Connections newsletter Q4 2024

FWSF ended 2024 with our Annual Meeting and Holiday Party on December 11 at Aprio in San Francisco. It was a great opportunity for members and guests to conclude the year by mixing and mingling in a warm atmosphere with tasty refreshments. The event was hosted by our 2024 FWSF President, Sue Mazzetti, who provided an annual review. “Our theme this year was “Connection.” Read more

Each year we recognize one member for the Distinguished Member of the Year award. For 2024, the honor went to Denise Field, who served as the VP of the Membership Committee. Through Denise’s unflagging efforts with Membership, we have seen our membership numbers going up post-COVID. She has energized membership activities through the new members lunch, quarterly networking, Book Club, Golf and other activities, as well as the Ally program. She has been pushing the envelope to reimagine Membership and its connections. Tons of work and such outstanding initiative! Congrats Denise! 

Economic trends and outlook for 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025  | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

International Women's Day
Thursday, March 6, 2025  |  12:30 – 6:30 pm

We wanted branding that stood out as much as our exceptional members. Something with as much energy as our community. From there, our new branding was born! Read more 

Leadership Milestone: Meredith Rosen has been named President of Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling, LLC. Bedell Frazier was proudly founded by her aunt, Jude Bedell, a trailblazer who served as President of Financial Women of San Francisco in the 1970s. As the third generation of leadership, Meredith honors the firm’s legacy as a woman-founded business while driving innovation and providing personalized, thoughtful financial guidance to clients.

Ashley Crawford had this to say: “I’m excited to share I've just been promoted to Chief Financial Officer at Inheritance Funding Company! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the awesome members of FWSF who have supported me, shared valuable advice, and celebrated milestones with me along the way. I look forward to continuing to grow as a professional and to continue to give back to FWSF.”

Sunitha provided this update: “It is my pleasure to share that my firm, AddsVal CPAs & Advisory, has acquired a CPA practice in Pleasant Hill, CA. With this acquisition, we're welcoming a team of four seasoned professionals, significantly bolstering our presence in the Bay Area. At AddsVal CPAs & Advisory, we specialize in providing comprehensive accounting and tax services tailored to individuals, small to mid-sized businesses, and startups.”

Dina Britten, CPA, CFP® has a new role as Tax Principal & Founder at Pacific Strategy Tax.

The firm Woodruff Sawyer is thrilled to announce that Kristina Keck has been named to the prestigious 2024 PLAN ADVISER Top Retirement Plan Advisers list! Her inclusion in this elite group of 265 advisers not only honors her expertise and dedication but also underscores Woodruff Sawyer's commitment to excellence. We are immensely proud of Kristina’s achievement. 

Sanem "Sam" took a newly created role at the Sobrato Organization. As Senior Impact Advisor, Sanem offers strategic counsel and hands-on support in impact investing and philanthropic grantmaking. She leads an international project with Rotary Clubs around the world, to deliver mental wellness services to young disaster survivors to improve outcomes. On a related note, Sanem is excited to co-host the next annual Rotary International Convention.

Carmetta Joyner is launching Joyner Financial Planning that specializes in helping first-generation professionals tackle unique challenges like managing student loans, building savings/wealth, understanding taxes and investments, balancing family expectations, improving credit, and goal planning.

FWSF Congratulates Morgan Newkirk, 2024 FWSF Scholarship recipient, for starting her Accounting internship at Bregante + Company LLP. 

Did you get a promotion? Change jobs? Launch a business? We want to know so that we can promote your news to the FWSF community! Submit your news.

Han Lee is a Senior Manager at Grant Thornton LLP. With over 15 years of experience, Han provides exceptional services in private equity and asset management. Learn more about Han in her interview.

Michelle Espejo is a Financial Services Recruiting Manager for Robert Half, specializing in permanent placements within the asset and wealth management industry here in the Bay Area. Learn more about Michelle in her interview.

Our members want to meet you. Fill out the questionnaire.

Kathy Herrmann, Business Development Director, Eliassen Group

Amy Kalnoki, Co-Founder and COO, Bitwave 

Lauren Virgen, Director, Corporate Accounting, Parnassus Investments

Shannon Ward, VP of Finance, Pac-12 Conference

Our fourth golf event was held at Golden Gate Park Golf Course on October 3, 2024. After golf, attendees grabbed drinks and food. Big thanks to Kristin Mauer who organized our popular golf events this past year!

On October 17, 2024, FWSF members volunteered at the Alameda County Community Food Bank, updating warehouse food sourcing, and packing items after a short orientation. This Food Bank provides 58 million pounds of food on an annual basis and their mission is to end hunger and poverty in Alameda County and contribute to improving the well-being of the community. Thank you to all our volunteers for making an impact!

On November 7th, FWSF members joined Rey Valle, Sr. HR Business Partner, FRFS, and Ami Arroyo, Founder and Principal, Ami Arroyo, Inc., for their Professional Career Development webinar. This event aimed to provide tips for successful rebranding, being an impactful mentee, finding the right mentor, and tackling everything for a successful career. Thank you to our speakers!

On November 12th, FWSF members joined an insightful post-election analysis from Kimberly Hamm, Partner, Public Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs Practice, at the international law firm Mayer Brown. Kim and the Mayer Brown team addressed the results of the US. President, U.S. Senate and House races, and Governor’s and other state races. 

FWSF partnered with Menlo College on November 13 to present a women in commercial real estate event, led by our speakers Miki Correa, Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield; Sehar Mansoor, Controller, Toeniskoetter Development, Inc.; and Charles Williams (Moderator). The panelists addressed challenges and opportunities for women in commercial real estate, career advancement strategies in the changing landscape, overall industry trends and their perspectives on future leadership roles. A big thank you to our speakers!

October: “No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work” by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

On October 30, FWSF discussed how to figure out which emotions to toss, which to keep to yourself, and which to express in order to be both happier and more effective.

Get to know other FWSF members, discuss work experiences, and explore mutual business opportunities. 

Virtual book club
Wednesday, January 29, 2024 | 5:15 – 6:30 pm

2025 kickoff social in the East Bay
Thursday, January 30, 2025  |  5 – 7 pm

Economic trends and outlook for 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025  | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Monthly meditation
Thursday, February 6, 2025  |  12 – 12:30 pm

Virtual member lunch
Tuesday, February 11, 2025  | 12 – 1 pm

Coffee connections
Thursday, February 20, 2025  |  8:30 – 9:15 am

International Women's Day
Thursday, March 6, 2025  |  12:30 – 6:30 pm

Are you looking to help make a positive impact on women in our community? Interested in building your leadership skills and a path to a FWSF Board seat? Please consider joining one of our committees! As a volunteer-run organization, our committees are integral to making FWSF an essential source of insight and inspiration. Committees are also a great way to gain exposure to FWSF's leadership and develop the skills for a future position on our Board. Learn more here