Julie Andress, Managing Director for Institutional Equity Sales Trading at KeyBanc Capital, won the Leadership Award at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance Awards. 

What inspired you to become an advocate for women in the financial industry?

I had the privilege of attending the WIF awards in 2016 when I was recognized as a Rising Star. It was one of the first times that I was part of such a large gathering of women in the industry celebrating the work and impact we have had. The event was very impactful to me. I saw how much women in the industry banded together to support and uplift each other which was very powerful. From that point I was inspired to become involved in several organizations supporting women in finance. We brought several young women to the event, and it was amazing to see this have the same impact on the next generation.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your leadership journey so far?

One of the most rewarding moments of my leadership journey so far is my appointment to  board chair for the Security Traders Association (STA). Although the work is just beginning, I’ve been involved in the STA for nearly a decade and served in various leadership roles during the past six years. I attended an STA event in 2014 and knew that I wanted to serve our financial services industry and get involved. STA has given me the opportunity to learn from so many other industry leaders and grow. I look forward for making that impact on our next generation.

By way of background, the STA is a grassroots organization with more than 20 affiliates in the U.S. and Canada. STA educates its members on market structure issues while representing their interests with legislators, regulators and other industry associations. STA is also committed to promoting goodwill and fostering high standards of integrity in accord with its founding principle, dictum meum pactum, “my word is my bond.”

How do you approach challenges or setbacks in your career?

I heard the saying early on, “The only thing constant is change.” So, I look at every challenge as such, and I don’t really believe in setbacks, just opportunities to learn and adjust. Challenges can range from a new system to a global pandemic, or probably the hardest for me and many women, returning from maternity leave. These challenges are all just changes we need to adapt to, not fighting that knowledge and knowing more will always come helps me look at them as an opportunity to better myself.

What’s a moment in your career that you’re especially proud of 

I am proud of joining KeyBanc Capital Markets as a sales trader and succeeding in this role. It was a big change coming back to Cleveland from New York to learn a new set of skills and responsibilities. I have served as a sales trader for the past 13 years and really focused on becoming a subject matter expert and serving our clients.

In this industry, it’s always finding that next thing and being curious about it. Over the years, I’ve learned to take ownership of my mistakes and address them directly. This has served as a means of learning and rebuilding the trust of those who may have been affected. I have wonderful relationships with my clients and colleagues and continue to evolve with the industry.

What’s your advice to the next generation of women in finance?

Work hard and be confident, it’s really advice that can be taken by any young person in the business, a simple formula we often need to be reminded of, specifically as women. Women tend to question their decisions or approach things with less confidence, it’s just in our nature, to second guess. Raising your hand for every opportunity and giving it your all, along with the confidence that you are doing your absolute best.

Tell us about a passion you have outside the business.

I was raised to be kind above all else and help others wherever I can. I attended John Carroll University, a Jesuit college, with the motto, “Men and Women for Others.” So, this has always been my mindset. I’m grateful so many of our business organizations do work to benefit charities, but I’m also involved with local charities in my community. I have two young sons, a 4-year-old and 2-year-old, so my family is of course my biggest passion. My eldest son participated in a bike ride this year, Trikes and Bikes, a fundraiser to benefit Cleveland Clinic Children Pediatric Cancer Hospital. He was one of the top fundraisers, proud Mom brag, but it really had the full circle impact of working to help others and teaching your children to do the same.