As Women's History Month unfolds, it's time to shine a light on the remarkable journey and achievements of female financial professionals who have carved their paths in an industry historically dominated by men. At 1847Financial, we recognize and celebrate the pivotal role that women have played—and continue to play—in shaping the financial landscape.

• In 1770, we encountered the first female stockbroker in London, a pioneering figure whose name, unfortunately, remains unknown but whose legacy paved the way for future generations of women in finance.
• The 19th century introduced us to trailblazers like Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to open a brokerage firm on Wall Street in 1845. She challenged gender norms and set a precedent for women in finance. Maggie L. Walker broke new ground in 1870 by becoming the first female bank president in the United States, exemplifying leadership and financial expertise.
• The early 20th century witnessed significant milestones, with Madame C.J. Walker emerging as America's first self-made female millionaire through her cosmetics business in 1921. Muriel "Mickie" Siebert's historic achievement in 1967, becoming the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, opened doors for women in the male-dominated world of finance.
• While the contributions of women like Fischer Black in developing the Black-Scholes options pricing model in 1973 may have been overshadowed, their impact remains profound. Janet Yellen's appointment as the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve in 2008 marked a significant milestone in financial leadership.

Today, women continue to make strides in the finance services industry. With that said, women remain underrepresented in financial planning and advisory roles. Data from the CFP Board shows only 23.6% of all certified financial planners were women as of the end of 2022, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women make up only 35.1% of all personal financial advisors. As of February 1, 2024, the latest demographics from the CFP Board show 98,967 CFP® professionals. Among them, 23.8% are female, a slight increase from the previously reported 23.6% at the end of 2022.

This disparity exists despite the profession's attractive working conditions and the potential for high earnings, which could help close the gender wage gap.

At 1847Financial, we are committed to supporting and advancing the careers of female financial professionals. We believe in building strong, trusting relationships characterized by integrity, transparency, and mutual respect. Our culture of connection values and supports every individual, providing unparalleled access to top-notch resources and support to thrive in their careers.

Female financial professionals have the potential to influence their clients, setting themselves up for success. Women comprise more than half of the U.S. population and control or influence 85% of consumers.

Additionally, women control more than 60% of all personal wealth in the U.S. Whether as a solo financial professional or a member of a functional team, the importance of increasing the number of female financial professionals has never been more evident.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we want to recognize the voices and contributions of women in financial services, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the industry.

At 1847Financial, we're not just talking about change; we're actively working to make it happen. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the financial services industry. We are committed to working together to create an environment where every female financial professional feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve her full potential.

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