Nicolette DiMaggio, equity research analyst, Shelton Capital Management

Even when she's not working at Shelton Capital Management as an equity research analyst, Nicolette DiMaggio is still thinking about investing — specifically, how to teach young children the basics of financial literacy and advocating for the subject to be taught in schools.

In 2020, the Stamford, Conn.-based Ms. DiMaggio published her first children's book, "Stock Explore." The book, which is aimed at elementary school-aged kids, follows the adventures of Elle, a 7-year-old girl, and a talking owl named Sam as they go on an adventure where they receive their first stock and learn about financial literacy.

A year later, Ms. DiMaggio launched a free online comic series that teaches children a new investing term each week. She also spent 2021 organizing story time sessions and other educational opportunities at schools in upstate New York, as well as donating free copies of her book to kids in underserved regions.

In addition to talking to young children, Ms. DiMaggio said she believes it's crucial for senior-level industry leaders to go to high schools and colleges and spread awareness about the career path among young women.

"We just need more discussions, more training, more education," Ms. DiMaggio said. "I'm a big proponent of financial literacy and more awareness."

Ms. DiMaggio, who joined Shelton Capital in September after 3½ years at Willis Towers Watson PLC, said she was one of just two female investing majors in her university program at Siena College.

"Having more (people in) senior roles go to high schools and go to colleges and talk about those career paths … I feel like that's the only way for us to improve," Ms. DiMaggio said. "And I'm a big proponent of the earlier you start having these conversations the better."