The $10 Bill Women in Banking Would Like to See
June 24, 2015 3:16 PM
We polled a number of prominent women in banking to ask who they believed should replace Alexander Hamilton as the face of the $10 bill. Here are some of their suggestions.
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Eleanor Roosevelt (Oct. 11, 1884 - Nov. 7, 1962)
"The longest serving first lady in American history was a considerable force in politics, as well as a human-rights activist for both women and African-Americans. Controversial in her day for being both opinionated and outspoken, history has shown [her to be] a role model for both men and women." Suni Harford, Regional Head of Markets, Citigroup
"Eleanor Roosevelt advocated for societal and work-force changes for women of all races and classes, and for all members of society who lacked formal power. She herself did not start with formal authority; rather, she created a pulpit for advocacy and action out of what historically had been a job requiring only white gloves and party manners." Melisse Grey, E.V.P., Corporate Retail Strategy and Service Group, Zions Bancorp.
Harriet Tubman (1822 March 10, 1913)
"Harriet Tubman would be my pick. Born into slavery, freer of others enslaved, leader of military expeditions and advocate for women's suffrage, her image on the $10 would remind us of her courage during our country's darkest time and provide us with inspiration to forge ahead." Jill Castilla, President and CEO, Citizens Bank of Edmond
Maggie Lena Walker (July 15, 1864 Dec. 15, 1934)
Walker, the first female bank CEO, was the choice of Fifth Third Bank's Michelle Van Dyke and the Maryland Bankers Association's Kathleen Murphy. Walker was a champion for women and African-Americans, and later in life, disabled by paralysis, she became an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities.
Abigail Adams (Nov. 22, 1744 - Oct. 28, 1818)
"I'd like to see a Founding Mother. I'd vote for Abigail Adams. She was brilliant and knew her 'place' as an active partner and adviser to her husband. To her credit, her detractors called her 'Mrs. President.' And I like the irony of her replacing Hamilton as the main image on the bill, given his role in defeating her husband's reelection." Sheila Bair, former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chair
Rosa Parks (Feb. 4, 1913 Oct. 24, 2005)
"Rosa Parks embodies the character and the principles that define our nation. I speak of her in the present tense, because a spirit that strong is always with us, a reminder of our obligations to the ideals of justice and democracy and an example of how one person's quiet courage can help change the world." National Credit Union Administration Chair Deborah Matz
Shirley Chisholm (Nov. 30, 1924 Jan. 1, 2005)
Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to Congress and first majority-party black candidate for U.S. president.
"The message of women as a 'talent pool' has always resonated with me. However each woman chooses to deploy her unique talents, she should never be constrained due to gender or ethnicity. Whether her choice is to make a difference by leading in the community, in business, in the arts, in the home, or in public service, our country and our world deserve full access to all talent regardless of gender or ethnicity." LeeAnne Linderman, E.V.P., Enterprise Retail Banking, Zions Bancorp.
Sandra Day O'Connor (March 26, 1930 present)
"I remember clearly the impact Justice O'Connor's appointment had on our country in the early 1980s. She broke through a nearly 200-year-old glass ceiling and that meant a great deal to women of all generations. Her enduring legacy is built on the basis of how well she did her job not just that she was the first woman to hold the position. A trailblazer, Sandra Day O'Connor showed that a woman could work her way up and serve effectively in any position, not just on the highest court in the land." Beth Mooney, Chairman and CEO, KeyCorp
Image: Bloomberg News
Stick with Alexander Hamilton
"I actually hate the idea of taking Alexander Hamilton off the $10 bill." Ashley Dennis, Chief Financial Officer, The Hardin County Bank
and Dump Andrew Jackson
Comerica Vice Chairman and CFO Karen Parkhill, like Jill Castilla of Citizens Bank of Edmond, wants to honor Harriet Tubman. But Parkhill joins the chorus of those who think it is the $20 bill that is due for a makeover. "I happen to agree with [former Federal Reserve Chairman] Ben Bernanke that the face of a woman should replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. And, I think Harriet is the perfect paradoxical replacement!"
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