Keynote Speaker, Executive, Educator, Mother.
I came of age in the 1980s at the height of the feminist movement, when girls like me were told we could do anything. I entered the workforce in the hardest-driving game in town: Wall Street. And it was true—I could do anything.
But I also discovered that being a woman in a male-dominated profession came with its own set of added responsibilities and challenges. I would need thick skin, the right balance of power and warmth—and to hide my frustration when a new colleague just assumed that since I was the only woman in the room, I was the one taking the coffee order.
I would need to prove that I could play with the boys and not only survive, but sometimes win. And I did.
Over the course of 12 years, I advanced from an Analyst at Morgan Stanley to a Partner at a $1.85 billion private equity fund. Then I was inspired to focus on the next chapter of my life.
I had been struck by the lack of women in leadership positions on Wall Street, in the corporate world, and in fact, across our entire society. I wanted to do something about it. I chose to pursue a PhD at Cornell studying gender bias in the business world and how to reduce it. Along with serving on numerous corporate boards, empowering entrepreneurs (both women and men alike), and educating future leaders at Cornell, my life’s work and passion has been researching and speaking on these issues.
I live in Ithaca NY with my son Carter and puppy (dog)Zilla. In my free time, I’m an avid marathon runner, adventure traveler and healthy gourmet cook.
Clients
