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fall 2005
Smart Woman Securities (SWS) is founded in Fall 2005 by Tracy Britt and Teresa Hsiao. From their experiences in the business world and on campus at Harvard University, they realize that there are very few opportunities for women to collectively learn about investing in college. Although there are a few investment clubs on campus, many women they speak with express their unease at joining these organizations due to a lack of financial knowledge. Tracy and Teresa set out to develop an organization that will provide investment education and experience for undergraduate women.

spring 2006
Initially a concept, SWS is solidified in Spring 2006 and is launched on its first campus, Harvard University. The Founding Team is selected amongst an overwhelming number of applicants and works to launch SWS as a fully-functional organization, including finalizing an educational training program and developing relationships with industry professionals. Founding Partners coordinate resources and facilitate the management of the organization in order to establish a strong and lasting foundation.

fall 2006
In Fall 2006, SWS officially launches its education program on Harvard’s campus with over 60 students going through an extensive 10-week program, during which they gain knowledge about the markets, develop analytical and research skills, and learn about the SWS investing principles. Furthermore, SWS receives the great opportunity to visit successful investor, Warren Buffett, at Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, NE. During the semester, the Harvard Founding Team also follows up with potential investors, securing capital for the first investment fund at Harvard.

spring 2007
SWS members at Harvard participate in their first Research Teams, conducting research on companies within specific sectors, which they subsequently present to the Harvard Investment Board, which begins with $10,000 under management. The Investment Board—comprised of members who have demonstrated a broad understanding of research, investing, and the SWS investing principles—discuss the portfolio allocation and listen to presentations from SWS Analysts in specific industries. The Board then makes the ultimate investment decision for the SWS portfolio.
  
fall 2007
With a strong Executive Board in place at Harvard to oversee the day-to-day operations, SWS goes national, and Teresa and Tracy focus on the future growth of the organization, including launching a fundraising campaign to expand to other college campuses. SWS also takes its second group of members to visit Warren Buffett in October and over 150 students attend the SWS Investment Conference in November. Additionally, SWS National completes the extensive application process to become a 501c3 non-profit entity, which will aid in the expansion process.

spring 2008

In January, SWS members go on Mad Money with Jim Cramer on CNBC to pitch stocks to Jim. On the show, SWS National also announces its first chapter expansion to Columbia University. Back on Columbia’s campus, the Columbia Founding Team implements several events, along with an investment challenge to introduce SWS to the school. In April, Harvard’s chapter partners with other investment organizations to bring famed Fidelity investor, Peter Lynch, to an eager audience. While Columbia and Harvard are busy on campus, SWS National becomes a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.

fall 2008

The Columbia Founding Team officially launches their seminar series in Fall 2008 and have a successful first semester on campus, attracting students from not only Columbia, but from neighboring Fordham University. With a growing interest from students across the country to bring SWS to their campuses, SWS National develops a thorough and rigorous application process for new chapters to ensure that the organization finds Founding Teams that are committed to the mission of SWS and prepared to take on the responsibility of launching a chapter.

spring 2009
Three universities go through the application process to become a new chapter of SWS, and SWS National announces the expansion to Fordham University and Yale University.  SWS National is delighted to welcome two committed Founding Teams to further the SWS mission. Members from all four chapters – Columbia, Fordham, Harvard, and Yale – meet in Omaha to once again visit Warren Buffett. This year, SWS National hosts an SWS exclusive dinner with Mr. Buffett where members are able to dine with Mr. Buffett, while asking the acclaimed investor about stocks, business, and life.

fall 2009
Fordham and Yale launch their first seminar series on campus to an overwhelmingly positive response from students, despite the economic downturn. All four SWS chapters – Columbia, Fordham, Harvard, and Yale -- participate in a mentorship program together with industry professionals and plan a trip to New York City, where they spend a day at J.P. Morgan learning about opportunities in finance. SWS National continues to spread the word about the SWS mission and works to recruit students to start chapters on their campuses.

spring 2010
SWS expands to four new campuses in spring 2010 -- Boston College, Cornell, Dartmouth, and Princeton. SWS National also plans its fourth trip to visit Warren Buffett in April with SWS members from all eight chapters in attendance. New to this year's trip is an SWS Interactive Day, where members interact and share best practices from their respective chapters. SWS National also announces a National Partnership with J.P. Morgan for the 2010-2011 academic year, which includes a chapter-wide mentorship program, investment competition, and other opportunities for all SWS members.

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