CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER
December 2025

On the 3rd of December 2025 Financial Women of San Francisco members gathered for the annual holiday party and celebration at Robert Half 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 2025 FWSF President, Mona Ahmadi, who provided an annual review. “Our theme this year was “Empowering the Future.” Read more

Each year we recognize one member for the Distinguished Member of the Year award. For 2025, the honor went to Kim Scala, who served on FWSF’s board as Secretary. Kim has been a steadfast and deeply committed member of FWSF for many years, contributing her expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge across multiple roles. Read more about Kim and the other nominees.

Some long term members who have served on the FWSF board for several years were captured during the December Holiday Party. Counter-clockwise are Kim Scala, Maureen Young, Kathleen Nielsen, Kim Pugh, and Tracy Teale.

Read more about some of the ways these FWSF board members have served.

Virtual monthly meditation
Wednesday, January 7, 2025  |  12–12:30 pm

Virtual member lunch
Tuesday, January 13 | 12–1 pm

SAVE THE DATE

2026 Market outlook & economic trends
February 26, 2026  |  11:30 am–1:30 pm

International Women's Day
March 5, 2026

This month's theme is AI & FINANCE. Below are insights to explore in the "Food For Thought" and "Member Tips" sections.

AI or specifically Generative AI (GenAI) and Machine Learning (ML) are hot topics currently, offering the opportunity to boost efficiency and create value. This includes the financial space and specifically, the impact of GenAI in finance and regulatory efforts. Read more

By FWSF member Ramya Durga Krishnaganth

"AI in finance” is one of those phrases that sparks both excitement and anxiety. Many finance professionals are curious about where to begin but hesitant to overhaul everything at once. The good news? You don’t need to. The most impactful transformations often start with one small, meaningful step. Read more

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

Welcome to our new members!

Parniyan Cagatay, Financial Professional

Laura Dirtadian, CEO & Co-Founder, TigressAI

Rosana Hernandez, Vice President, Institutional Financial Advisor, Captrust

Amy Hockman, Vice President, Digital Experience, Patelco Credit Union

Yidi Li, MBA Candidate, Berkeley Haas

Ilhem Ali Rachedi, Financial Professional

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.

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. 

Members can log in to the Members Corner of the FWSF website and see this most current job opportunity.

Director, Business Development and Client Services, Seafarer Capital Partners, LLC

On Tuesday the 4th of November, FWSF, in collaboration with City National Bank, had the honor of hosting Dr. Mary Lomax Ghuarduzzi, to discuss embracing invisible challenges in the workplace. Read more