It’s no secret: In sectors like law, IT and finance, it’s still tough for working moms and women of color to break into the executive ranks. While there’s been considerable progress in the past three decades, the pay gap between men and women reminds us that equality at the top is not yet a reality. “It’s true that men still have an advantage in some industries, but that doesn’t mean women can’t get ahead,” says Subha Barry, head of global diversity and inclusion at Merrill Lynch. “We just have to learn how to play the game.”

Playing the game is exactly the topic tackled at the Working Mother Media Multicultural Women’s Financial Town Hall last fall, with the help of all-stars of the financial industry, including Barry and Legacy Award winner and conference keynote speaker Carla Harris, a managing director at Morgan Stanley. American Express hosted the event at its New York City headquarters. HSBC was the founding sponsor, with its director of diversity initiatives, Sylvia Alston, spear-heading the effort. Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and JPMorgan Chase also sponsored the event. A diverse group of nearly 200 women from 16 financial companies brainstormed ways to promote their talents and get on the fast track to top-tier positions. Want to break the glass ceiling? Here’s a roundup of the experts’ top career-boosting tips.

Write a one-minute “elevator speech”
Take a lesson from the boys: “Men campaign for themselves all the time, which is why they always seem to land the big promotions,” says Barry. But women tend not to self-promote, and they need to. So create a short elevator speech—including a recent accomplishment, what you’re currently working on and thoughts about industry trends—you can quickly deliver if you happen to get a few minutes with your boss or CEO.

Run with existing ideas
When you’re sitting in a meeting, take in other people’s suggestions and enhance them with your own creativity. “Women often feel that they can’t contribute if it wasn’t their idea, but that’s not true,” says Barry. “Men do it all the time and get credit for it.”

Get a 360 review
On your way up the ladder, you need to take an honest look at yourself—strengths, challenges, special talents. To get real perspective, ask for critiques from your entire circle of colleagues. “Feedback from superiors, peers and subordinates gives you a full picture of how you behave and what you can do to be a better manager and leader,” says Antoinette Cooper, senior vice president and wealth management director at Wachovia, Northeast Region.

Practice being a leader
Executives aren’t made overnight. You need to develop leadership skills long before you set foot in that corner office. Cooper recommends volunteering with charities or your local church or synagogue, where you can plan and execute large-scale events and projects. “These opportunities allow you to try your hand at leading a team or public speaking,” she says. Mentoring junior staff can also help hone your management skills.

Increase internal visibility
When setting up a team, enlist individuals from as many departments as possible. “People talk, and working with colleagues from all over the company offers you greater name recognition,” says Susan Hodgkinson, founder and principal of the Personal Brand Company, an executive coaching firm. Also, volunteer for projects, especially ones that others don’t jump at right away. “This keeps you connected with a variety of execs whom you can tap for feedback and even go to directly should a promotion opportunity arise,” she adds.

Create your own board of directors
Gather a group of people you trust to give you honest feedback about your management style and professional qualities, suggests Cooper. It could include a mentor at work, friends, even community leaders you know well.
The bottom line for women in finance and other male-dominated industries: Make yourself known and highlight your talents. “We may think that working hard is going to get us noticed, but that’s not usually the case,” says Barry. “You have to put yourself out there.”

More Career Talk
Want in on the action? The next Working Mother Media Multicultural Women’s Financial Town Hall will be held later this year in New York City. For further information, click here.

Pictured above: Carla Harris, managing director in global capital markets at Morgan Stanley.