Hi everyone! My name is Maddy Forlenza, and I’m so excited to be the newest marketing intern for Equities.com! I recently completed my sophomore year at the University of Maryland, where I’m double-majoring in finance and marketing. (So, yes, this internship and I are quite literally the perfect match🤞)
I’m still getting my bearings in the work environment and developing an efficient schedule for myself. (And I’m definitely still writing down a bunch of business acronyms during meetings to look up later… Shhhh.)
But, if there’s one thing I’ve solidified after this week, it’s how dedicated every person in this company is to raising awareness about impact investing and aiming to bring about positive social and environmental change alongside financial returns.
The enthusiasm the company has towards not only reaching advisors or investors as a whole, but specifically young investors, is contagious. Think of Gen Z. The minds that have built a reputation of perseverance and changing the world for the better.
What better way to target this population than to give a Gen Z girl a platform to share her experiences in the corporate world (Simple answer: Accept that there’s no better way). So, Gen Z or not, join me as I keep it real and share my weekly debriefs about my latest findings!
Why women are shaping the future of impact investing
We can all admit that finance has historically not been the most inclusive and welcoming field for women. So, let’s talk about something I’m fairly certain your business professor overlooked: the fact that women are quietly emerging as the driving force behind one of the most significant trends in finance – impact investing. If I’m being frank, I wasn’t even aware of the magnitude of growth in women’s investing.
But all I’ve been hearing about in my meetings is The Power of Her Portfolio event, happening this week (subtle plug… sorry), which aims to target advisors and wealth managers, educating them on how women are redefining the client experience.
What I learned
Inevitably, I decided to look into the growing prominence of women in investing, and I found some pretty eye-opening stats. Women in the United States currently control approximately $14 trillion in personal wealth (Yes, that is a “T”). And by 2030, this number is expected to more than double to $30 trillion. All I have to say is: Girl. Boss.
But why do so many financial firms treat women like they’re a “niche market”? Do they think we need pink pens and budgeting apps with flowers on them or something?
Newsflash: She is not “niche”. She is the future of wealth.
Studies show that women are more likely than men to consider impact investing — aka putting your money toward companies that align with your values, whether that’s investing in renewable energy, supporting diverse leadership, funding companies with ethical supply chains or other considerations. Ultimately, women are opting for returns with responsibility.
My takeaway
As a woman myself, my decision-making is driven by values, often prioritizing the broader social good. And whether it’s gender equity, climate change, or racial justice, women are utilizing investing as a tool to position their money with their values.
Women simply aren’t afraid to dive deeper and consider how companies treat their workers or walk the talk on DEI. This more patient, research-based approach is definitely a method that is gaining prominence in the market.
Growth and good are no longer mutually exclusive, and women are proving that. Every. Single. Day.
Now for my moral obligation as a marketing intern: If you’re an advisor looking to understand and navigate the increasing number of women investing, consider registering for The Power of Her Portfolio: Advising women with insight and intention, on June 20th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET.
Talk again soon.
