What if the very women who help others build wealth could not reliably build their own?

This is the story of “Roma Shah

Roma Shah is an innovator participating in the Synergiiize Innovator Program’s 2025 cohort and not only is she revolutionizing fintech, but she’s doing so in a way that centers authenticity, equity, self-determination, and empowerment, pouring into and lifting up other women as she pursues her own entrepreneurial journey. Here is her story: 

In the women-led financial services industry, one of the most persistent and overlooked challenges is the feast-or-famine business cycle. Bookkeepers, accountants, and financial coaches are highly skilled at serving clients, yet most struggle to generate consistent revenue because the industry has historically relied on referrals, seasonal demand, and word-of-mouth credibility. As a result, even exceptionally talented women remain under-earning, overworked, and invisible in the marketplace.

When I founded Finance Media Collective, I set out to solve a problem I personally experienced:

What if the very women who help others build wealth could not reliably build their own?

 

The breakthrough came when I realized the issue wasn’t ability — it was access: access to marketing systems, sales training tailored to service-based women, and messaging frameworks that positioned them as industry leaders rather than commodities.

The innovation I introduced is a strategic, repeatable lead-generation system designed specifically for women in financial services, called Lead Gen Lab. Unlike traditional marketing programs that teach generic content posting or expensive paid ads, Lead Gen Lab provides:

*A visibility methodology that helps women articulate their expertise with confidence;

*A Sales Menu™ framework that replaces “waiting for referrals” with proactive, relationship-based outreach;

*Automation systems to create consistent sales calls in as little as 24–72 hours; and

*Messaging development that allows women to communicate their value so clearly that clients recognize them as trusted authorities.

This innovation solves both the technical and the emotional barriers to growth. It recognizes that many women in finance were taught to be excellent executors — but not visible leaders. So the solution is not just strategy — it is identity elevation.

Since launching this model, the impact has been measurable and scalable:

*200+ women in finance have used the system

*Clients regularly achieve consistent 5-figure months within 90 days,

*Many have doubled their revenue, raised their prices, or launched group programs,

*Several have become the primary income providers for their households, and most importantly: 

*they report a profound increase in confidence, agency, and presence in the marketplace.

This year, I expanded the model further by integrating speaking and community-based client

acquisition, helping women who once feared being “too visible” step onto stages, panels, and workshops as recognized leaders. One client, Shalimar, initially feared speaking publicly, worried she would “freeze” and lose credibility. Through the framework, she learned how to structure her message, own her story, and show up as a leader. She now confidently speaks to rooms of prospective clients — a milestone that directly contributed to her growth toward a $150K+ annual business.

The innovation is not just in the strategy — it is in shifting who women believe they are allowed to be.

I created a system where women in finance do not wait for permission to grow — they learn to generate it from within. This is how we change who gets to lead the financial industry next.

Additional document to support the story: Introducing_20251107_180640_0000 – Heather Metcalf.mp4 – Google Drive

Woman Innovator of the Year 2026

If you are nominating another woman, fill out the form for the other woman
Share your innovation story (provide details what problem you solved, and the innovative solution given). The story can be of this year or more long term. Please share your story in a simple and authentic way, covering the following points:• A brief introduction about yourself and your background • What inspired you to start your innovation journey • The problem or challenge you identified • How your innovation/project/idea was developed • The impact or change your innovation has created in your industry, community, or society • Any challenges you faced during the journey and how you overcame them • Your future vision or goals related to your innovationWe would also request you to share: • Relevant photographs/images related to your journey, work, innovation, events, or achievements • Short video clips (if available) that can help us during video creation and storytelling • Any media features, presentation clips, workspace visuals, or behind-the-scenes moments that reflect your journey authenticallyThe more personal and real the story feels, the more impactful the final storytelling piece becomes.
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Photos, short video clips, or behind-the-scenes shots that bring your story to life.
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Brochures, impact reports, presentation decks — anything that strengthens your story.
Woman innovator

Share your story. Inspire others. Lead the change.

We're spotlighting women innovators
who turn ideas into impact.

Deadline to submit
Aug 15, 2026
Stories featured
Oct – Nov 2026
Open to women
Worldwide
Become a member, complete the form,
and share your innovation story.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

  • Get featured on
    VOWI platforms
  • Gain global
    visibility
  • Earn community
    recognition
  • Inspire future
    innovators

Share your story.
Inspire others.
Lead the change.

This October to December, Voices of Women in Innovation (VOWI) will spotlight inspiring stories of women who turned ideas into impact.

We’re inviting women from around the world to sharetheir innovation journeys – or nominate someonewhose creativity, courage, and leadership have made
a difference.

Selected Stories

will be featured on VOWI’s platforms
throughout the campaign.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Women innovators from any field — business, technology, sustainability, science, education, or social impact — who have led or contributed to projects that create positive change.

Business

Technology

Sustainability

Science

Education

Social Impact

IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline to submit

August 15, 2026

Story features: Published

October-November 2026

HOW TO JOIN

  1. 1 Become a member of VOWI
  2. 2 Complete this short form
  3. 3 Tell us about the innovation story that deserves to be celebrated
Quill and paper illustration

SELECTED STORIES WILL RECEIVE

Featured on
VOWI platforms
Global
visibility
Community
recognition
Opportunity to
inspire others