2024 Annual Report by Rock The Street, Wall Street

Annual Report 2024

A Message from Our Founder Maura Cunningham

Thirteen years ago, when I founded Rock The Street, Wall Street, I had a clear vision: to increase the number of women in leadership roles within the global finance network and ensure they have a seat at the table in boardrooms. I knew that math was the key to unlocking these opportunities, so I focused on changing the way young women perceive and engage with it. Beyond preparing them for careers in the financial ecosystem, my goal has also been to provide all girls with the investment acumen needed to build their own financial futures. By equipping them with financial and mathematical skills — along with the confidence, networks and pathways to succeed — I set out to break barriers and drive lasting change in the industry and in the financial lives of women.

For too long, cultural biases have left half the population out of our mathematics classrooms, depriving them of the foundation necessary to secure seats at the corporate and government tables where decisions are made — decisions that impact us all. This exclusion isn’t a global inevitability but rather a product of Western cultural dynamics. We see clear evidence of this in countries like China, Russia, India and many Eastern European cities, where women are not missing in mathematics nor technical fields at nearly the same rates.

Engaging high school girls in dynamic, financial professional-led cohorts that highlight the power of math and investing has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Together, we’re not just tackling a systemic issue — we’re building a more equitable future. Thank you for your unwavering support in empowering the next generation of women.

2024 has been a transformative year for RTSWS, surpassing the milestone of reaching 7,000 girls. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team, volunteers and sponsors in shaping future financial leaders and knowledgeable investors. As our students advance through college, they return for career support through our Alumnae & Career Center, which offers 100+ listings for highly competitive internships and jobs. This resource connects education to careers by offering mentorship, networking and career opportunities across the financial services industry, helping to level the playing field.

As a first-generation American and the first in my family to attend college, I deeply understand the life-changing power of access and education. Through RTSWS, we are opening doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach for these ambitious young women, equipping them to thrive in the financial and government sectors.

This year marked a pivotal moment in our journey with the appointment of Ashley Leftwich as my successor and the new CEO of RTSWS, back in July 2024. Ashley has been an essential driving force behind our growth, providing visionary leadership, scaling our programs and extending our impact. I am incredibly proud of her unshakable resolve to advance our mission with creativity and excellence. With Ashley at the helm, I have every confidence that RTSWS will continue to transform lives and create lasting opportunities for generations to come.

An Update from Our CEO

Dear Supporters,

It's a privilege to work with you, leaders in the industry. I serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Rock The Street, Wall Street, the successor of our visionary founder, Maura Cunningham. Maura’s passion for creating opportunities for young women in finance has been a driving force behind our impact, and I am grateful to her as well as to you for your engagement and advocacy.

My own journey began with a love for mathematics, where I was often the only woman in my classes. This experience shaped my understanding of how diversity — of thought, background, and perspective — drives better results for us all. At RTSWS, we demonstrate this every day by equipping high school girls with the knowledge, confidence, and access to pursue careers in finance.

We are growing with them, serving these talented young women beginning in high school through university, internships and early professional roles - from classrooms to careers. Over the years, we have now reached more than 7,000 young women raising their hands to learn more about Financial & Investment fundamentals. It’s a testament to the collective efforts of our team, our industry partners, and our incredible volunteers. Together, we are creating a pipeline of talented, motivated young women, preparing them to lead across the financial industry.

As we look ahead, it is a privilege to build on Maura’s legacy, grow our programs, and continue fostering a world where women thrive across the capital markets. Thank you for your support in making this vision a reality.

With warm regards

Ashley Leftwich CEO, Rock The Street, Wall Street

Our Mission

Rock The Street, Wall Street brings the M in STEM to diverse high school girls with a focus on Financial & Investment fundamentals. We provide industry access and guidance to our Students & Alumnae from classrooms to careers, fostering inclusivity in the Capital Markets.

Our alumnae are pursuing finance, economics & related degrees at 5x the rate of the average female university student 5x the Rate

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

On average, our alumnae have shown a 70% INCREASE in financial and investment literacy

On average, Rock The Street, Wall Street alumnae have shown a 70% increase in financial and investment literacy

*Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2023, Table 318.30

Our Impact

With dedicated volunteers and sponsors, RTSWS has empowered more than 7,000 young women

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

1,000

Entering the Workforce

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

RTSWS Alumnae & Career Center connects our 1,000 alumnae entering the workforce with internships and entery-level opportunities

≠ The Problem

Research shows that while girls in the US, UK, and Canada perform on par with boys in math during elementary and middle school, their performance and interest wanes significantly in high school, contributing to the gender gap.

This decline is driven by societal biases, a lack of female role models in math-related fields, and gender-based socialization. Although this gap varies across regions and cultures, it remains a widespread issue that demands urgent action.*

= Our Solution

Studies show targeted interventions can reignite girls’ interest in math narrowing the gender gap. At RTSWS, we renew girls’ engagement at a critical life stage when they make key decisions about their futures. Our female financial professionals serve as real-world role models, sparking enthusiasm for finance.

Since 2012, over 7,000 girls have completed our program, helping to close gender and racial wage and wealth gaps. In additoin to female leaders, our mission is supported by male allies who champion gender equity and actively contribute to empowering the next generation of female financial leaders.

*Role Models and the Lack of Female Representation in STEM: Cheryan, S., Master, A., & Meltzoff, A. N. (2015). Cultural stereotypes as gatekeepers: Increasing girls' interest in computing by diversifying stereotypes. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 49.

Wage & Wealth Gap

Wage Gap*

For every $1 USD earned by a white man, women typically earn only the following:

White Men: 1 dollar

White Women: 79 cents

Black Women: 63 cents

Latina Women: 54 cents

Wealth Gap*

The wealth gap encompasses broader economic disparities beyond just earnings. Women have only 32 cents for every dollar owned by a man and in these terms “wealth” is significantly lower for black and Latina women, who own a penny for every male dollar.

Men: 1 dollar

Women: 32 cents

*Sources: Pew Research Center, "The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap," 2023; U.S. Census Bureau, "Wealth and Asset Ownership Report," 2015.

Role Models

The primary factor discouraging girls from pursuing financial careers? A lack of visible women in these fields.

The second factor that discourages?

A scarcity of female peers opting for STEM studies in their classes and social circles. It’s as straightforward as that. And this is precisely where RTSWS makes a transformative impact in every classroom we enter.

STEM careers have the power to lift individuals and families within a single generation.

RTSWS mentors provide invaluable support by offering college and career guidance to our students. We’re transformaing the student-to-guidance counselor ratio from a staggering national average of 482:1 to a remarkable 2:1. This transformation reverberates through our students’ college and career paths and life journeys, particularly benefiting those from underserved schools.

Our dedicated female volunteers contribute essential social capital, connecting students who might otherwise remain distant from professionals in the financial sector. As we build student cohorts among the girls, industry connections dismantle obstacles that have historically hindered women’s entry into financial careers.

482:1 National Average* RTSWS Mentorship

2:1

*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 are working with firms broadening the talent pipeline by equipping students with the tools, resources, and connections to enter the workforce confidently.

Through our programs, students connect with peers, professionals, and employers in the financial industry, building a network that opens doors to meaningful opportunities. By fostering exploration and facilitating job postings, we bridge the gap between ambitious female talent and organizations seeking a driven, skilled workforce.

“Through Rock The Street, Wall Street, I was fortunate to secure a summer internship. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been invited back as part of its alumni cohort of 15 students. I couldn’t be more excited and thankful for the opportunities RTSWS programs have provided.”

Sophia Manzo, 2024 RTSWS Alumna, Hunter College High School

Our Programming

High School Offerings

Mentorship Pairings Autumn Classroom Workshops

4, one-hour classroom workshops focused on financial & investment fundamentals

RTSWS curriculum provided

Office Field Trip Experience

Half-day student field trip to sponsor firms office included tour, panel and feedback discussion

3, one-hour in classroom mentoring sessions helping young women navigate next steps

RTSWS curriculum provided

Alumnae Offerings: University & Early Career

Alumnae & Career Center

Support students to thrive in college, internships and early career job offerings

Industry Events & Workshops

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

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

Our Locations

Serving more than 60 cohorts across 35 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

Gallatin, TN

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

2024 At a Glance

2024 was a year of empowerment, leadership transition, and expanding our reach. From celebrating our Founder and welcoming our CEO, we are reaching more students across our growing international footprint, RTSWS continued to drive meaningful change and create opportunities for the next generation of women in finance.

TIAA & RTSWS Student CEO Summit in NY, Fireside Chat: Thasunda Brown Duckett and Maura Cunningham; Ashley Leftwich leads workshops celebrating Women’s Month

IWD event at Bloomberg in London Sessions on empowering financial futures and European industry leaders & founder panel

RTSWS recognizes FinLit Month with launch of reimagined Alumane & Career Center based on grant from ING Americas

7,000 RTSWS celebrates empowering more than 7,000 girls across 30+ cities

Leadership

Founder Maura Cunningham steps into the role of Executive Chair & Board Member

Ashley Leftwich appointed CEO succeeding Maura

Harvard University Undergraduate Women in Business’ hosts 20th Annual Intercollegiate Business Convention and Career Fair featuring RTSWS

RTSWS Closes the Market at Toronto Stock Exchange Celebrating Key Milestones such as program expansion in Canada

2024 Highlights

2024 was a year of empowerment, leadership transition, and expanded impact for Rock The Street, Wall Street. With Maura Cunningham transitioning to Executive Chair and Ashley Leftwich stepping in as CEO, RTSWS reached more students than ever while deepening its commitment to advancing financial and investment understanding for young women.

We celebrated milestones like ringing the bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange to mark our expansion in Canada and hosting an investment-focused event with Bloomberg for 80 female students in London. Across Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, we connected with universities, including Harvard, Columbia, Northwestern and Stanford to build stronger pathways for young women. We also launched our reimagined Alumnae & Career Center, supported by ING, connecting students with internships, career opportunities, and mentorships through collaborations with over 60 financial firms.

A highlight was our Student CEO Summit, where Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA, delivered a powerful keynote alongside Maura with Ashley leading students and executives in a financial session. These efforts, alongside Ashley’s strategic leadership, are helping RTSWS expand its footprint, inspire future leaders, and advance our mission of transforming lives through financial education. Together, we’re shaping the future of finance—one student at a time.

Celebrating Success

Empowering the Next Generation

Rock The Street, Wall Street is making a transformative impact by empowering more than 1,000 young women annually through financial and investment programs. With a focus on bringing the M in STEM to high school girls, RTSWS has facilitated over 200 financial and investment fundamentals sessions, giving students the knowledge, skills and access they need to make informed decisions about their futures. Through partnerships with leading financial firms, volunteers and allies, RTSWS also hosted more than 50 office visits, offering students a firsthand look at the exciting career opportunities within the financial industry.

As RTSWS expands its footprint, we are proud to continue to track students' journeys as they secure internships and early career access to the financial sector. These opportunities not only open doors for young women but also strengthen the industry with diverse perspectives and talent. The growing success of RTSWS students highlights the power of equipping young women with tools to succeed, ensuring that they are prepared to lead and thrive in the world of finance. Together, we’re creating a brighter, more inclusive future.

Testimonials

“As I enter the professional world, I can confidently say that I would not be on the path that I am on today without Rock the Street, Wall Street. Every time someone asks me, “Why finance?”, I realize that RTSWS is my answer. The incredibly knowledgeable and supportive network of female mentors has inspired me to pursue not only a career in this field, but also the larger dream to one day be that role model for another girl just like me.”

- Julia K., Harvard class of 2026, Member of Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business | RTSWS Alumna 2019

“I was eager to get involved with RTSWS after watching a presentation during my financial literacy class… Our class met with RTSWS volunteers, which allowed us to obtain new perspectives and get a better understanding of the various roles and responsibilities within the financial services field Prior to my involvement with RTSWS, I never considered a field in STEM because I did not see many women in the field, nor did I see people that looked like me.”

- Kamri W., Texas Christian University Class of 2024, Finance Real Estate | RTSWS Alumna 2020

“I just finished my third day of my internship program, and it is already going great! I am learning so much from a range of educational sessions and am connecting with such an impressive network. I wanted to check-in and continue to express my gratitude to RTSWS for sharing the position and for helping me land this. It is truly such a rare opportunity for someone my age and it’s already proving to be a great fit and extremely worthwhile.”

- Carly S., Duke University Class of 2026, Economics | RTSWS Alumna 2021

“The most memorable thing that I learned from RTSWS is to be open to any direction or option as a career path. Before, I used to automatically write off finance… RTSWS taught me that there is so much more to a career than the initial assumptions we place on it and that really broadened my perspective.”

- Angelina M., North Carolina State University Class of 2024, Technology Risk | RTSWS Alumna 2020

“During the RTSWS Program, I received great insights into some basic financial concepts that I still carry with me, and an amazing mentor who helped answer any questions I had about college and future careers in finance.”

- Caroline M., Indiana University Class of 2020 Finance & Real Estate | RTSWS Alumna 2015

“As an Alumna of Rock the Street Wall Street, I had the privilege of attending the Women’s Association of Venture and Equity (WAVE) annual career forum in New York City for the second consecutive year. During the forum, I participated in various group discussions with female finance professionals, who shared their insights on the alternative asset management industry. My most valuable takeaway is the importance of a strong professional network in one’s career development.”

- Stella X., Yale University Class of 2026, Economics & Women Studies | University of Oxford Visiting Student in Ecconomics and Politics | RTSWS Alumna 2019

“A 10th grader stopped by my office and expressed her take away from the Rock The Street, Wall Street field trip experience today.

Her exact word were, ‘I used to think I wanted to be…but after participating in the Rock The Street, Wall Street program with instructors and leaders, I now wish to pursue a career in the financial industry.’

She figured out how to apply math in her personal life and also in the professional business world. She is so happy that she participated. Her life has been touch today!”

- Hermia Snipes, RTSWS School Champion and College and Career Development Coordinator at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

“I’m delighted to serve as the first Toronto RTSWS School Champion. Together with Rock The Street, Wall Street, we can establish lasting connections that will bring financial and investment math understanding to new heights for our secondary school girls. We can create an indelible mark on the business and academic communities in Toronto – what a wonderful opportunity!”

- Ingrid Montarras, RTSWS School Champion, Bilingual Business Teacher & Department Head at Harbord Collegiate Institute

“Rock The Street, Wall Street provides opportunities and a clear road map for talented young women, empowering them to build financial understanding and independence. It opens doors to the capital markets, inspiring meaningful and fulfilling careers while equipping the next generation to lead and expand the future of the financial and investment industry.”

- Stephen Tisdalle, RTSWS Board Member and Chief Marketing Officer at FS Investments

“Financial stability is freedom—the freedom to make choices and participate in opportunities. Rock the Street, Wall Street has been a fantastic experience, both for the students and for the volunteers who work with them.”

- Theresa Harvin, RTSWS Volunteer and Senior Director at Broadridge

“RTSWS allows employees to mentor students while sharing their journeys into asset management. It’s inspiring to see how this program encourages young women to explore finance and realize that success doesn’t require a predetermined path.”

- Kellie Schonberg, RTSWS Volunteer and former CEO of the Invesco Foundation

Our Sponsors

Transformational

Supporters

BMO

First Citizens Bank

Manulife John Hancock

2024 Board of Directors

Michelle Borré, CFA

Investment Management Consultant, Great Rock Advisors; 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

Vice Chancellor for Investments and Chief Investment Officer, Vanderbilt University

Meredith Jones

Managing Director at EY & Founder of MJ Alternative Investment Research

Ashley Leftwich

CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street

Penny Novick

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

Sonya Park

Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors; Vice Chair, Technovation Board

Tricia Rothschild

Vice Chair, CFA Institute Board; Former President of Apex Fintech Solutions; Industry Advisor, Advent International

Reginald Sanders

Director of Investments, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Arthur Steinmetz

Former Chairman, CEO, and President of OppenheimerFunds

Stephen Tisdalle

Former Chief Brand and Demand Generation Officer, TIAA/Nuveen Asset Management

Letter from the Chair of the Board

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As Chair of the Board, I am honored to work alongside our esteemed Board Members to support Rock The Street, Wall Street and its mission of empowering young women through financial literacy and education. Together, we celebrate Maura Cunningham’s vision, fortitude, and incredible legacy in founding RTSWS. Through her initiative, RTSWS has positively impacted more than 7,000 families by equipping young women with the skills and opportunities to enter the financial industry and thrive in their careers. These young women are poised to create a remarkable future, expanding the talent pipeline and diversifying the workforce in meaningful ways.

This year, we welcomed Ashley Leftwich as CEO, a leader with the expertise, determination, and vision to guide RTSWS into its next chapter. Ashley’s deep commitment to advancing financial mathematics for young women, coupled with her ability to scale initiatives, positions her to lead RTSWS forward. Under her leadership, and with the involvement of our dedicated Board, we look forward to empowering even more young women to flourish in the financial sector, contributing to our shared pursuit of a more equitable future.

RTSWS programs reignite girls’ enthusiasm for financial mathematics at a critical juncture in their lives, when they are making key academic and career decisions. By highlighting real-world female role models in investment management, finance, and mentoring, RTSWS inspires students to pursue financial independence and rewarding professional paths.

The transition comes as RTSWS expands its support for alumnae through the newly reimagined Alumnae & Career Center. This initiative provides vital resources such as university guidance, internships, job shadowing, and early career support, ensuring that RTSWS alumnae continue to thrive as they advance in the competitive financial sector.

Thank you for your unwavering support in helping RTSWS grow and inspire the next generation of financial leaders. With the steadfast commitment of our Board, volunteers, and partners, we are transforming the future of finance and creating lasting opportunities for young women.

Sincerely,

Anders Hall, CFA Chair of the Board, Rock The Street, Wall Street Vice Chancellor for Investments and Chief Investment Officer, Vanderbilt University

Advisory Council

Dr. Angela McShepard-Ray, Ed.D Principal, MLK High School, Nashville, TN

Viraj Parikh Managing Partner, TechCXO, LLC

Judy Ricketts

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

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

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

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

West Coast Advisory Council

Kimberly Summe

Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Sequoia Capital Global Equities

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

Pooja Malik CEO, Founding Partner, Nipun Capital, L.P.

Kelli Cullinane

Managing Director, CFO, CCO, Next Legacy Partners

Thank You

“Rock the Street, Wall Street has aided me immensely in my journey of self-growth in the last two years. Through the countless networking opportunities and the supportive mentors, RTSWS has helped me gain confidence through developing a strong voice and stepping out of my comfort zone, as well as convinced me of my interest in a future in finance/business.

Forever grateful to the all that my RTSWS peers, staff members, mentors, and current student CEOs have given me, I would truly love the opportunity to give back to this program and help my younger peers experience the same personal growth and breakthroughs that RTSWS has offered me!”

Jennifer H., 2024 RTSWS Student

“This was one of the best experiences of my life. It really contributed to my interest in finance, and encouraged me to see it as something I was to potentially pursue. All the volunteers are so educated in their respective fields and come with so much knowledge that I felt incredibly comfortable asking any and every question. Having them all being female also added to my comfortability and confidence having at least one similar experience.”

Emma Z., 2024 RTSWS Student

“My school's RTSWS cohort has transformed so much of my high school and college planning experience in a way that makes me hopeful for the future. As someone who did not grown up in a financial literate environment, I've seen the tangible impacts the RTSWS program has had on my own understanding of finance as well as my peers'. As I continue to gain more interest in the field of business and finance, I also grow more passionate about sharing the wealth of financial literacy to those who, like me, have not had the privilege or opportunity to receive their own.”

Eunbee A., 2024 RTSWS Student