pinto, CFA, ICD.D

CEO, CFA Society Toronto; strategic leader in asset and wealth management

Kelli Cullinane

Managing Director, CFO, CCO, Next Legacy Partners

Pooja Malik, CFA CEO, Nipun Capital, L.P.

Jill Murphy Chief Velocity Officer, Visa

Kimberly Summe

Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Sequoia Capital Global Equities

Wylie Tollette, CFA Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions

Your Gift Builds Futures

Help RTSWS Expand Access to the Capital Markets

Educate Prepare Advance

We bring the M in STEM to life

• In FY 2025, more than 1,500 students completed two or more sessions

• Students saw an average 72% growth in financial literacy

We equip students for the real world

• This year, over 700 financial professionals volunteered across our programs

• 67% of students returned as proteges to deepen their skills

We open doors to futures in finance

• 73% of our students plan to major / minor in finance-related fields

• Served schools where 50% of students qualify for free-or-reduced lunch