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Orange County finance leaders headline third annual Tearing Down the Pink Wall

Nine conference attendees pose in front of a WISE event backdrop, wearing name badges on pink lanyards.

Award-winning nonprofit WISE and UC Irvine bring together influential women in U.S. finance to inspire the next generation of female leaders

Irvine, Calif., September 15, 2026 — The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education, in partnership with Orange County-based Women Investing in Security and Education, will host the third annual Tearing Down the Pink Wall on Oct. 15, bringing together nationally recognized leaders in finance, investing, business and academia for an evening dedicated to financial literacy, career empowerment and leadership development.

Now in its third year, WISE’s Tearing Down the Pink Wall has evolved into UC Irvine’s signature event for women in finance and financial empowerment. The event convenes undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, continuing education learners, educators and business leaders to engage in meaningful conversations about career advancement, financial confidence and the future of leadership in finance.

To attend, RSVP at https://ce.uci.edu/events/event-details?serialId=00207.

Founded in Orange County more than 25 years ago, WISE has grown into an award-winning national nonprofit dedicated to advancing financial literacy, education, mentorship, and career opportunities for women. Through initiatives like Tearing Down the Pink Wall, WISE connects students and emerging professionals with accomplished leaders whose experiences inspire the next generation to pursue careers in finance, investing and business leadership.

This year’s program features one of the strongest panels in the event’s history, including three nationally recognized women whose leadership has helped shape the investment management industry. Two of the featured executives – both Orange County residents – lead nationally recognized investment firms headquartered in Newport Beach and have been honored among Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance.”

Featured speakers include:

  • Jane Buchan, Ph.D., CAIA, chief executive officer of Newport Beach-based Martlet Asset Management and Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” alumna.
  • Katy Sherrerd, Ph.D., CFA, partner and chief executive officer of Newport Beach-based Research Affiliates and Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” alumna.
  • Devin Shanthikumar, Ph.D., associate dean for undergraduate programs and professor at the Paul Merage School of Business.

The discussion will be moderated by Anna Paglia, executive vice president and chief business officer of State Street Investment Management and a Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” alumna. Paglia is widely recognized as one of the investment industry’s leading voices in institutional investing and exchange-traded funds.

The event is presented through a collaboration between the Division of Continuing Education, Division of Undergraduate Education, Graduate Division, and the Paul Merage School of Business, creating a full-circle educational ecosystem that supports learners from undergraduate education through graduate study, professional development and lifelong learning.

“Tearing Down the Pink Wall is about creating pathways,” said Angela Dailey, board chair of WISE. “For more than two decades, WISE has been building this movement from Orange County – connecting students with accomplished women who demonstrate what’s possible. When people can see leaders who have walked the path before them, they begin to imagine themselves doing the same. Financial literacy and career access truly have the power to change lives.”

“At the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, we believe learning is a lifelong journey and opportunity should exist at every stage,” said Kristine M. Collins, dean of the Division of Continuing Education. “Tearing Down the Pink Wall exemplifies our role as a bridge between academia and industry – bringing together students and professionals to learn from one another and build meaningful connections. Through experiences like this, we are helping create a stronger, more inclusive workforce while empowering the next generation of women to see themselves as leaders in finance, investing, and beyond.”

Founded on the belief that “she can be what she can see,” WISE and UC Irvine are building bridges between education and industry by connecting students directly with accomplished leaders who are shaping the future of finance and investing. Together, they are creating opportunities for learners to gain practical financial knowledge, explore career pathways, and build relationships that can influence the course of their professional lives.

Attendees will hear candid stories of leadership, gain practical financial insights, participate in an interactive audience Q&A, and connect with industry professionals, mentors, employers, and peers during a networking reception immediately following the program.

About the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education: The UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education was established in 1962 and has served the lifelong learning and career development needs of individuals, organizations, and the community on a local, regional, and global scale. Through a wide range of educational opportunities, including certificate and specialized studies programs, short courses, and strategic partnerships, UCI DCE provides learning pathways for those seeking career advancement or personal enrichment. For more information about UCI DCE, including its new strategic plan, vision, mission, and values, visit ce.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

About Women Investing in Security and Education: Women Investing in Security and Education is an award-winning nonprofit organization founded in Orange County that has grown into a nationally recognized leader in financial literacy, mentorship, and career development. For more than 25 years, WISE has empowered women through education, professional networking, and access to opportunities within the financial services industry. Guided by the belief that “She can be what she can see,” WISE continues to help women take control of their financial futures and unlock their full potential. Learn more at www.wiseinvestors.org.