CWIM Ambassador Program
CWIM Ambassadors, In Their Own Words:
As interviewed by Natasa Djorovic Bijanic, CFA, CFA Society Serbia
Read the full interviews here
Being an ambassador for CWIM offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside a diverse group of women united by shared experiences and goals. It provides a platform for empowerment, where women can share their stories, learn from each other, and build meaningful networks that transcend geographical boundaries.
Wherever I go in the world, I always send a message to our CWIM group to meet with whoever is there. It was lovely to meet with some CWIM Ambassadors from all over the world in Montreal last month and also in New York last summer for a personal visit. I can always feel the mutual support and the stronger voices we can create in both local and global contexts. I look forward to meeting more CWIM ambassadors at the annual conference in Chicago in May 2025. Even this opportunity to talk about my career journey to younger professional women (and men) is priceless.
— Ilke Homris, CFA, CFA Society Istanbul
The amazing part of being in this community of a group of diverse women is realizing that we are all ambitious women who desire to succeed in the investment field. While we may reside in different countries and come from a variety of backgrounds, we all face similar issues with work-life balance and navigating a career in a mostly male dominated field.
All of the women I have encountered through CWIM are very driven, goal-oriented champions who want to make a difference in the investment community.
— Adrian Hughes, CFA, CFA Society Alabama
As part of the CFA community, you have the opportunity to learn, to connect, to contribute. All three important human aspirations you have the opportunity to fulfill, in some sort of way. Furthermore, being part of the CWIM community, which raises the issue of inclusion to a higher level, is an additional benefit and privilege. Being surrounded by all those great women from CFA Societies around the world is a great experience!
Finally, what I also really love about the CFA and CWIM communities is their supportive and belonging culture and nature, which transcends the borders of individual states and jurisdictions. This means, among other things, that if I go, for example, to Chicago or Athens, or basically anywhere in the world, I'll probably have at least one person I can have coffee with.
— Natasa Djorovic Bijanic, CFA, CFA Society Serbia
The CWIM community really feels like a place where all borders and cultural differences seize to exist. This is a place where we can find support in our professional journeys, in which many of us had to walk alone for a long time. We have built friendships with colleagues and like-minded individuals across the world. This helps us to increase the ever so growing mobility of the workforce. It also continues to show the power of the individual stories and how they continue to inspire us to work together towards our shared mission of a more inclusive industry.
CWIM story really speaks to the power of community. I believe that being a part of a story that is not just your own provides meaning to our own experience.
— Regina Gaysina, CWIM Cofounder
Goals
Build relationships and increase awareness of CWIM’s mission, creating opportunities for individuals and local networks to collaborate on a larger scale and achieve more together.
Global Ambassador Responsibilities
The Global Ambassador role involves representing and promoting Collaborative WIM activities while enhancing your leadership skills. Ambassadors, with a background in finance and investment, support the CWIM’s goal to accelerate diversity and inclusion in the sector. They advocate for inclusion and offer their time and expertise to further CWIM’s collective efforts.
Be a CWIM Representative
Promote the Brand: Actively promote CWIM through personal social media, employer forums, and speaking at events.
Recruit and Support: Recruit and serve as a resource for finance professionals and firms interested in joining or participating in CWIM activities.
Event Promotion: Promote CWIM’s Annual Summit and regional/local conferences and workshops.
Share Ideas: Share ideas and introductions with the CWIM Leadership Team.
Encourage Education: Encourage colleagues to expand their DE&I knowledge and consider becoming CWIM Ambassadors.
Mentorship: Mentor early career finance professionals and students.
Commit to Equity: Commit to non-discrimination, anti-racism, inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and humility to advance equity for all individuals regardless of background.
How You Benefit
Networking: Connect with like-minded Ambassadors and expand your professional network through exclusive events, sessions, and meetings.
Leadership Opportunities: Explore leadership roles as CWIM expands its network and programs through global collaboration.
Exclusive Access: Enjoy priority access to perks and opportunities offered by ally firms and organizations.
Outcomes
The CWIM Ambassador program has fostered an inclusive community and enhanced understanding of cross-cultural relationships in the investment management industry. We have seen increased engagement from finance professionals and students at all levels, which underscores the value of our mission. Additionally, participation in career development and mentorship programs has significantly increased across the global CWIM network.