Smart Woman Securities

Smart Woman Securities (SWS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating undergraduate women about finance and investments. Its mission is to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for women to make informed investment decisions, thereby empowering them to participate fully in the financial services industry.

History and Chapters

SWS operates with chapters across various universities in the United States, totaling over 25 chapters. This extensive network allows the organization to reach a broad audience of women interested in finance.

Educational Programs

SWS offers a comprehensive educational program that includes:

• Seminars: Members participate in seminars that cover basic finance concepts as well as advanced topics to ensure that all members have a uniform level of understanding.
• Mentoring: One-on-one mentoring sessions with industry professionals are provided to help students build their financial knowledge and gain practical insights.
• Investment Projects: Participants are required to complete an investment project where they analyze companies by examining financial records, competitors, and market news, ultimately developing a company profile to assess investment potential.
• Networking Events: Members have opportunities to network with successful professionals in the financial industry, including meetings with notable figures like Warren Buffett.

Membership and Activities

To become a member, students must complete a ten-part lecture series and an investment project. Members can choose to be part of a research team or attend career preparedness seminars. SWS hosts an Annual Women in Leadership Conference, bringing together the entire community to learn from and support each other.

Inclusivity

While primarily focused on educating undergraduate women, SWS welcomes students from all majors and backgrounds, providing a platform for those with little to no experience in finance to learn and grow.

Impact

By offering educational content, practical experience, and networking opportunities, SWS aims to reduce the barriers to entry in the financial sector for women and empower them to become confident investors and financial leaders. The organization seeks to create a new generation of financially literate women who can contribute to and influence the financial world.

[1] http://www.carnegiemellonsws.com/about.html [2] https://www.swsfordham.com/about [3] https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/people/smart-woman-securities [4] https://experience.pitt.edu/sws/ [5] https://www.fordham.edu/gabelli-school-of-business/student-and-career-resources/undergraduate-student-resources/student-organizations/smart-woman-securities/