2026 MMI Women’s Leadership Forum

Rewriting the Way Women Experience Investment and Wealth Management

Women are on the verge of controlling the majority of U.S. wealth, yet studies show many still feel underserved by a profession built on legacy assumptions. Drawing on her experience building one of the RIA industry's most intentional women-focused practices, Laura explores how attendees can better support women through different life stages and create more meaningful client relationships. The future is female. As wealth continues to shift, understanding and serving women is not just an opportunity—it's a strategic imperative.

Laura Combs, CFP^®, MBA, Executive Managing Partner, Head of Women and Wealth, Mercer Advisors
 

The Power of the Ladder: Climbing, Holding, and Reaching Back  

In finance, getting a seat at the table can feel like the finish line – but staying there, and making space for others, is where real leadership begins. This session focuses on the journeys and learnings of two industry professionals at different stages in their careers. Navigating the path from early career to established leaders, including the important roles of mentorship, sponsorship, and community along the way.

Moderator:  
Annie Brown, Co-Head of U.S. Intermediaries, Wealth Management, T. Rowe Price  

Panelists:  
Isabel Brandl, Brand Marketing Associate, Nomura Asset Management  
Cindi Perez, Chief Operating Officer, Investment Products & Services, Stifel Financial  
 

The Future of Asset & Wealth Management: Modernizing Platforms and Client Experience 

Explore the evolving advisory solutions landscape through a macro lens, examining how modernization, shifting client expectations, and global market dynamics are transforming the asset and wealth management ecosystem. This session will examine key trends shaping the future – including AI, private markets, personalization, competitive positioning, and the strategic relationships and consolidation trends creating new opportunities across the industry. 

Kristen Griffin, Head of Investment Manager Analysis, UBS
Emily Kulback, Global Head of Product, Invesco  
 

Quick Hit Sessions 

Mentorship/Sponsorship
This session explores the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, including how each supports career growth, and what makes these relationships effective. Learn how to identify and approach the right mentors and sponsors and hear practical tips and examples of how to build relationships that drive development and advocacy.  

Patty Quinn McAuley, SVP, Head of Marketing, Clark Capital
Anne Steer, Head of Distribution, Congress Asset Management 

Exploring Ways to Give Back
Discover meaningful ways to get involved in philanthropy and community leadership. This session will introduce first-time opportunities to serve through nonprofits, junior boards, and volunteer leadership while building your network and making a lasting impact. 

Kara Grehan, Head of Global Financial Institutions, BNY Investments
Vanessa Touma, COO, Americas Distribution, Invesco
 

Give Back Together: Philanthropy in Action with Madison Square Boys & Girls Club

Join representatives of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club for an inspiring and hands-on philanthropy experience. The Executive Director will share insights on the importance of philanthropy, the impact of community support, and how collective action can create meaningful change. Following the discussion, participants will work together to assemble hygiene kits for individuals and families in need, turning conversation into direct community impact. 

Elaine Rocha, Chief Executive Officer, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club 
 

Day 1 Recap and Day 2 Welcome

Forum Co-Chairs:
Cady Johnson, EVP, Head of Field Sales, PIMCO 
Cheryl Nash, President, APL, InvestCloud
 

Quick Hit Session

Skill Sets for Success 
This interactive roundtable session will explore the leadership skills, talent priorities, and hiring trends shaping the future of the industry. Through lightning-round table discussions and brief participant summaries, attendees will share perspectives designed to spark meaningful conversations that continue throughout the event.

Kathy Freeman, CEO, Kathy Freeman Company
Kerry Ryan, Senior Director, Global Financial Services Industry & Product Marketing, Seismic 
 

Calculated Risks & Unexpected Opportunities

At key moments in her career, Libby chose a different path than her peers – from leaving investment banking for Capitol Hill to building a role that barely existed when she started. She discusses why "strategy by envy" rarely works, how to earn mentors and sponsors, and why the most successful careers often look nothing like the original plan.

Libby Cantrill, Managing Director, Head of Public Policy, PIMCO

Host: 
Cady Johnson, EVP, Head of Field Sales, PIMCO 
 

What’s your Return-on-Interaction? How to Discuss What Matters Most

In our technology-driven world, human interaction is becoming rarer, riskier, yet more consequential than ever. From Triad Consulting Group, the firm that produced two New York Times Bestsellers — Difficult Conversations^® and Thanks for the Feedback^® — this session will deepen your capacity to navigate your high-stakes conversations so that every interaction, even the toughest ones, becomes an opportunity to create real relational value. 

Julie Okada, CEO & Partner, Triad Consulting Group
 

The Next Chapter: AI for Work, Life, and Balance  

A forward-looking conversation on the next chapter of AI and how it is reshaping the way we work, lead, and live. AI promises smarter decisions, greater productivity, and more seamless integration between professional demands and personal well-being. However, it also introduces real tensions: the confidence gap for non-technical leaders being asked to keep pace, the risk of losing soft skills and human judgment as teams become more AI-fluent, and the deeply personal question of how we balance technology's role in our families and our children's development.  

Moderator:  
Kat Mello, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley

Panelists:
Niamh Cloughley, Managing Director, Strategic Communications Practice, CRA | Admired Leadership
Anu Dodda, Chief Technology Officer, PureFacts

 

Quick Win Strategies: Fueling Focus, Resilience, and Performance

In this interactive, Dr. Ginny Baro shares practical tools and frameworks to help leaders and their teams sustain performance during periods of uncertainty and transformation. Designed for fast-paced financial services environments, the session strengthens focus, communication, influence, and self-trust through reflection exercises and real-world application, leaving participants with actionable strategies they can immediately apply with greater clarity, confidence, resilience, and energy without burnout.  

Dr. Ginny Baro, CEO, Executive Bound
 

Leading Under Pressure: The Art of Strategic Communication

Jennifer Connelly, Co-CEO and Founder, JConnelly 
 

Tales from the Trenches: How to Successfully Navigate Your Personal and Professional Lives

This session shares real-world “tales from the trenches” on successfully navigating the complexities of personal and professional life, highlighting candid experiences, lessons learned, and honest reflections from the journey. Attendees will gain insights into managing challenges, making pivotal decisions, and building resilience while balancing career growth with personal priorities.

Moderator:
Cheryl Nash, President, APL, InvestCloud

Panelists:
Suzanne Casey, Co-Head of Wealth Client Group, Northern Trust Asset Management
Amanda Robinson, SVP, Head of Wealth Advisory Managed Solutions Specialist Distribution, Fidelity Investments 
 

Closing Remarks

Forum Co-Chairs:
Cady Johnson, EVP, Head of Field Sales, PIMCO 
Cheryl Nash, President, APL, InvestCloud