Each year we recognize one member for the Distinguished Member of the Year award. For 2025, the honor went to Kim Scala, who served on FWSF’s board as Secretary. Kim has been a steadfast and deeply committed member of FWSF for many years, contributing her expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge across multiple roles. As Secretary, she manages her responsibilities with clarity and precision, while also serving as a thoughtful advisor to the Board. This year, Kim played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for a future board structure and skillfully guided a challenging discussion with calm professionalism and grace. She consistently steps up whenever needed and exemplifies reliability, integrity, and dedication.
Other nominees for this year’s award included, in alphabetical order:
Vira Aleksandrova
Vira is one of the most reliable and dedicated volunteers within FWSF, consistently going above and beyond to support our events and community. She is always among the first to arrive, the most hands-on in ensuring smooth execution, and the last to leave, all while maintaining a warm, positive, and professional presence. Vira’s exceptional attention to detail, strong work ethic, and consistent willingness to help make her an invaluable member of the organization.
Kristin Maurer
Kristin is a powerhouse advocate for women in finance and a deeply engaged member of our community. She shows up consistently, wholeheartedly, and with a spirit that elevates everyone around her. Whether she’s attending programs, championing visibility for women leaders, or connecting members across the industry, Kristin brings both passion and purpose to everything she does. What makes Kristin exceptional is her genuine commitment to amplifying women’s voices and creating opportunities for others. Kristin represents the very best of FWSF: leadership, advocacy, and unwavering support for women at every stage of their careers.
Nina Maystrovich
Nina has made an extraordinary impact on FWSF in a remarkably short time. From the moment she joined the Scholarship Committee, she brought fresh ideas, strong organizational skills, and a thoughtful approach to improving processes. Her leadership in streamlining the scholarship selection experience was so meaningful that she was quickly elevated to Co-Chair, a clear recognition of her talent, vision, and ability to strengthen the committee’s work. Nina embodies the values of FWSF through her dedication to developing future women leaders in finance, her collaborative leadership, and her unwavering commitment to our mission.
Kim Pugh
As FWSF’s VP Marketing & Communications (MarCom), Kim has dedicated the past two years to elevating the visibility, voice, and brand of FWSF through exceptional leadership of our MarCom efforts. She has transformed the organization’s look and feel, expanded our social media presence, and delivered high-quality, thoughtfully curated newsletters that inform, engage, and highlight the breadth of talent within our community. Her commitment to featuring member stories, showcasing thought leadership, and creating meaningful monthly themes brings our mission to life and keeps members connected and inspired.
Stephanie Terrasas
Stephanie has been an exceptionally dedicated member of FWSF, bringing energy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to contribute from the moment she joined. As a scholarship recipient and emerging leader, she consistently shares thoughtful ideas, volunteers enthusiastically, and looks for ways to support both members and organizational initiatives. Stephanie is actively engaged in the academic and professional community at Santa Clara University, demonstrating the kind of leadership and commitment that reflects FWSF’s mission and values.
From Connections Newsletter (Featured Spotlight): December 2025