Evelyn Aldrich

Evelyn Aldrich
Occupation(s)	Business executive, banking professional
Years active	1917–1918
Known for	Leadership of women's division at a New York bank; first woman to speak at American Institute of Banking convention

Evelyn Aldrich was an American business executive and banking professional who worked for the American International Corporation in New York City during 1917. She led the women's division at a prominent New York financial institution and became a trailblazer for women's participation in banking throughout World War I.

American International Corporation

During World War I, Aldrich was employed by the American International Corporation, a major U.S. conglomerate involved in global commerce and wartime manufacturing projects, notably including the Hog Island Shipbuilding facility.

Leadership in Banking

In her capacity as head of the women's division at a leading New York bank, Aldrich stood out as one of the few women occupying senior positions in banking during the early 1900s. She oversaw recruitment and supervision of female staff, whose presence expanded significantly as men enlisted for military service.

Committee Role

President R.S. Hecht of the American Institute of Banking appointed Aldrich to a specialized committee composed of three men and two other women—"Mrs. Bruce Baird of Chicago" and "Mrs. E. C. Erwin of New Orleans."

Notable Speech

On September 18, 1918, Aldrich broke new ground as the first woman to deliver an address at the American Institute of Banking's yearly convention held in Denver, Colorado. Speaking before an audience of 500 delegates, she discussed obstacles confronting women in banking and examined male colleagues’ perceptions of their female counterparts.

She asserted that business competence is determined by individual merit rather than gender. Aldrich observed that many women lost motivation to pursue banking careers due to inhospitable workplace environments and restricted promotion opportunities driven by male attitudes.

Highlighting contradictory expectations, she remarked: "You resent the girl... who comes into the bank all fluffy-ruffles... Yet you insist on womanly women. You expect these poor girls to come to the bank door women and then turn into men."

Committee Contributions and Adoption

The committee chaired by Aldrich proposed a preamble and resolution focusing on women's requirements within banking. These measures received overwhelming approval from the institute, signifying advancement in acknowledging women's roles in banking education and career development.

Historical Background

Aldrich’s leadership coincided with World War I, a period when women increasingly entered sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as banking, due to wartime enlistment. Her position leading a women's department and being the inaugural female speaker at the American Institute of Banking convention reflected evolving employment trends in finance.

Established in 1900 under the American Bankers Association, the American Institute of Banking played a crucial role in formalizing banking education. Aldrich’s participation indicated growing acceptance of women's contributions within this professional arena.

Legacy

By becoming the first woman to speak at the American Institute of Banking's convention, Aldrich paved the way for female leadership and educational advancement in banking. Her efforts advocating for better treatment and career progression significantly influenced early discussions on gender equality in finance during the early twentieth century.