Sep 24, 2025 - Last Updated: Sep 24, 2025
The Security Traders Association of Chicago (STAC), an affiliate of the Security Traders Association (STA), is celebrating their 100th anniversary, and Apex is thrilled to be invited to the celebration!
STAC asked Apex Senior Client Partner and STAC Advisory Board Member Danielle Dayan to reflect on her involvement with her local branch of this leading trade organization. Here is an excerpt from the interview with her.
Why did you join STAC?
I’ve been a part of the securities industry for many years and attended several STAC conferences over the years. Steve Roy then suggested I become a full member – and I’m so glad he did.
How has STAC increased the value you bring to your organization?
STAC has allowed me to connect with more colleagues at my company and engage with them around STAC activities, initiatives, and events. Simultaneously, it gives me a wonderful opportunity to represent the great work and progress that my company is making in the industry.
Why are the educational and networking opportunities STAC offers so critical to someone starting out in/looking to advance their career?
This industry moves so fast that it’s critical for young professionals to stay plugged in and continuously develop their knowledge and networks. The educational and connection opportunities that are a part of STAC are endless. STAC members come from many of the most distinguished financial institutions, exchanges, and more in our industry, and the networking opportunities are exponential.
How has STAC increased the value you bring to your organization?
STAC has allowed me to connect with more colleagues at my company and engage with them around STAC activities, initiatives, and events. Simultaneously, it gives me a wonderful opportunity to represent the great work and progress that my company is making in the industry.
What is your favorite STAC event and why?
I enjoy so many of the STAC events, but I think Mid-Winter Meeting may be at the top for the sole reason that it brings so many people to town from across the country that we may not see as often. It’s a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and network.
What’s something other STAC members don’t know about you?
Other members may not know that English was my second language and that I was born in Casablanca, Morocco.
What would you tell your younger self just starting your career?
Don’t take no for an answer, don’t be intimidated by titles, and remember — even when things go wrong — “this too shall pass.”
Name one industry trend that you’re keeping an eye on today.
Like everyone, I see AI more and more in every aspect of our work.
Read the full article featuring Danielle on the STAC website.
If you’re not familiar with the Security Traders Association of Chicago (STAC), here’s a bit of information about them:
Established in 1925, the Security Traders Association of Chicago (STAC) is comprised of 600+ professional trade industry members who are engaged in the buying, selling and trading of securities. It is an affiliate of The Security Traders Association (STA), a leading trade organization for individual professionals in the securities industry that works to improve the ethics, business standards and working environment for its members.
With a mission of education, professional networking and philanthropy, STAC hosts conferences and events that promote professional development, serve as a platform for influential leaders in the industry and offer an unmatched forum for networking.