The Invest in Others team was honored to be in downtown New York City at Tribeca 360° recently, surrounded by the many inspiring women shaping the future of financial services at the InvestmentNews Women to Watch Awards.
Our President & CEO Barkley Payne and Head of Marketing Emily Burns Perryman joined Invest in Others Board member Abby Salameh, and Kate Healy, Beth Bruen Nardi, April Ferrell, and Paige Brala to cheer on our dear friend and Board member Clara Sierra, who was nominated for The Osaic Award for Female Trailblazer of the Year.
Clara is the embodiment of this award’s spirit — a visionary leader whose personal and professional achievements have left an indelible mark on the industry. As a dedicated member of the Invest in Others Board of Directors and Executive Committee, she has brought vision, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to our mission of amplifying philanthropy within the financial services community.
Her work, and the work of so many other women celebrated that night, serves as a reminder: when women lead, industries transform.
Women in Leadership: Driving Progress Through Perspective
Leadership in financial services has historically been defined by tradition and structure. But the landscape is changing, and women are at the forefront of that evolution. Women leaders bring with them a holistic approach to problem-solving and relationship-building, prioritizing collaboration, empathy, and inclusion.
Their leadership doesn’t just strengthen teams, it strengthens outcomes. Research consistently shows that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers, not only financially but in innovation, employee engagement, and client trust.
At Invest in Others, we’ve seen firsthand how women in leadership and philanthropy bring new energy and purpose to the financial services community. Their voices help reimagine what success looks like, one that measures not just profit, but also impact!
Mentorship: The Heartbeat of Empowerment
Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for lasting change. When women mentor women, they not only strengthen individual careers but also create pathways for equity and representation across the industry. This ripple effect of guidance, advocacy, and shared wisdom ensures the next generation of professionals enters the field with confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Philanthropy: Connecting Purpose to Profession
Philanthropy is where leadership and mentorship meet purpose. Women across financial services are leading by example, giving back, advocating for causes close to their hearts, and embedding social impact into business strategy.
At Invest in Others, we believe philanthropy isn’t separate from financial success, it’s integral to it. When advisors, firms, and professionals use their platforms to strengthen communities, they not only change lives but redefine what it means to lead responsibly.
Women have long been champions of that mindset. Their leadership in philanthropic efforts drives inclusion, compassion, and innovation, the very qualities the financial services industry needs to thrive in the years ahead.
The Path Forward
The Women to Watch Awards celebrate more than individual achievement; they celebrate a movement. A growing recognition that the future of finance depends on diverse, purpose-driven leadership.
To accelerate that future, we must invest in women as leaders, mentors, and changemakers. We must create spaces where they can thrive, connect, and shape the industry with authenticity and impact.
At Invest in Others, we’re proud to support and learn from women like Clara Sierra — and all those who lead with both strength and heart. Their example reminds us that leadership rooted in purpose doesn’t just change careers; it changes communities.
