RTSWS Welcomes New CEO as its Founder Assumes Role of Chair

We have some exciting news to share from RTSWS.

Please join us in congratulating our Founder, Maura Cunningham, and our new CEO, Ashley Leftwich, effective July 1st. Maura has created such a lasting legacy and will continue to play a crucial role as Founder, Chair, and Board Member, focusing on advocacy and outreach across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Ashley will lead the charge in driving our vision for growth and engagement with RTSWS students, alumnae, and volunteers. For more details, see our announcement below.

Key highlights include:

Anders Hall, CFA, Chair of the RTSWS Board and Vice Chancellor for Investments and CIO of Vanderbilt University commented, “I’m proud to chair our esteemed Board, and we each celebrate Maura’s vision, fortitude and incredible legacy in increasing girls’ interest in financial and investment mathematics. Thanks to Maura, more than 6,000 families have been positively impacted as these young women gain access to the industry and transition into the workforce. They are poised to create a remarkable future and expand the talent pipeline, a testament to the transformative power of Maura's initiative in founding RTSWS.”

“Furthermore, Ashley's expertise in scaling initiatives and deep commitment to fostering financial mathematics and STEM education among young women position her well as CEO for RTSWS. With Ashley at the helm, we anticipate ongoing evolution, enabling us to empower the next generations of young women to flourish in the financial sector in our shared pursuit of a more equitable future."

Maura commented, “I'm proud to hand over the reins to Ashley, whose commitment has been pivotal to our success. Her forward looking approach leads the team with engagement, technology integration and an exciting vision for our volunteers, schools and sponsors. In my role as Founder, Board Member, and Chair, I will continue to advance the cause of investment literacy while expanding career choices in the M of STEM among young women across our growing footprint. Their ongoing curiosity and accomplishments fuel my passion daily.”

Ashley shared, “It’s an honor to follow Maura into the role of CEO and continue working alongside our dedicated RTSWS team. Together, we are committed to empowering the next generation of women in finance, and I am looking forward to creating additional opportunities ahead for our talented students and alumnae as well as new ways to engage our dedicated volunteers and sponsors.”

RTSWS' Isabella F., student at Sacred Heart Academy, recently published an insightful article in the New York Post Shatter the Glass Ceiling: School Program Empowers Young Women in Economics. This piece highlights the positive impact of RTSWS' programing for more than 100 girls per year in this vibrant cohort at Sacred Heart Academy. She emphasizes the power of igniting high school girls' interest in math, finance and investing.

Gabriella L., a sophomore RTSWS student, shared her experience:

“I learned so much about managing my money smartly, which is definitely helpful for when I have to begin managing my finances as an adult. The fact that the program was run by women who were alumnae from Sacred Heart created a positive and comfortable learning environment that encouraged me to consider pursuing my interest in finance and economics.”

Read Isabella's full article here.

Favorite tradition or holiday?

“My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because there's always something to be thankful for. It's also close to my birthday, or sometimes the day lands on my birthday so I get to celebrate two holidays.”

Where are you now? (And what do you like about it?)

“I am at Loyola University Chicago, where I am exploring my likes and dislikes. I like that I have plenty of free time to try new things, and decide whether I enjoy or want to keep doing the same activities.”

What is a key milestone or achievement you would like to share?

“A key milestone/achievement that I would like to share is being in college as a first-generation student and staying in school to get a business degree regardless of the challenges I've encountered. ”

What is an aspirational goal that you have for the future?

“An aspirational goal that I have for the future is to be able to open up a business such as a cafe, or restaurant, and be able to give back to low-income communities.”

How has RTSWS impacted your journey?

“RTSWS has impacted my journey because I've learned how to be a leader as the RTSWS CEO in my cohort. I have obtained knowledge that has benefited me in my business college classes. RTSWS has also been an inspiration to be a businesswoman.”

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

“I took a Memoir class in high school and loved it, so I would love to write a memoir at some point in the future.”

Where are you now? (And what do you like about it?)

“I'm currently a sophomore at UCLA studying Mathematics and Economics, exploring a new city and getting to learn so much at school.”

What is a key milestone or achievement you would like to share?

“I recently signed an investment banking offer in New York for the summer of 2025 and will be back in my hometown.”

What is an aspirational goal that you have for the future?

“I hope to own my own business one day in the future and be able to work for myself.”

How has RTSWS impacted your journey?

“RTSWS helped me first gain interest in finance, and I will actually be interning for the company that sponsored my high school's chapter of RTSWS. I remember touring their office in 7th grade and it was a full-circle moment for me to be interviewing for a role at that company and eventually accepting an internship there.”

What is a Student CEO?

Each RTSWS cohort has 1-2 Student CEOs who lead their peers as a liaison between their school and RTSWS. This position is an excellent opportunity for students to elevate their leadership experience and network with other student leaders across the RTSWS network. Student CEOs are change-makers and integral to growing more financially independent young women in their communities.

Who should apply?

High school and secondary school students who wish to develop leadership skills, strengthen their RTSWS cohort and empower other young women at their school are eligible. This opportunity is open to all students who participated in RTSWS at their school this year. Participants will have the opportunity to attend two CEO Virtual Summits where they’ll meet student peers from across the country and be invited to attend other special events.

Interested in Becoming a Student CEO? Our 24-25 Student CEOs application is now open!

To learn more reach out to our team at studentceo@rockthestreetwallstreet.com.

AI and Nvidia: Learn how professional stock analysts do their research, craft their thesis and pitch a stock, using a real world case study

Date: May 20th, 2024

Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm ET

Location: Virtual

Audience: Students & Alumnae

Ever wonder how AI has become the most talked about phenomenon in the stock market? Or why Nvidia is now one of the most valuable companies in the world? Please join members of the Morgan Stanley equity research division for an introduction to how professional stock analysts do their job, from crafting an investment thesis, to building models and valuing a stock. We’ll discuss an actual case study with associates on the internet and semiconductor research teams. Whether you are interested in a career in research, are an aspiring investor or just curious about life on Wall Street, we think you will get value out of this interactive session.

Explore the sampling of internships and jobs listed below as a glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our sponsors provide.

Private Wealth Associate

AllianceBernstein

New York, NY

Junior Operations Analyst

BlackRock

Sausalito, CA

2025 Commercial Banking - Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries Summer Analyst Program

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Multiple Locations

By contributing to our cause, you not only pave the way for their financial growth but also help connect them with experienced mentors within the industry, fostering a nurturing environment for professional development.

Your tax-deductible donation through PayPal Giving ensures that 100% of your contribution directly impacts the lives of these aspiring young minds, making a tangible difference in shaping their success and financial independence.

Thank you.