She took time off to complete a culinary training course, then working at the Nasdaq stock exchange as director of capital markets and head of sales for U. S. transaction services.

[9] In 2005, feeling frustrated with the lack of technological transition at the NYSE,[10] she left the exchange and studied at the Institute of Culinary Education, working briefly as a chef at a restaurant.

[7] From 2007 to 2011, Cunningham worked at the Nasdaq stock exchange, first as director of capital markets and then as the head of sales for U.S. transaction services.

[9] Her job involved handling the exchange's cash equities markets, relationship and product management, and internal governance services.

[12][8][11][4][13] Although Catherine Kinney had been co-president of the exchange in 2002, the position had not entailed full leadership at the time, being firmly overseen by the CEO or chairman of the NYSE.