Former Summer Intern Makes Stock Exchange History

The New York Stock Exchange for the first time in its 226-year history will be led by a woman, as Stacey Cunningham will become the 67th president of the Big Board, per the AP. That means that two of the world's most well-known exchanges will be led by women. Adena Friedman became CEO of Nasdaq in early 2017. Cunningham, who is the chief operating officer for the NYSE Group, becomes president Friday, according to International Exchange, the NYSE's parent company.

The Street has background on Cunningham, noting that she began her career at the NYSE as a summer intern in 1994, working as a trading floor clerk. Then she "climbed the ranks" at Nasdaq before returning to NYSE. Current NYSE President Thomas Farley is leaving to head a special purpose acquisition company. One fitting coincidence: Last month it was announced that the "Fearless Girl" statue, which has become a global symbol of female business prowess, will be moved from her spot staring down Wall Street's bronze "Charging Bull" to a new home facing the New York Stock Exchange.

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