As we unveil our second annual list of Influential Women in Institutional Investing, I am once again inspired and proud to highlight this exceptional group of women and their remarkable accomplishments.
This year’s dynamic cohort of 60 women, who collectively manage $59 trillion in investable capital, exemplifies not only the power of our industry to drive positive change across markets but also the commitment to improving outcomes for beneficiaries and promoting greater representation across the industry.
The overwhelming support from our community of honorees and advocates over the past year has been nothing short of amazing, reflecting the unity, purpose and progress that define our industry. Through group calls, Zoom meetings, in-person gatherings, and countless messages of encouragement, we’ve seen this community flourish. A testament to this engagement is the introduction of our Rising Stars recognition program, honoring 40 women who, despite having a decade or less of experience, are already making a profound impact in our industry.
These women were nominated by senior colleagues and industry advocates for their contributions and potential. Our goal is to address the "broken rung" that often hinders women as they transition into senior leadership roles. We consistently hear about the critical role of mentorship, sponsorship, and networking in helping professionals ascend the career ladder, and we aim to support this by providing content, access and community for these Rising Stars.
Our 60 IWII honorees being recognized today have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also demonstrated a profound commitment to elevating our industry to greater heights. Their tireless service, relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication have not gone unnoticed. We are truly privileged to honor each of them and to shine a spotlight on what it means to be a successful woman in institutional investing today.
While the group of honorees is varied in background, experience and their role in the industry, a common thread among them is the desire to lift others and the drive to bring about positive change. I hope that you’ll take the time to read their incredible stories of achievement and dedication and learn how they are helping to shape our industry and make a positive impact on diversity, pay equity, belonging, and representation, while encouraging more women to seek a career in institutional investing.
I’d also like to express my immense gratitude to our advisory board who helped promote the nomination process, develop the content for our Influential Women in Institutional Investing Conference and served as judges for the awards this year.
They have been a source of inspiration and encouragement throughout the year and help us continue to build this community. Thank you for sharing your time, expertise and insights! And a special thank you, too, to the industry experts who provided additional help with the judging.
As we honor these deserving women and celebrate the spirit of excellence that defines our field, let us recognize that this celebration is not only about past accomplishments but also a commitment to a future driven by innovation, diversity and collaboration. We are immensely grateful for your encouragement, and we pledge to continue our mission of celebrating and uplifting the incredible individuals who make our industry thrive and reinforcing our belief in the vital importance of recognizing female leaders.