by Shay Phillips, Volunteer and Partner of FWSF
Scroll down for event photos!
On Thursday, the 21st of May, Financial Women of San Francisco hosted the 2026 Scholarship Awards Luncheon at the historic Metropolitan Club in San Francisco, honoring eight remarkable recipients in a celebration of resilience, ambition, and the enduring power of community, all unfolding against the backdrop of FWSF's momentous 70th anniversary.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was electric. The Metropolitan Club's timeless elegance set the perfect stage as members, supporters, and guests arrived in full networking motion, eagerly awaiting this year's recipients and their stories. FWSF President Karen Crowley opened the ceremony with a warm welcome before passing the floor to Scholarship Committee Lead Nina Maystrovich. Committee members Gayatri Natrajan and Summer Salisbury then delighted the crowd with an engaging trivia game woven around FWSF's history, San Francisco's legacy, and women in finance. With the room buzzing, Vira Aleksandrova and Amina Mamayeva introduced this year's awardees, each of whom took the stage to share deeply personal stories of perseverance, purpose, and possibility.
Among the voices that moved the room: Aeli Sherpa, a first-generation international student from Nepal who chose to persevere over giving up; and Naledi Mackenzi, who reminded us that financial literacy is not just about numbers, it creates options, stability, and freedom. Adding to the afternoon's momentum, Robyn Rogin, VP of Fundraising, took a moment to speak passionately about the importance of personal donations and fundraising support for the scholarship fund, a powerful reminder that the generosity of this community is what makes these life-changing awards possible.
And a heartfelt thank you also goes out to the dedicated volunteers whose seamless behind-the-scenes efforts made the day truly shine.
This year, FWSF proudly celebrates 70 years and over $3.5 million awarded to Bay Area women. The 2026 class adds eight more names to that extraordinary legacy. Mark your calendars, the 70th Anniversary Celebration continues on October 22, 2026.
"Lifting Others, Rising Together"
Abbeir Jaber, Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley
Alyssa Karbel, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Aeli Sherpa, Saint Mary’s College of California
Maribel Wenzinger, Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business
Tam Nguyen, California State University, East Bay
Arianna Francisca Costello, University of San Francisco
Jasira Gay, Saint Mary’s College of California
Naledi MacKenzie, University of San Francisco
From Connections Newsletter (Past Event Highlights): June 2025
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The opinions and information expressed in this blog/post/webpage are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of FWSF. FWSF is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this content or any damages resulting from its use.