3 min read
Innovation, inclusion, and education continue to drive women’s impact on money
Women have long been pioneers in the financial world, from breaking barriers in banking to creating accessible tools that help families budget and save. Today, their influence continues to grow, not just through leadership roles but also by building solutions that make money management more inclusive, approachable, and practical.
Here are some of the ways women have changed and are changing the conversation around money and paving the way for a stronger financial future.
1. Expanding access to banking and capital
Women leaders are building platforms and financial tools that help underserved and underbanked communities gain access to safe, affordable options. By creating inclusive banking solutions, they’re helping more people enter the economic system with confidence.
2. Making financial education accessible
From classrooms to online communities, women are simplifying complex money topics and making financial literacy approachable. Their focus on teaching, coaching, and mentoring helps families and individuals strengthen financial habits that last a lifetime.
3. Innovating with technology
By launching fintech solutions, women are using technology to meet people where they are. Whether through mobile apps, online resources, or digital-first banks, these innovations are making it easier for people to budget, save, and invest.
Spotlight on innovation
Women are creating fintech solutions that make money more accessible, inclusive, and practical for everyday people:
- Tala (Shivani Siroya): A mobile lending app providing instant access to credit scores and financial services for underserved communities worldwide
- Credit Stacker (Angel Rich): A gamified app that teaches financial literacy, helping users build money skills in an engaging way
- Goalsetter (Tanya Van Court): A family-friendly savings app that blends goal-setting with financial literacy education through interactive quizzes
These innovations show how women are combining technology, education, and empathy to meet people where they are and open new paths to financial empowerment.
4. Leading with empathy and inclusion
Women in leadership roles often champion diverse voices and advocate for more equitable financial systems. Their work helps foster inclusive environments where different perspectives are valued and represented.
Ellevest, founded by Sally Krawcheck, is an investment platform designed to help close wealth gaps by focusing on the unique financial needs and goals of women.
5. Creating judgement-free spaces for money talk
Money can be a tough topic, but women continue to create safe spaces for open, judgment-free conversations. By addressing issues like debt, generational wealth, and everyday financial stress, they’re helping break down stigmas and inspire progress.
Women like Jamila Souffrant (The Journey to Launch Podcast), Tori Dunlap (The Financial Feminist Podcast), Jean Chatzky (HerMoney), and Suze Orman (Women & Money) are leading these conversations in accessible ways.
6. Inspiring the next generation
From young professionals breaking into finance to entrepreneurs building new ventures, women are modeling what’s possible. By sharing their journeys, they’re showing future generations that financial leadership can take many different forms.
Girls Who Code, for example, helps girls and young women build technology and AI skills. These tools not only strengthen career opportunities but also support financial literacy and confidence. Programs like these ensure the next generation has the knowledge and inspiration to shape an even stronger financial future.
Other legacy leaders: Paving the way
Today’s women in finance build on the foundation set by trailblazers who broke barriers and redefined what was possible:
- Maggie Lena Walker: In 1903, she became the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States, creating access to financial services for her community during a time of exclusion
- Muriel Siebert: Known as the “first woman of finance,” she purchased a seat on the New York Stock Exchange in 1967 and later advocated for fairness and reform in the banking industry
The progress we see today builds on the foundation laid by pioneers like Maggie Lena Walker and Muriel Siebert, reminding us that inclusion, resilience, and innovation have always been part of shaping the future of money.
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Sources:
https://www.weforum.org/people/shivani-siroya/
https://connectednation.org/blog/african-american-history-maker-in-tech-angel-rich
https://glasshalffunded.com/12-female-founded-fintech-companies/
https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-podcast/
https://www.suzeorman.com/podcast
https://girlswhocode.com/about-us
https://alignfinancialsolutions.com/best-financial-podcasts-for-women/
For educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional about your personal situation.