As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the vital role women play in financial services and the unparalleled value they bring to our clients, our teams and this industry. At Cornerstone Wealth Group, empowering women is not just a priority—it is part of our commitment to being a net positive firm.
When I chose to build Cornerstone as a net positive organization, the vision was clear: we aim to leave more good in the world than we take. For me, advancing women in financial services perfectly embodies this mission. It’s not simply about closing representation gaps—it’s about unleashing a wealth of talent, fostering inclusion and driving transformative outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
The Power Of Women In Financial Services
Study after study proves it: diverse teams perform better. In problem-solving, decision-making and building lasting client relationships, diversity creates opportunities for more innovative and thoughtful outcomes. Despite this, financial advising remains an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry, with women making up just 20% of advisors.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Women advisors can bring unparalleled empathy, collaboration and insight to their work—qualities that foster trust and build deeper client relationships. As Jerett DiMarzio, one of our partners, put it: “Many clients prefer working with advisors who understand their unique financial concerns, and women investors, in particular, feel more comfortable discussing their goals with female advisors.”
Jerett’s perspective is one I’ve seen reflected countless times throughout my career. Another partner phrased it perfectly: “Diversity isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a requirement for better serving our clients.”
When women advisors step confidently into this field, their creativity and care are game-changers for both their clients and the industry itself. It’s essential for firms like ours to create the pathways and support systems that ensure women can thrive.
Empowering Women At Cornerstone Wealth
At Cornerstone, our commitment to empowering women starts from within. From day one, we’ve intentionally hired women and fostered an environment where they can grow, lead and succeed. But fulfilling this vision requires more than just recruitment. It demands deliberate mentorship initiatives, leadership development pathways and a culture where women genuinely feel they belong.
Our COO, Terri Fiessinger, serves as a remarkable example of the power of this commitment. Terri openly shares how, years ago, she realized she had sometimes stood in her own way. “It wasn’t until I read Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In years ago that I realized I was holding myself back,” she explained. “I needed to trust that my voice mattered and that my contributions belonged at the table.”
Today, she leads with that experience in mind. Terri has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for every woman at Cornerstone to break through barriers and build fulfilling careers. Through her guidance, we’ve developed mentorship programs, networking initiatives and leadership pathways that empower women across all roles.
Two of our standout advisors, Kara Kunz and Andrea Pine, are living proof of what happens when women are given the tools and space to succeed. From the support of their colleagues to tailored leadership opportunities, both have become role models within Cornerstone and beyond. The example they set is invaluable not just for their clients, but for others in this industry.
Net Positive Action Beyond Our Team
Cornerstone’s Net Positive philosophy drives us to think bigger than our own organization. We are committed to creating positive change in the communities we serve and in the industry at large by engaging in initiatives that uplift women professionally and personally.
This includes partnering with organizations that champion female entrepreneurship, promote financial literacy and provide mentorship opportunities for women across different industries. It also extends to the way we serve our clients. We understand that women bring unique priorities and perspectives to financial planning, and we’ve built personalized approaches to meet them where they are and help them achieve their goals.
As our director of marketing, Ashley White, notes, “Visibility leads to opportunity.” This principle guides how we highlight the achievements of our female advisors—whether it’s through marketing, thought leadership opportunities, or amplifying their expertise with clients. By showcasing their voices, we inspire other women to see the possibilities within financial services and create a culture of inclusion both internally and externally.
The Road Ahead For Our Industry
While I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Cornerstone, there is more work to do. To create lasting change, the financial services industry must address systemic barriers such as unconscious bias, limited leadership pathways and workplace policies that don’t account for the complexities women often face.
Terri has been instrumental in leading this focus at Cornerstone. As she points out, “Unconscious biases can create unseen barriers. We must have open conversations and intentional strategies to create gender-balanced teams.”
Recognizing these challenges is only the start. We must also reimagine how we introduce this industry to future generations. We must show women and girls what’s possible in financial services: rewarding relationships, flexibility and opportunities to make meaningful changes in clients’ lives.
Another critical element in driving change is allyship. Change cannot rest solely on women—they need the partnership and active involvement of men across the industry to create an environment of true inclusion. Allyship requires intention, accountability and consistent action.
A Vision For Lasting Net Positive Impact
Our journey doesn’t end here. Being part of the Net Positive Consortium means combining all our efforts with a broader movement to create lasting change, not just in financial services but across industries. At Cornerstone Wealth, our commitment to women is one of many ways we strive to create more impact than we extract and help shape a more inclusive future.
The work of the Net Positive Consortium highlights how firms, communities and industries can come together to transform the way we operate and connect with one another. Their initiatives are a guiding light for businesses like ours, helping us move beyond surface-level progress and into systemic change.
I am proud of the progress we have made, but I also know how much more is possible when we align our internal values with the larger, net positive vision. By empowering women, amplifying diverse voices and investing in meaningful partnerships, we strengthen not only our firm but also the entire ecosystem of financial services.
To learn more about the transformative work The Net Positive Consortium is doing—and how they guide businesses like ours toward meaningful action—visit Net Positive Wealth.
Together, we can create an industry that leads with purpose, inspires growth and leaves a legacy of inclusivity for generations to come.
Craig Rubrecht is CEO of Cornerstone Wealth.