Empowering women in finance: The 2025 Women’s Stock Pitch showcases talent, leadership, and community
This spring, Alan B. Miller Hall was once again at the center of collaboration and competition as William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business and the Boehly Center for Finance hosted the 2025 Women’s Stock Pitch event.
Bringing together 22 teams from universities across the globe, including delegations from the University of Florida and Memorial University, the two-day event highlighted the rising influence of women in finance and celebrated the talent cultivated among the next generation of female business leaders.
The weekend kicked off on Friday with an energetic mix of career information sessions and networking opportunities, where more than 45 industry professionals—many of them William & Mary alumni—shared their insights and career pathways. The evening culminated with a keynote conversation featuring Molly Pieroni ’90, President & Partner at Yacktman Asset Management, who shared her extensive experience in investment management and her passion for supporting the next generation of women leaders in finance.
“The event offers an exceptional simulated environment for students to present and defend their investment thesis with seasoned industry professionals who think about securities analysis and portfolio construction every day,” Pieroni said. “Many of us return year after year because the event is important to us, but also because the students participating are exceptional themselves, and we want to show our support for their talents and passion for this work.”
Saturday saw intense rounds of stock pitch presentations, with teams evaluated on the depth of their analysis, the clarity of their pitches, and their ability to engage with judges during Q&A sessions. The competition’s final round, held in Brinkley Commons, was particularly exciting as William & Mary’s team, led by captain Olivia Stegner, clinched first place.
“Winning the 2025 Women’s Stock Pitch was a truly thrilling experience that served as the perfect opportunity to apply and showcase my Mason School education beyond the classroom. It couldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of my team, a talented group of students that exemplify what it means to be a leading woman in finance,” Stegner said. “The impact of this event has confirmed my confidence in being well-positioned for a successful career in finance.”
Adding to the event’s impact, Saturday’s lunch keynote featured Christine Phillpotts, Portfolio Manager & Senior Vice President at Ariel Investments. Interviewed by Uma Datar and Brynn Vetrano, Co-Presidents of the Smart Women’s Securities Club, Phillpotts offered perspectives on emerging markets and the evolving role of women in global finance.
Now in its ninth year, the Women’s Stock Pitch has evolved to be more than just a competition. It is a showcase of community and mentorship, where students, alumni, and industry leaders converge to inspire and empower. Brett Hammond, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Boehly Center, reflected on the importance of the event for both student growth and alumni engagement.
“As I’ve gotten more involved in the Boehly Center, I see how this year’s stock pitch was not just an opportunity for teams of finance students to hone their analytical and presentation capabilities, but it also provided opportunities for over forty William & Mary undergraduates to grow their leadership skills and interact face-to-face with successful alumni who donated their time and effort to the cause,” Hammond said. “I’m excited for the future of the Women’s Stock Pitch and the Boehly Center.”
Dean Todd Mooradian echoed these sentiments, noting the significance of events like the Women’s Stock Pitch in preparing students for leadership in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
“It is essential to our mission to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to lead in the financial sector,” he said. “The support from our alumni and corporate partners not only enhances the student experience but also strengthens the professional network that distinguishes the Mason School.”
Pieroni, who has been involved with the Women’s Stock Pitch for nearly a decade, emphasized how the event also fosters long-term professional connections. “The students also have the opportunity to meet each other and expand their networks of like-minded people interested in the investing field. Participants will become peers in the industry,” she noted. “I also support the Women’s Stock Pitch because I have been a direct beneficiary of mentors and friends who have supported me throughout my career, and this event offers a way for me to ‘pay it forward’.”
The 2025 Women’s Stock Pitch reaffirmed William & Mary’s commitment to advancing women in finance by combining rigorous academic preparation with real-world experience and alumni engagement. As the event wrapped up, students left with more than just competition results—they gained critical insights, industry connections, and a clearer path forward in their careers. With continued support from the Boehly Center, alumni, and corporate partners, the Mason School remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of female financial leaders.