Amidst Growing Resistance towards DEI, This Women's Group Gains Momentum
In the heart of the financial industry, Meghan McKenna launched the Female in Finance Collective (FIF) in June 2023, aiming to create a community and platform for women in finance. With a successful career in banking and no family responsibilities, McKenna's decision to forego venture capital funding was both practical and personal.
FIF has grown significantly over the past year, attracting a diverse membership. By August 2023, the collective boasted 300 members, and this number swelled to 1,500 subscribers by June 2024. To support its growth, FIF introduced a paid membership platform in June 2025, offering annual fees of $1,000 or $100 monthly.
The collective has faced challenges and resistance common to efforts aimed at advancing gender equity and inclusion in finance. However, FIF has adapted and grown by emphasizing measurable outcomes and success stories, building alliances with industry leaders, creating safe spaces for candid conversations, adapting messaging to address concerns, and leveraging social media and digital platforms to amplify voices and broaden community engagement.
FIF's event strategy has also been instrumental in its growth. The collective hosts a variety of events, from small, intimate networking gatherings to larger public panels. This focus on both intimate and public events has helped FIF to reach a wider audience and foster a sense of community among its members. In recognition of its achievements, FIF was invited to celebrate its first anniversary on the NYSE floor in June 2024.
FIF is more than just a network; it provides access to executive hiring opportunities, personal profiles, board seats, and early investment opportunities. The collective has secured anchor partners such as PwC, CFGI, and Ramp, and has also attracted silver partners like CrossCountry Consulting, Dual Entry, and Remote.
Meghan McKenna's approach to building a female community demonstrates that allyship and action remain a powerful force, even in a time when DEI is under threat. McKenna's dedication to her cause has not wavered, and she continues to work tirelessly to increase the representation of later-stage female founders on stages at conferences.
Despite DEI becoming politicized, the interest in FIF's services hasn't diminished. On the contrary, an increasing number of inquiries from potential partners attest to the collective's growing influence. McKenna's belief in taking care of the community, rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of a Bronx police officer, is evident in her commitment to curating high-caliber rooms with access to key decision-makers.
FIF will continue to expand geographically, with cities such as Seattle, Austin, Paris, and London set to become new hubs in the second half of 2025. McKenna's resilience and commitment to her mission serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with the right approach, it is possible to make a significant impact in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
- FIF's growth has been attracting attention in female-founded networks, and Meghan McKenna has become a notable figure in women in venture capital.
- The collective's focus on diversity-and-inclusion, health-and-wellness, and women's health in the business and finance sector has been making headlines.
- With its expanded reach, FIF is also making strides in women in tech and womens-entrepreneurship, providing opportunities in science and fintech.
- Despite the DEI backlash, the collective's influence is growing, as evidenced by an increase in inquiries from potential partners and the announcement of new hubs in cities like Seattle, Austin, Paris, and London.
