I joined Legal & General - Asset Management, America in 2017 as a fixed income product specialist and joined the distribution team a few years after that, covering the Northeast. I was recently promoted to Head of Distribution to lead the firm’s strategic distribution efforts across the U.S. institutional market. I’m now responsible for overseeing prospective client engagement, consultant relations and business development across corporate pensions, public plans, endowments, foundations and Taft-Hartley investors. In addition, I build and maintain relationships with large institutional asset owners and investment consultants on the East Coast.

I first joined WIP about eight years ago, when I moved to Chicago to join L&G. It’s a phenomenal organization and an incredible resource for finding mentors and mentees, and for networking with a very supportive group of successful women that really just want to help each other out. I work remotely now in North Carolina, so I try to schedule trips to Chicago around WIP events.

My journey began at Virginia Tech, where I majored in Finance at the business school. I started my career in New York as a summer analyst at Citigroup Capital Markets. I spent nearly ten years there in Sales and Trading roles within fixed income, selling structured credit such as derivatives and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs).

When I’m not working, I enjoy chasing around my two daughters, who are two years old and three years old. They certainly know how to keep me on my toes! It’s a lot of fun and I’m trying to take in the moment since they're growing up so quickly.

 

In college, I chose to major in sociology, hoping to become a social worker or therapist, then added a business minor to learn about personal investing. After college, I joined a law firm's investment group as a paralegal. Through networking, I became a Marketing Associate at the former parent company of Mondrian Investment Partners, a London-based global and international value manager. I worked on RFPs and databases, which was a great way to learn the business, then transitioned to my current role in client servicing and consultant relations. From our Philadelphia office, I manage relationships with institutional clients and consultants and I also chair Mondrian’s DEI Consultation Group. Even after 25+ years, this job continues to challenge me, and I love working with clients and consultants.

My work often brings me to Chicago, which is how I discovered WIP. A friend recommended WIP as a great group of women, and I experienced this firsthand when I joined last year and attended the holiday party, which was my first event. I value connecting with other women in the business, as well as the opportunities for growth and learning.

Outside of work, I've helped facilitate programs in Mondrian’s Philadelphia office focused on educating the next generation and have established partnerships that help identify students from underrepresented areas, to help with our DEI efforts. I also mentor young women from local universities through the CFA Society of Philadelphia’s “Inve$t in Her Future” program, making great connections and speaking on panels.

I also sit on an investment committee and DEI committee for a local school which has provided another great learning and networking experience, and I'm working on my golf game, including at the most recent WIP event!

 

I am US Fixed Income Manager Researcher at Aon Investments, where I focus on emerging markets debt. My responsibilities include underwriting and due diligence of investment strategies, meeting with asset managers, working with client teams, and reviewing the broader investment universes to continuously ensure our research team puts forth our best ideas.

Throughout my childhood, I had wanted to be a meteorologist and that was my intention when I started my undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma. But after one semester of freshman chemistry, I realized that a career in science was probably not for me, and math was my stronger subject area. I transferred to Illinois State University to study finance, which allowed me to combine my math and analytical skills with an interest in investments. I graduated at the height of Covid in 2020, and spent a few months as a nanny before starting at Marquette Associates as an Investment Performance Analyst. After two years working on the client side, I decided investment research was of more interest to me and began in my current role at Aon.

I am passionate about providing the research and analysis that help clients make informed decisions. Knowing our team’s recommendations will indirectly support retirement and income security for many individuals and families is a privilege, as well as a reminder to do the best I can at my job.

Outside of work, I am passionate about dancing and advocating for my community. I can spend hours at a studio on the weekends and do the same creating and organizing events that uplift and support those around me.

I joined WIP to stay connected to the fact that women are not just present in this industry, but are powerful forces that run companies, move markets, and make meaningful impacts. The opportunities I have been presented with and the heights I have seen women reach have taught me that I can accomplish more than I realize. I look forward to continuing to meet and make connections with fellow WIP members as well as broadening our reach within the industry!

 

I currently work as a Defined Contribution Retirement Consultant at Capital Group. During my undergraduate studies at Loyola University Chicago, I pursued a double major in marketing and theology. Each discipline gave me insights into understanding human motivations and influences. By senior year, I had a unique perspective on human behavior at a material, physical, and spiritual level, which led me to want to work in an industry where I could improve lives by understanding and meeting client needs. I realized that asset management would be an excellent fit for this goal, which ultimately led me to begin my career on the sales desk at DWS. I spent a couple of years on the sales desk, then worked as an analyst for the national accounts group, while also earning an MBA from Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business. Then an opportunity to work at Capital Group came across my path and I was eager to pursue it.

 

In my professional life, I am particularly passionate about acquiring knowledge and disseminating what I have learned to others. We are fortunate to work in an industry that fosters lifelong learning. Outside of my professional commitments, I have a deep passion for singing. Throughout my life, I have participated in both school and church choirs, and I have had the honor of performing the national anthem at numerous sporting events. I cherish the opportunity to share this God-given talent with others and am grateful for all the occasions on which I have been able to sing.

 

I joined WIP to connect with other women in my industry in Chicago, and it has provided me with that opportunity and so much more. WIP is a community of dedicated professionals who recognize the significance of hard work and the importance of supporting one another and the community at large. Through various service opportunities and WIP gatherings, I have had the privilege of meeting and being inspired by some of the most accomplished women in our field.

 

"In the company of women like this – sharp-edged as raw diamonds but with soft hands and hearts, not strong in spite of anything but powerful because of everything – I feel invincible."
- Mackenzie Lee

 

I am passionate about my work as an accounting and tax services professional. I currently work at Ryan Goulding CPA, a boutique firm that focuses on providing exceptional and customized services to clients. The firm has been a growth machine to me professionally and personally. I am able to wear multiple hats and I love switching them all the time!

 

I decided to become part of a professional women organization after some significant professional and family events in my life. I found WIP through a Google search and joined the organization without a second thought. That was in May 2022. Since then, WIP has served as a great support system as well as an inspiration for my professional growth. I have participated in several WIP networking events and professional development workshops, and as many coffee roulette meetings as my work schedule allows. During those events, I have met some amazing women, including Sonia Sandoval, Laura Davies, Sandra Krueger and many more.

 

As no form in life is perpetual, I’m committed to continuing to grow both professionally and personally – and WIP is a big part of that. Because life is a divine, beautiful, mysterious creation that needs to be lived fully and celebrated!

 

Growing up, I spent ten years – throughout elementary, middle and high school – in Singapore. The experience of living abroad from such a young age fostered a certain level of adaptability that I draw on to this day. I had to learn how to navigate new environments, engage with people from different backgrounds and form communities. Those skills have been helpful throughout my career, including my current role as a consultant for Mercer, where I focus on not-for-profit clients, such as endowments, foundations and healthcare entities.

 

My experience with WIP began in 2021 when I attended my first Trailblazers awards dinner. It was great to be surrounded by so many women in the industry and I was inspired by their stories of triumph over challenges and shortcomings in both their personal lives and professional careers. Since joining, I’ve enjoyed attending various professional development series, economic outlook luncheons and networking events. Last year, I participated in the Partners Program and more recently I joined the events committee. It has been so rewarding to form connections with other members of the organization and I look forward to more to come!

 

As U.S. Sales Director of Capital Markets for FINBOURNE Technology, I focus on helping financial services firms unlock the value of their data so they can improve operational efficiency and scalability.

 

I started my career in the 30-year bond pit of the Chicago Board of Trade, and then was a futures broker before pivoting to technology. I thrive in high-growth environments and was one of the first employees at a couple of start-up firms, where I gained experience building out global sales organizations and developing go-to-market strategies.

 

But I am most passionate about advancing women and BIPOC representation in the financial services industry.I attended WIP’s summer networking event in August 2023 and was immediately struck by how warm, genuine and inviting the members were. Being a Latina woman in financial services, I had often felt alone. Being surrounded by a group of brilliant, fascinating and diverse women who were all willing to help one other was enough to make me sign up on the spot! I also joined the Innovation and Community Outreach committees so I can participate on a deeper level. I truly cherish the organization and the relationships I’ve made over the past several months.

 

I own a consulting firm focused on assisting RIA and wealth management firms with technology projects. Many firms use third-party software, rather than building their own, and they need a realistic understanding of what software vendors offer, the level of support provided, and how third-party software fits into their business model for both internal and external stakeholders. I serve as a firm’s project manager and lead the software selection and implementation process. I recently started a new role as board member for Inspire Trust Company, a trust bank designed to meet the needs of people receiving proceeds from personal injury matters.

 

In 2017, I was looking for a women’s organization in the investment industry with a diverse group of functional roles and a WIP member asked if I’d be interested in joining. I’ve been a member ever since. Our mix of educational and networking events has helped me better understand areas outside of my expertise and has enabled me – a one-women shop – to meet and network with a dynamic group of women. 

 

I enjoy participating in activities that enhance our organization’s goals. I am actively involved in the Innovation Committee, which recently successfully rolled out two new programs, the Partners Program and University Program. I also managed the development and rollout of our new website, including a new, more robust membership database that we anticipate will help improve the membership experience. 

 

 

I’ve been a member of WIP for over a year and currently volunteer on the events committee. From the first event I attended, I’ve been continuously surprised at how welcoming and supportive this group is. Unlike much of our organization, while deep into my career, I’m fairly new to the investment management industry. At WIP, I’ve found women who encourage my learning and growth while seeing value in the transferable skills I bring from my former industries. I find WIP to live up to its mission in every encounter I have and I’m so grateful to have found this organization. As a Chief Growth Officer, networking and building community is key to my every day, and you can’t build vast communities without being fully inclusive of the resources in your industry.

 

TorreBlanc is a certified Minority Business Enterprise, and diversity and inclusion are inherent to our culture. TorreBlanc’s corporate team is 66% minority, 33% LGBTQ, and 33% female, and our consultants are 24% female and 62% minorities. This gives us the opportunity to insert diverse resources into operations and technology teams globally. Our company goals align well with WIP, and getting involved as a Silver Sponsor and committee member has provided me with yet another channel for supporting this mission. In addition to WIP, I’m also a member of TMA and participating in the Women in Finance Academy at the University of Illinois Champaign campus as a guest speaker for the upcoming year. I’m in the Loop every day and always excited to get to know more women in our industry.

 

My WIP journey began in 2015 after being invited by a friend to an event on the economic outlook; I was immediately hooked! I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in the Membership Committee over the past several years and have continued to make incredible connections and personal friends. Highlights have been exposure to first-class content from industry leaders and trailblazing women among the various interactive events. Involvement in WIP has expanded my professional network within the investment management community and has inspired me to drive community and female advancement within my current role at Alter Domus.

 

I co-launched the Alter Domus North American Women’s Business Resource Group ("BRG"), as a key Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative with Alter Domus North America Regional Executive, Jessica Mead, and Head of Human Resources North America, Denise LaForte in Q4 2022. The main goals behind the formation of this networking group were to help foster closer working relationships, develop career opportunities, drive business results, and ultimately create a shared sense of community and common experience. More broadly, we believed it was essential to have a space in which we could communicate and address issues that affect women at Alter Domus. It’s of vital importance to our business that we can be part of an environment that attracts, retains, and promotes more women.

 

The BRG goals resulted in us developing a wide variety of events. One of our first was a co-ed fireside chat on Harmony in Work and Life and Women in Leadership panel showcasing Alter Domus global female executives. We then organized several committees with chairwomen to deliver programming on the themes of how to overcome obstacles that working parents face, navigating career change and advancement, community outreach, and launching a mentorship program for emerging female leaders. Following these, we partnered with Human Resources to deliver enhanced parental leave policies based on the feedback from these sessions.

 

Looking forward to spring 2023, the Alter Domus Women’s BRG will be co-presenting an in-person event in New York City on “Refreshing Your Personal Brand” featuring key female clients. We feel we have made remarkable progress – progress that demonstrates how we will work collectively to further our individual and shared goals. I, and the other BRG leads, are very optimistic about what is to come!

 

I have held marketing leadership roles across several companies in our industry. Today, I am the CMO at Nuveen, but have held roles at UBS Asset Management, Morningstar, Allianz, and Nationwide.

 

I can unequivocally say that power of networking and mentorship – particularly woman to woman – has been pivotal to each step in my career journey.

 

WIP is a wonderful resource to help foster influential connections. I first discovered WIP through my female business partners while at UBS Asset Management. I started as many of us do – coming to the flagship events each year. Soon, I started to see familiar faces and have meals and form bonds with other WIP members outside of work. Then, I started to help other WIP members with their career challenges and even spoke about that at a WIP event. All which eventually led to me joining the WIP Communications Committee. I have enjoyed all the new endeavors we have accomplished as a committee, including the creation of this newsletter!

 

In addition to being part of the Communications Committee for WIP, I am also on the Marketing Council for Investment Management Education Alliance, the Marketing Advisory Committee for FUSE, as well as the Marketing Steering Committee for the Money Management Institute. All of these are organizations that provide opportunities to engage outside of our day-to-day and build mutually beneficial relationships with industry peers. Outside of the financial community, I coach my daughter’s cheerleading team and voluntarily run the marketing for her school in Lincoln Park. I am also happy to be one of the newest members of the Chicago Children’s Museum Board.

 

It is the spirit which we bring to the fight that decides the issue. It is morale that wins the victory.” - George C Marshall

 

We are living in a divisive period, politically, economically, socially. At this time more than ever, it is important for women to join together, keeping the focus and morale high to help forge inroads into our industry and achieve leadership roles at the highest levels. It is crucial to develop networks of peers, mentors and sponsors to help each other achieve our personal and collective dreams and goals. I feel fortunate that I have been able to build a long and successful career in the financial industry, from starting as an administrative assistant in a “brokerage” firm, to an institutional sales trader, investment consultant, consultant relations officer, then senior management for asset management.

 

The power of organizations such as Women Investment Professionals with respect to the advancement of my career cannot be overstated. I have been involved since the early 2000s, and the industry knowledge WIP has provided, friendships it has afforded, and amazing people I have had the privilege to meet have been crucial to my success in this industry. I am hopeful that I can be a modicum of such help to others.

 

When not busy with work and industry forums, I spend as much time as possible advocating for my children. I have 3 sons, two with significant disabilities; one with autism, one with Down syndrome and autism. Helping them formulate their own paths and pursue their own dreams is a bit of a daunting task, with wins and challenges on a regular basis. Among other activities, I sit on the Board of Special Gifts Theatre, a not-for-profit therapy based organization that helps children and adults with disabilities achieve success via stage performances. It is a heartwarming dedication. Please feel free to ask me about it!

 

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

These are words to live by as women in the financial services world continue to drive meaningful change, inspire optimism, and deliver strong outcomes in partnership through amazing organizations like Women Investment Professionals.

 

Harbor Capital Advisors recently launched the first Women in Leadership video series, sharing stories of successful women in financial services throughout Women’s History Month. Not only did I get to learn from talented women who #BreakTheBias, I also had the chance to absorb their insights to help frame my new role as the leader of the Events and Education Committee for Harbor’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging ("DIBs") Committee, where we are building plans focused on community, celebration, mitigation, and education. At my former company, I had the opportunity to create a local chapter of our Women’s Resource Group. We offered women the chance to participate in coffee chats with senior executives, ask questions of women leaders in intimate engagements, and join community volunteer outings.

 

My favorite thing? As the stepmother of twin boys with Alopecia, I love being part of the Children’s Alopecia Project, an organization dedicated to instilling confidence, self-esteem, support, and awareness for children living with Alopecia – an autoimmune disease leading to hair loss. When you spend time with girls and boys who are encouraged to live every day knowing they are more, even if their hair is less, you develop a new outlook on strength and the importance of inclusion. 

 

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

 

I have been so fortunate to work with powerful women leading the industry and who have inspired me in my work. When I first started at Capital Group, I worked for Joanne Hickman Dodd. She became my mentor, friend, and enabled me to learn about the industry firsthand from her hard work and amazing relationships. It is because of Joanne that I joined WIP and have been inspired to ensure I am supporting others around me.

 

I am passionate about reaching and teaching more women in my community, particularly who might not know about our industry. Through the WIP Outreach Committee, we are hoping to start supporting a local high school with the Invest in Girls programming. I also spend time mentoring younger generations at my company, as well as through tutoring, alumni events, etc. I think it is so important to give back similarly to what others have done for me.

 

This past year, a few colleagues and I started a group at Capital focused on candid, authentic conversations to empower us to listen more and learn from one another. We focused on IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Allyship. The group is formed of people with different roles, backgrounds, and experiences. Each month, we spend time discussing deeper issues in society/our industry and how we can best make a change, hopefully leading to more inclusive actions and dialogues. We each can make small strides that together will make a larger, collective impact.

 

Please reach out to me if you ever want to have a conversation about either of these topics or anything else! I love an old-fashioned coffee date.

 

After nearly 30 years in the wealth management field, Anita launched Lotus Women's Institute with the mission to attract, develop, and advance women in the industry.

 

As a woman (as well as a woman of color), Anita helps train new entrants into the field; provides professional development to women who are established in their career; and connects women to firms seeking diverse talent pools.

 

Anita is passionate about changing the wealth management field from the inside out - as she recently spoke about in her TEDxNaperville presentation. She feels very strongly that the industry needs to be reconstructed to benefit women from a career and investing standpoint.

 

In her spare time, Anita loves to read biographies, follow Chicago sports (Go White Sox), and spend time with her family.

 

"I strive to be a person that leads change and growth" - Jessica helped launch Empower Chicago, an internal business resource group, in early 2021. "Our goals were to start a conversation regarding female empowerment in the workplace, become a positive resource for all members and allies, and receive support from high-leveled peers to ensure we can further our mission for inclusivity."

 

Despite going into lockdown shortly after launch, Jessica and Empower changed their approach to achieving their goals." At the time, our peers were in need of a morale boost and small businesses were in need of patronage; as chair of Empower, I had the resources to help with both." The group held a Bingo happy hour that featured female-owned small-businesses and non-profits in Chicago, giving away gift cards and donations as prizes. They also planned a virtual three-part interactive workshop for Women’s History Month. The series used relatable examples to discuss unconscious biases and how to overcome them through behavioral psychology.

 

Looking to 2022, Jessica is focused on onboarding and recruiting diverse talent. "Jackson’s Talent Acquisition Team has already been working on this for some time and I would like to involve Empower in the conversation to truly boost the effort," she said.

I have been recruiting senior investment leaders for over 30 years. As I began reducing time spent traveling (New York and elsewhere) and focusing on Chicago, my goal was to give back to the investment community and to my local community. Specifically, I wanted to be part of organizations that were centered on women in multi-faceted ways. With this goal, I became a WIP Member about three years ago and have been an active member of the Professional Development Committee ever since.

 

WINGS is a Chicagoland-based organization that provides housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. Given my personal connection to domestic violence, I was drawn to the mission and eager to get involved. I serve on the Board of Directors and currently serve as the Chair of the Personnel Committee.

 

I learned about WINGS from my doctor’s office bulletin board and immediately sought to get involved. The universe was telling me that this organization was meant for me!! It is truly wonderful to be involved with an organization focused on providing a pathway to independence for adults and children who are escaping from domestic violence and abuse.

 

It’s incredible to see how powerful our impact can be, particularly as the rate of domestic violence went up significantly during the period of the pandemic and the ensuing quarantine. There is nothing better than hearing stories of brave victims who have left everything to move away from their abuser, often with small children. The team at WINGS works tirelessly to empower victims of domestic violence. They provide them with the tools they need to escape a dangerous situation and to move towards safety and self-sufficiency. Recently, WINGS hosted our “Celebration of Courage” annual event, which brought together the victims whose transformation and courage is amazing!

 

There are multiple ways to help, and help is needed! WINGS is always seeking volunteers and financial supporters. In-kind donations and clothes are also welcomed! Those willing to help can also attend events and/or get involved here.

I joined WIP shortly after making the move to the asset management industry; I saw it as an opportunity to dive right in, and network and learn from other women. It’s been such a positive experience for me; I’ve been a WIP member for 4 years now, and on the events committee leading the annual Trailblazer dinner since I joined.

 

I got involved when I first attended a Northern Trust volunteer day at Share Our Spare’s warehouse in 2018. I have always been passionate about giving back and working with children, and I found SOS’ mission particularly unique as years 0-5 are so formative.

 

Our mission is to ensure every child in Chicago has the essentials to thrive in the first five years of life. We do this by collecting new and gently used baby items from those with “extras” to spare and distributing them to families living in poverty through a sustainable network of volunteers, community stakeholders, and social service agencies. Over the past several years, we have collected over 1 million infant and toddler items to distribute to thousands of Chicago area families in need.

 

It’s been incredible to see how powerful our impact has been on the families and the communities we serve, especially during the past year. In 2020 alone we distributed 1.2M diapers vs. 2011-2019, when we distributed 1.125M. 65,000 children (ages 0-5) live in poverty in Cook County, and this year we will serve 30,000 of those children with the essentials they need to thrive.

 

There are a variety of ways to support our mission and help children in need across Chicago. You can learn more about sharing your time and your extras via this link or by making a one time donation here. You can also follow us on Instagram @shareourspare.

 

Long time WIP member, Sue Walton, volunteers for Open Heart Magic (OHM), a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening hospitalized children through humor and the therapeutic power of magic. Sue has been involved in several capacities since OHM’s 2004 inception – as trained hospital magician, event photographer, Chicago Marathon charity team organizer, and Board of Directors member. She shared some highlights with us:

 

Open Heart Magic partners with 15 Midwest hospitals to provide sick children with personalized one-on-one interactions with magicians designed to inspire joy and smiles. The magic, which is adapted to each child’s physical and developmental ability, happens in the child's hands – not the magician’s – and each interaction ends with the child learning a magic trick of his or her own.

 

I have seen firsthand the power that magic has to transform a sick child. Hospitalized children are often scared, lonely, and confused about their medical situation. The pure joy, surprise, and wonder that magic provides allows a hospitalized child to JUST BE A KID for a moment. This is why I believe in magic.

 

As a volunteer magician, I found myself staying in the moment, being present, and completely centered on each interaction. Volunteering also taught me to be resilient and adaptable. You never know what you will encounter when you knock on a patient’s door. I became much more confident to handle difficult situations.

 

After an initial pause during high infection rate periods, OHM magicians have returned to hospitals with new training to meet COVID-19 protocols. OHM is also currently developing a new program, “Magic Deliveries,” in partnership with Lego, notably to provide a bedside experience when the OHM magicians can’t reach the children directly.

 

Yes! Please visit https://openheartmagic.org/get-involved for opportunities to support fundraising efforts or to become a hospital magician (no experience necessary).