The Wedbush Organization of Women Hosts “Choose to Challenge” Celebration on International Women’s Day

This year for International Women’s Day, the Wedbush Organization of Women (WOW) hosted a fantastic virtual event on March 8th, 2021. The celebration, themed “Choose to Challenge,” encouraged colleagues to speak up, stand out and self-advocate.

The online festivities began with powerful opening remarks by Kirsten Fraunces, EVP and Head of Capital Markets, who shared her inspiring story at Wedbush and emboldened others to take risks: “Choosing to challenge has been a decision to lean in…and not just when it’s easy…but when the stakes are really high.”

President of Wedbush Securities, Gary Wedbush, spoke next, highlighting some of the many impressive women he hired at the firm because “women are often the best person for the job.”

Next, Kelly Lisbakken, Managing Director, Healthcare Investment Banking, revealed her keys to success which included persistence and “unrelenting hustle.” Kelly also said her achievements can be attributed to “giving 100% every day, with every action.”

Our guest speaker was Nancy Medoff, Coach and Founder of Athenawise, and a global persuasion and negotiation expert, with specialties in practical management, interactive training, authenticity and motivation. Medoff shared insights on how women can position themselves, promote their strengths, be confident and conscious about how they communicate, and how our male colleagues can support women. After the discussion, colleagues networked and discussed the celebration’s topics.

During the event, WOW announced their campaign for Dress for Success, a global nonprofit that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive. Thanks to support from our colleagues, WedbushCares has donated $1,500 to the nonprofit organization.

Explore the ways our firm supports the advancement of female colleagues through the Wedbush Organization of Women (WOW).

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