Women in ETFs: Wealth and Finance Career Conference

Wednesday April 22, 2026 | 9:00am – 1:30pm

Alder Commons, University of Washington

The WE PNW 2nd Annual Conference was developed by the Women in ETFs Pacific Northwest chapter as an educational, half-day symposium. The purpose is to bring local industry leaders together with early career professionals and students to foster meaningful connections, expand awareness of career pathways in wealth and finance, and provide practical insights into navigating the industry. Through engaging discussions, shared experiences, and interactive learning, the conference aims to inspire confidence, support professional growth, and strengthen a more inclusive and connected financial community in the Pacific Northwest.

All genders are welcomed and encouraged to join as members of WE. We look forward to a day of collaboration and inclusivity where new relationships will take root, conversations will spark new possibilities, and a strong sense of community will emerge. Our hope is that each connection made today becomes a lasting source of support, mentorship, and opportunity.

REGISTRATION

Student & Early Career Professionals: Register

Industry Professionals and Leaders: Register

All genders are welcomed and encouraged to register and attend.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration and Check-in

9:00 – 9:10 AM Welcome and Conference Kickoff by WE Leadership

Elizabeth Anderson, Regional Manager & Director, AllianceBernstein
Karen Beaudry, Manager, Career Services & Employer Relations, UW Computational Finance and Risk Management

9:10 – 10:00 AM CEO Panel: A View from The Top

Moderator: Amelia Holland, Country Head, Citywire USA
Kristen Bauer, CEO, Laird Norton Wetherby
Julie Parisio Roy, CFA, CFP – CEO, Badgley Phelps
Shilo Lockett, President, Comprehensive Wealth Management
Nelly Mubashi, CEO, Northwest Asset Management

10:00 – 10:30 AM Keynote Fireside Chat, Introduction by Ramiro Higuera

Moderator: Christine Cherry, Head of Partnerships, Future Proof
Anna Paglia, EVP, Chief Business Officer, State Street Investment Management

10:30 – 11:20 AM CIO Panel: Perspectives from Investment Leaders

Moderator: Amelia Holland, Country Head, Citywire USA
Ann Gookin, Partner, Managing Director, Freestone Capital Management
Brandy Niclai, CFA – CIO, Multi-Asset Strategies, Alaska Permanent Capital Management Co.
Evgenia Gvozdeva, PhD, Managing Director, Head of Research, Russell Investments
Michelle Walker, CFA – CIO, Threadline Wealth

11:20 – 11:30 AM Break

11:30 – 12:00 PM Featured Speaker, Introduction by Amelia Holland

Erica Coogan, Former Head of Wealth Management, Moss Adams

12:00 – 12:30 PM Lunch and Networking

12:30 – 1:15 PM Break Out Sessions, continue enjoying lunch

Alder Auditorium CFA Society

Laura Foster, CFA, Franklin Templeton
Sharon Kim, Director of Global Partnerships, CFA Institute

Alder 105 CAIA Northwest
Alder 106 FPA Puget Sound
Alder 107 Investment Operations

Lisa Cook, Partner, Waverly Advisors
Kim Evermon, Northwest Asset Management, Onboarding Manager
Grace Rollins, Fortis Financial Group, Director, Business Development

1:15– 1:30 PM Reflections and Closing, Introduction by Karen Beaudry

Victoria Tucker, Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Virtus Investment Partners

LOCATION & PARKING

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Alder Commons in Alder Hall
1310 NE 40th St, Seattle, WA 98105
Between University Way NE and Brooklyn Ave NE

PARKING

UW Central Plaza Garage (CPG) is the closest parking location underground at 4100 15th Ave NE (15th Ave NE and NE 41st St).
Lot E18 on Montlake Blvd NE is the least costly. Walking from E18 to Alder Commons is .8 mile, approximately 18 minutes.
Click here for information on all the self-serve parking options on campus.