100 Women in Finance marks 25 years with New York gala and $1.1 million raised

100 Women in Finance celebrated its 25th anniversary at a New York gala on Nov. 3, raising $1.1 million for its foundation and honoring industry leaders across finance. The event underscored the group’s growth into a global network of 10,000 members as it looks to expand opportunity for women in the industry.

Why it matters: - 100 Women in Finance used its 25th anniversary to spotlight its role in building a stronger pipeline for women in finance. - The gala raised $1.1 million for the 100 Women in Finance Foundation, money that supports programs aimed at access, development and industry visibility. - The organization said its next chapter will focus on accelerating progress and expanding opportunity across the global finance industry.

What happened: - 100 Women in Finance celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Nov. 3 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. - The event brought together 500 leaders from across the global finance industry. - The gala honored Kelly Young, CEO of Acadian Asset Management, with the 2026 Americas Industry Leadership Award. - Jody Gunderson, Managing Principal of AB CarVal and the 2025 recipient, presented the award to Young. - Young said industry leaders have a responsibility to create more opportunity for future generations. - 100 Women in Finance also recognized three leaders with special 25th Anniversary Awards. - Elaine Crocker, President at Moore Capital Management, received the Legacy Builder Award. - Seema R. Hingorani, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and founder of Girls Who Invest, received the Trailblazer Award. - Jennifer Prosek, Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners, received the Champion of Change Award. - Dana Hall moderated a conversation with the honorees about learning, leadership and paying it forward.

The details: - Sarah Dyer and Dana Hall, co-founders of 100 Women in Finance, reflected on the organization’s founding and the relationships that have sustained its community for 25 years. - Dyer said those relationships outlast job titles, firms and market cycles. - Rehana Farrell, CEO of 100 Women in Finance, said the organization’s achievements are significant but more work remains. - Farrell said the next chapter is about strengthening the global community and making the finance industry reflect its full talent pool. - Over 25 years, 100 Women in Finance has grown into a global community of 10,000 members across 33 locations. - More than 600 volunteers support the organization. - The group focuses on education, peer engagement, professional development and greater industry visibility. - The 100 Women in Finance Foundation has awarded more than $23 million in grants since inception. - Those grants have gone to organizations that expand access to finance careers and strengthen the talent pipeline. - In 2026, LaunchMe, the organization’s global mentorship program, connected 568 mentors and mentees across 19 countries. - Participants used the program to build confidence, develop professional skills and form industry relationships.

Between the lines: - The anniversary celebration doubled as a fundraising and visibility moment for an organization that has spent 25 years building networks inside a field where access has often been uneven. - The honorees reflect a broader message: leadership in finance is being framed not only around performance, but around sponsorship, mentorship and opening doors for others. - The emphasis on community, mentoring and grants suggests 100 Women in Finance is positioning itself as both a professional network and a talent-development engine.

What's next: - 100 Women in Finance said it will continue working toward a meritocracy in finance where talent, dedication and opportunity drive success. - The organization plans to keep expanding its global community, mentorship programs and impact initiatives. - The foundation is expected to remain a key funding vehicle for programs that widen access to finance careers.

The bottom line: - The gala marked a milestone for 100 Women in Finance, but the sharper takeaway was its push to turn celebration into a longer-term effort to broaden opportunity in global finance.