100 Women in Finance Marks 25 Years with Gala and Industry Awards
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100 Women in Finance, a global nonprofit membership organization established in 2001, celebrated its 25th anniversary at a gala in New York. The event, which raised $1.1 million to support the 100 Women in Finance Foundation, honored Kelly Young, Chief Executive Officer of Acadian Asset Management, with the 2026 Americas Industry Leadership Award. The award was presented by Jody Gunderson, Managing Principal of AB CarVal.
Young, reflecting on her 25-year career, emphasized the responsibility of industry leaders to create opportunities for future generations.
The celebration also recognized three distinguished leaders with special 25th Anniversary Awards. Elaine Crocker, President at Moore Capital Management, received the Legacy Builder Award. Seema R. Hingorani, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and Founder of Girls Who Invest, was honored with the Trailblazer Award. Jennifer Prosek, Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners, was given the Champion of Change Award. During a conversation moderated by 100 Women in Finance Co-Founders Dana Hall and Sarah Dyer, the honorees shared personal stories of learning, leadership, and paying it forward.
Dyer and Hall, the co-founders of 100 Women in Finance, reflected on the organization's founding and the enduring power of meaningful relationships and mutual support.
Rehana Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of 100 Women in Finance, highlighted the organization's achievements and shared her vision for the future.
Over the past 25 years, 100 Women in Finance has grown into a global community of 10,000 members across 33 locations worldwide, supported by more than 600 volunteers. Through education, peer engagement, professional development, and opportunities for greater industry visibility, the organization connects women at every career stage, fostering meaningful relationships, knowledge sharing, and a culture of members supporting one another.
The 100 Women in Finance Foundation has awarded more than $23 million in grants since inception to organizations that expand access to careers in finance and strengthen the pipeline of emerging talent. In 2026, the organization's global mentorship program, LaunchMe, connected 568 mentors and mentees across 19 countries, helping participants build confidence, develop professional skills, and form meaningful industry relationships.
As 100 Women in Finance looks toward its next 25 years, the organization remains committed to advancing a true meritocracy in finance, where talent, dedication, and opportunity drive success.