Written by: Lace Piscitelli
Introduction: Redefining Success in Business & Finance
For centuries, business and finance have been male-dominated industries, with women often excluded from leadership roles, investment opportunities, and decision-making power. However, history is filled with trailblazing women who defied the odds, built wealth, and broke barriers—reshaping the financial landscape for future generations.
Today, women entrepreneurs, CEOs, and financial leaders continue to push boundaries, proving that wealth creation and economic power know no gender. This blog will celebrate some of these pioneers, including our very own Sheri Atwood, CEO of SupportPay, and explore how women are transforming business and finance.
1. The Women Who Changed the Game
Madam C.J. Walker – The First Self-Made Female Millionaire
At a time when opportunities for Black women were almost nonexistent, Madam C.J. Walker built an empire in the early 1900s by developing haircare products tailored for Black women. She used her wealth to empower others, funding scholarships, donating to charities, and mentoring young female entrepreneurs. Her legacy proves that financial success can be a tool for broader social change.
Muriel Siebert – The First Woman of Wall Street
In 1967, Muriel “Mickie” Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. Despite facing institutional resistance, she went on to build a successful brokerage firm and advocate for financial literacy among women.
Oprah Winfrey – From Broadcaster to Billionaire
Oprah’s rise from a small-town reporter to a billionaire media mogul is one of the most inspiring wealth-building stories. Through smart investments, ownership in her media empire, and brand expansion, she has amassed billions while advocating for education and philanthropy.
Sheri Atwood – Innovating Financial Support for Families
Here at SupportPay, we take immense pride in the journey of our very own Sheri Atwood, our founder and CEO. As a single mom juggling child support and shared expenses, Sheri faced firsthand the financial complexities that come with divorce and co-parenting. Instead of accepting the status quo, she turned her personal challenge into an opportunity to create real change.
Determined to simplify the process for millions of parents, Sheri founded SupportPay—the first platform designed to manage, track, and automate child support and shared expenses. Her vision was simple: to empower parents with financial transparency and efficiency while keeping the focus on their children’s well-being.
As a former Silicon Valley executive, Sheri used her expertise in technology and business to disrupt the outdated systems that had long failed families. Today, her leadership continues to drive innovation in financial wellness, fintech, and family finance, helping parents worldwide gain control over their financial future.
Her story is a testament to the power of turning obstacles into opportunities. This philosophy defines everything we do at SupportPay.
2. How Women Are Reshaping Finance & Business Today
1. The Rise of Women Investors
More women are taking control of their financial futures by investing in stocks, real estate, and startups. Platforms like Ellevest, founded by Sallie Krawcheck, are specifically designed to help women build wealth with tailored financial strategies.
2. Women-Owned Businesses on the Rise
Women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of all companies in the U.S. Today, female entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely (Spanx) and Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble) have built billion-dollar companies, proving that women are a force in the business world.
3. Closing the Gender Pay & Investment Gap
While progress is being made, women still earn less than men and receive only 2% of venture capital funding. Organizations like the Female Founders Fund and Women’s Venture Capital Fund are stepping in to bridge this gap, ensuring female entrepreneurs have access to funding and resources.
3. Lessons from Women Who Built Wealth & Broke Barriers
1. Turn Obstacles into Opportunities
Many women entrepreneurs started their businesses because they faced a personal problem that needed solving—just like Sheri Atwood with SupportPay. If there’s a gap in the market, chances are others need that solution, too.
2. Take Control of Your Financial Future
Whether it’s investing, negotiating salaries, or building a business, financial literacy is key. Educate yourself, seek mentors, and take calculated risks.
3. Build a Network & Support System
Success in business and finance often comes from strong networks. Join communities, seek mentorship, and collaborate with other women to amplify opportunities.
4. The Future: Women Driving Financial Change
With increasing representation in venture capital, banking, fintech, and entrepreneurship, women are driving a new era of financial empowerment. Companies like SupportPay continue to disrupt industries by creating tech-driven financial solutions that cater to real-life challenges.
The future is bright, and as more women step into leadership roles and wealth-building opportunities, the financial industry will continue evolving for the better.
Keep Breaking Ceilings
The stories of women who have redefined business and finance prove one thing: success has no gender, and barriers are meant to be broken.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or a financial professional, the path has been paved—now it’s time to build your legacy.
Who inspires you in business and finance? Share your thoughts in the comments!