CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER
September 2025

Thursday, September 25, 4–5 pm

It may be unintentional, but hybrid workplaces are seeing more and more inequity based on proximity—where leaders value the contributions of employees they see every day over the contributions of remote or hybrid employees who are not in the office on a regular basis. Learn how to address proximity effects and build truly equitable workplaces and be part of the solution. 

Tuesday, October 14, 11–1:30 pm

Join us October 14 to honor our Financial Woman of the Year, Kirsten Rhodes. In addition to being our 2025 #FWOTY, Kirsten is the Vice Chair and Client Relationship Development Leader at Deloitte.

This year’s luncheon kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco with networking and light appetizers.

Virtual book club: Same as Ever
Wednesday, September 24, 2025  |  5:15–6:30 pm

Virtual monthly meditation
Wednesday, October 1, 2025  |  12–12:30 pm

Modern payment rails: The future of stablecoin
Wednesday, October 29, 2025  |  4:30–7 pm

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

Breaking the silence: Embracing invisible challenges in the workplace
Tuesday, November 4 | 4:30–6:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE

Career workshop: Elevate your career
November 13, 2025  |  4:30–5:30 pm  |  Virtual event

Hispanic Heritage month started on 15 September, and runs through the 15th of October. It begins in the middle of the month to honor the September 15 independence declarations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in 1821, followed by Mexico on the 16th and Chile on the 18th. 

Read more

“Personal Branding” is this month's theme and below are insights to explore in the "Food for Thought" and "Member Tips" sections.

Personal branding is the intentional, strategic practice of defining and expressing individual value. It is becoming increasingly clear that personal branding is needed to help create a narrative around an individual career path. Read more

By  FWSF Member, Mauri Schwartz, CEO/President, Career Insiders

Establishing a sought after personal brand is often key to advancement and opportunities. There are several practices you can adopt to promote your brand within the company. No one is going to manage your career for you. That’s your responsibility. But others may try to define your brand if you don’t do it yourself.  Don’t let that happen. Read more

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

Member news: Barbara Morrison

Founder and President, TMC Financing

Barbara Morrison, founder and CEO of Oakland’s TMC Financing, is retiring after more than four decades of helping small business owners get SBA financing to purchase the real estate used in their businesses.
Barbara is an FWSF ally and former Financial Woman of the Year. Members had many fond memories to share. Read more

Member news: Angelica Mendoza Buncio

2024 FWSF Scholarship Recipient

Ciao! I am currently studying abroad in Rome, Italy, at John Cabot University this fall, where I am taking International Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, and Investments Analysis. Alongside my coursework, I am pursuing the SAI International Service Certificate, which recognizes students who engage with and give back to their host community. Read more

Stephanie Terrasas

2025 FWSF Scholarship Recipient, MBA Student at Santa Clara University, and Manager, Marketing & Membership at Silicon Valley Mathematics Initiative

Please share a little about yourself:
I am passionate about growth—whether it’s in education, business, or on a personal level. Outside of school and work, I'm a mom who runs for fun. Training for and completing eight marathons has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of pushing past limits—qualities I bring to every challenge I take on. Read more

Shamila Mashayekhi

Graduate Student, Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS), Menlo College

Please share a little about yourself:
I am a graduate student balancing academics with my responsibilities as the sole caregiver for my son, who has a chronic genetic illness. We moved to the U.S. last October for his treatment, and since then I’ve been pursuing opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. 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.

Business Development Officer, Schwab Wealth Advisory, Menlo Park, Charles Schwab 

Business Development Officer, Schwab Wealth Advisory, San Francisco or San Mateo, Charles Schwab

In August, the FWSF Book Club held a lively discussion of The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You by Debra Fine.

The first rule? Learning to make conscious choices based on your values rather than reactive decisions based on fear. Read more

Financial Women of San Francisco is proud to start a new tradition of hosting a San Francisco Giants game event for its members and their connections. We had our second game event on August 26, 2025. Read more