When I first learned that only 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, my heart sank. Even today, women earn merely 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, and experts estimate it’ll take another half-century before we bridge the gender wealth gap completely. Fifty years!😥 That’s more than a lifetime for my daughters, nieces, and every girl dreaming of making her mark in the world.

It’s unsettling to imagine a future where my daughter might still be fighting for basic recognition, fair compensation, and equal opportunities. 😑As a mother, aunt, friend, and mentor, I’ve always hoped that the next generation would face fewer barriers, not spend decades trying to scale the same old walls.

Yet, awareness is the first step towards change✨. Recently, I watched an inspiring discussion among powerful female leaders—Malik Santini, a financial advocate; Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, CEO of Xero; and Jennifer Openshaw, founder of Women’s Financial Network—who openly addressed these issues. They didn’t shy away from tough conversations about financial education, literacy, risk-taking, and investment strategies. It became clear how essential it is for women to advocate for themselves, take smart risks, and claim their power.

What moved me deeply was their personal stories—of overcoming imposter syndrome, finding mentorship, and the profound impact of early financial education. Jennifer’s initiative, “Girls with Impact,” particularly resonated with me, emphasizing the necessity of preparing young women not just to enter workplaces but to thrive and lead.

Their powerful advice—to visualize success, invest rather than simply save, build expertise, and grow confidence—stayed with me. If women embrace these strategies, we don’t just change our own destinies; we rewrite the future for the next generation.❤️

Yes, fifty years is a long time, but we have the power, right now, to accelerate change. Money enables impact, and when women rise financially, society flourishes. Let’s commit to making this brighter future a reality—not decades from now—but today. For my daughter, your daughter, and every girl dreaming big dreams: let’s stand together, raise our voices, and make change happen faster.