October 2024

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Making Strides in Women's Health and Wellness

By Inessa Ruffman, JonesTrading

2024 STA WIF Chair

As we near the end of the month, you have likely seen announcements, fundraisers, and more throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have someone in our lives who has been impacted by breast cancer - while we recognize the symbolic pink ribbon almost anywhere, it's crucial for us to take a step back and recognize how initatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month push us to be agents of change for the advancement of women worldwide.

While women's cancer research has seen remarkable strides in recent years, there are still disparities in care and access across the U.S. and abroad among women of different races and economic status. Factors that can inhibit equal care include lack of clinical trial infrastructure and technology, limited access to affordable high-quality healthcare, and insurance prices.

In light of these challenges, medical professionals and research communities continue to unveil remarkable findings for women's cancer research. A study recently conducted in the UK revealed certain treatments for cervical cancer can cut the chance of death by roughly 40%, the most notable breakthrough in almost two decades. Additionally, the FDA recently approved a drug typically prescribed to late-stage breast cancer patients for early-stage breast cancer patients as well, with studies showing the drug can reduce the return of cancer by 25%. These medical breakthroughs remind us of the importance of tailored, dedicated research to address the unique needs of women.

The STA WIF community is fortunate enough to be comprised of women from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences, all of whom share a common drive to advocate for women in our industry and beyond. When one of our colleagues, friends, or family members succeeds, we all succeed. Movements like Breast Cancer Awareness Month help keep us united as both women and members of a larger, close-knit community to support the advancement of women's mental and physical health.

Self-examinations for women of all ages and mammograms, particularly for women over 40, are crucial to detecting and treating breast cancer. Read more about scheduling mammograms and preventative breast cancer screenings here.

Women in Finance Events

Last week, Dallas STA's 2024 Texas Traders Convention kicked off with both a Women in Finance Pilates Class and a Women in Finance Brunch, featuring speakers Brandis DeSimone, Vice President and Head of Americas Data Sales at Nasdaq, and Jessica McAndrews, CEO of the Marine Raider Foundation.

Jessica and Brandis shared their experiences as veterans of the U.S. Navy who then transitioned into the financial and legal fields, offering insight into military values that can inspire women in male-dominated industries to succeed.

Team Players: STA Women in Finance Symposium Celebrates Mentorship, Collaboration and Paying It Forward

Thank you to all who attended the 9th Annual STA Women in Finance Symposium in Orlando! Taking place immediately ahead of STA’s 91st Annual Market Structure Conference, it was an ideal way to kick off three days of great discussion and meaningful networking opportunities.

Check out our latest "Changing the Face of Financial Services" interview series, featuring Elaine Chui, Director and Senior Risk Manager within Global Markets at Bank of America.

In this issue, Elaine highlighted her journey from system analyst to Director, her passion for inspiring young women to explore careers in technology, and more.

Articles of Interest  

Women Business Leaders Are More Confident Than Men – Here’s Why

Forbes

There’s a common belief in the modern working world that women are less confident than men. It’s sometimes called imposter syndrome, pinning the potential of success on women as individuals rather than the social systems they work within and it’s even used to excuse gender and pay disparities at the leadership level. In short, less confidence = less success. But new research suggests that the opposite is true: in 2024, female business leaders are significantly more confident that they have the right skills to be successful at work than their male counterparts. Read here

Meet the 100 Most Influential Women in Finance 2024

Financial Times

The list recognizes senior women in financial, legal and professional services who are forging their way in an industry that is still male-dominated and helping to support the next generation of female talent. Read here



Lack of Access to Finance Holding Back Women in Business

HSBC

Businesses led by women play a vital role in the UK economy, but a lack of access to funding is a significant hurdle in their attempts to grow, innovate and create jobs. We commissioned research that suggested nearly half (47%) of female business leaders in the UK plan to expand next year domestically or internationally – but one in ten said securing the financial support they need is the number one challenge they face. Read here

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