Empowering the Next Generation: 12th Annual Blacks on Wall Street Forum
On Feb 13 th 2025, the 12th Annual Blacks on Wall Street Forum brought together 186 high school students from New York for an inspiring day of learning, networking, and empowerment. The event served as a bridge to careers in finance
and technology, providing traditionally underrepresented students with invaluable exposure to industry leaders, career pathways, and mentorship opportunities. This year’s forum proudly showcased some of our dedicated partners—Intuit, AFCEA,
NPower, and America On Tech—who are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the financial and technology sectors. Their support and engagement underscored the importance of providing young students with access to resources, knowledge,
and opportunities that can shape their futures. Keynote Speakers: Inspiring Change The students had the privilege of hearing from two distinguished keynote speakers: • Tunde Akindele, Global Head of Strategy, Ratings at S&P Global, shared insights on navigating careers in finance, the importance of strategic thinking, and how young professionals can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Shawn Rochester, author of “The Black Tax”, delivered a compelling address on the historical and economic barriers
that have impacted Black communities and how financial literacy and strategic wealth-building can drive economic
empowerment.
BoWS 2025 Audience ladies
Dynamic Panel Discussion: Insights from Industry Leaders A powerful panel discussion featured esteemed professionals who shared their personal journeys, career advice, and
perspectives on success in their careers: • Melinda Scott – Chief Compliance Officer, Tangency Capital Ltd. • Jeff Lindor – CEO, The Gentlemen’s Factory • Rhea Hamilton – Associate General Counsel, S&P Dow Jones Indices
• Michael Spense – CEO, MI&I Consulting Their collective wisdom provided students with valuable guidance on career development, leadership, and the importance of mentorship in professional growth. Launching Jr. Blacks on Wall Street (JBoWS) In an exciting expansion of our mission, Blacks on Wall Street also launched Jr. Blacks on Wall Street (JBoWS). This new initiative focuses on the technology and IT sectors, providing young professionals with tailored mentorship,
workshops, and programs designed to advance our youth. JBoWS aims to create a supportive ecosystem where emerging talent in tech can thrive, build networks, and gain the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital
world. Supporting the Next Generation: A Commitment to Financial Empowerment Thanks to our Diamond Sponsor, S&P Global (https://www.spglobal.com/en), providing staff, location and complete
professionalism. Additionally, Coolkids.org granted all 186 students a gift certificate for stock, giving them an early introduction to investing and financial literacy. This tangible step toward economic empowerment aligns with our mission to not only
educate but also equip students with the tools to build wealth and financial stability. Making an Impact—One Student at a Time The 12th Annual Blacks on Wall Street Forum was more than an event; it was a movement toward fostering greater
representation and equity in the financial and technology industries. By providing students with mentorship, knowledge, and access to opportunities, we are investing in a future where diverse talent is empowered to lead and excel.
As we reflect on this year’s success, we look forward to continuing our mission— to close the professional opportunity gap by providing under-represented youth the resources to achieve promising careers.
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About Blacks on Wall Street, Inc. Blacks on Wall Street, Inc. (BoWS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to close the professional opportunity gap by providing underrepresented youth the resources to achieve promising careers.
BOWS seeks to position existing professional leaders alongside emerging leaders to engage, empower, mentor, recognize and reward diverse youth towards advancement opportunities. It was founded in 2014 to assist in the support—financially and otherwise—of
organizations that promote the social welfare and health of the African American community of New York City and to advocate for the equitable distribution of the philanthropic dollars generated annually in New York City.