CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER
October 2025

Wednesday, October 29, 4:30–7 pm

Digital payments are evolving fast and stablecoin is at the center of the conversation. This panel discussion will dive into how modern payment rails are transforming finance, the opportunities they create, and what we need to know to stay ahead.

Tuesday, November 4, 4:30–6 pm

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the hidden challenges faced by employees dealing with invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, and recovery from life-altering events. Inspired by Sharon Stone's courageous journey after her stroke, this event explores how "diversity" extends beyond visible characteristics to include the unseen struggles many professionals silently endure. Our October 29 virtual book club also focuses on this topic and provides a good foundation for this event.

Thursday, November 13, 2025  |  4:30–5:30 pm

Join us for an interactive career workshop featuring Mauri Schwartz, founder of Career Insiders. With over 20 years of experience helping professionals sharpen their executive brand, build career strategies, and level up their leadership presence, Mauri brings proven insights that inspire action.

Virtual book club: The Invisible Kingdom
Wednesday, October 29, 2025  |  5:15–6:30 pm

Let's tee off! Play a round of golf with FWSF
Thursday, October 30, 2025  |  3:30–6 pm

Virtual monthly meditation
Wednesday, November 5, 2025  |  12–12:30 pm

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

Coffee Connections
Thursday, November 20 | 8:30–9:15 am

SAVE THE DATE

Holiday Party
December 3, 2025  |  4–7 pm

Economic Outlook
February 2026

International Women's Day
March 5, 2026

"Climate and Finance” is this month's theme, and below are insights to explore in the "Food For Thought" section.

By FWSF Member, Stephanie Glazer, Sustainability & ESG Leader | Author of SASB Standards | Climate & Carbon | SBTi Expert Working Group

Stephanie Glazer shares insights and emerging trends from her experience attending three events focused on climate and finance. Across these gatherings, powerful signals of change emerged: resilience as an investable attribute, sustainability as a financial strategy, and collaboration as the lever for scaling solutions. Understanding these shifts can offer a strategic advantage and pathways to leadership. Read more

Climate change and the growth of the green economy are not “new news,” but there have been updates and modifications to norms that can support financial markets and investors in those areas. The SASB Standards enable organizations to provide industry-based disclosure about sustainability related risks and opportunities that might affect cash flow, access to finance or cost of capital. Read more

By FWSF Member, Brie Ford, Wealth Advisor, Conquis Financial

Before the calendar flips, a strategic wealth planning move is to conduct a Tax Bucket Review. It's about optimizing your tax position, not just market performance. Everyone talks about asset allocation (stocks vs. bonds). But asset location is where the real "rich girl energy" is. Read more

Is there a career tip, or advice you would like to share that will benefit others? Submit your tips. 

Member news: Julie Finora McAfee

Julie has joined Mechanics Bank as SVP, Senior Treasury Management Sales Manager. Congratulations, Julie!

Read more

Member news: Alyssa Millikin

Alyssa started a new position as Internal Audit Manager at SMBC MANUBANK. Congratulations, Alyssa!

Read more

Kristin Mauer

Director of Business Development at Baker Tilly

Please share a little about yourself:
I’m really proud of my support of Baker Tilly’s (BT) recent merger with Moss Adams in June 2025. I’ve been instrumental in bridging many gaps in leadership between the two firms over the last quarter and all of our Bay Area teams in assurance, tax, and accounting advisory. Read more

Stephanie Byford

Stephanie Byford is Director, Business Development BDO USA

Please share a little about yourself:
My passion and expertise is to build a community for female founders and C-suite executives across the Bay Area—where authentic mentorship, meaningful connections, and collaborative innovation come together to elevate women’s leadership and drive transformative impact in today’s evolving business landscape. Read more

Stephanie Ringrose

Partner at Navolio & Tallman LLP

Please share a little about yourself:
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is mentoring others. I often share that the majority of what I do today is far beyond what I once thought I was capable of—and I’m passionate about helping others discover that same potential in themselves. I strive to foster growth, confidence, and leadership in the next generation of professionals. . Read more

New members — Would you like to introduce yourself to our FWSF community?
Longer term members — Would you like to reintroduce yourself and provide an update?

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

Welcome to our new members!

Denise Winn, Controller, Alumnis Inc.

Helen Kang, Managing Director/Senior Trade, TPG Public Equity Partners

Stephanie Byford, Business Development Director, BDO

In September, the FWSF Book Club held a lively discussion of Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel.

One of the key takeaways: Instead of asking why others disagree with you, ask what experiences they've had that shaped their different perspective. Read more

On September 25, FWSF, in partnership with AssetMark and Latinos in Finance (LIF), hosted this compelling webinar as part of their joint commitment to workplace excellence.

The expert panel addressed the challenges posed by proximity bias and discussed possible solutions and strategies to work more successfully from home. Read more