WISE Honors Anna Paglia with Inaugural Outstanding Woman Leader Award

State Street executive recognized for her commitment to mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation

IRVINE, California, October 27, 2026  Women Investing in Security and Education (WISE) has presented Anna Paglia, executive vice president and chief business officer of State Street Investment Management, with its inaugural WISE Outstanding Woman Leader (OWL) Award, recognizing her commitment to financial education, mentorship and expanding opportunities for the next generation of women.

The award was presented on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of WISE’s Tearing Down the Pink Wall series, celebrated at the University of California, Irvine on October 15, 2026. More than 250 students attended.

“Anna gives her time, shares her experience and takes a personal interest in helping young women move forward,” said Angela Dailey, WISE board chair. “She understands how much it matters to have someone believe in you and help open a door. She exemplifies our WISE core beliefs, of the power of financial education and ability of role models to change lives. That commitment is why we chose Anna as our inaugural WISE OWL honoree.”

Dailey added, “Anna has helped bring generous support to WISE programs and has traveled across the country to participate in events at UC Irvine and UC San Diego. This year, she also helped bring State Street’s Fearless Girl to WISE’s celebration, a symbol of the confidence WISE hopes to inspire in young women.”

 “As a first-generation college student, I know the value of having someone in your corner who can offer the guidance and share what they’ve learned, believe in your potential and help open doors,” said Paglia. “Mentorship and sponsorship can make a real difference for the next generation, especially students who are the first in their families to attend college. I am committed to helping whenever I can.”

Paglia’s WISE honor adds to industry recognition that includes being named to Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance list and the 2025 class of Pensions & Investments’ Influential Women in Institutional Investing.

At UC Irvine, Paglia moderated a discussion featuring Jane Buchan, chief executive officer of Martlet Asset Management; Katy Sherrerd, partner and chief executive officer of Research Affiliates; and Devin Shanthikumar, associate dean for undergraduate programs and professor at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.

The evening gave students the opportunity to ask candid questions, discuss their career uncertainties and seek guidance directly from women leaders in finance. Those exchanges reflected WISE’s goal of helping students develop the confidence and connections to pursue opportunities they may not previously have considered.  Dailey added, “Our goals with Tearing down the Pink Wall are to create a space where connections are fostered, possibilities explored and confidence is built.”

About WISE

WISE (Women Investing in Security and Education) is an award winning nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and girls through free financial education. Founded in 1997, WISE brings together leading financial professionals, university partners and community organizations to help women of all ages and backgrounds build financial knowledge and confidence. Through its signature “Tearing Down the Pink Wall” series, educational programs, webinars and scholarships, WISE connects women with resources and role models to help them take charge of their financial futures. WISE believes, “She Can Be What She Can See.”