100 Women in Hedge Funds (100WHF), Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company (PAAMCO) and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Foundation have announced the 10 recipients of the second annual 100WHF/CAIA scholarships.

The scholarship programme, administered by the CAIA Foundation, was established in collaboration with the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Institute and is underwritten by PAAMCO to support women seeking to earn the CAIA Charter, the benchmark in alternative investment education. 

Each scholarship covers enrolment and registration fees for CAIA Level I and Level II exams, the CAIA Knowledge Series textbooks, the Schweser CAIA Level I Premium Instruction Study Solution, and a one-year membership in the CAIA Association, a value of more than USD5,000.

"At 100WHF, we strive to create opportunities to improve the alternative investment industry through professional leverage initiatives and educational programming," says Mimi Drake, chair of the 100WHF Association Board, and president of Permit Capital Advisors.  "We are very excited to welcome these new scholars and look forward to watching them achieve greater professional success."

Judy Posnikoff (pictured), a founding partner at independent alternative investment firm PAAMCO, adds: "We are pleased to support the next group of extremely talented women in their journey to further develop their knowledge in the alternative investment industry through CAIA's rigorous programme."

The scholarship programme was established last year by 100WHF through the 100WHF Institute. 100WHF is a non-profit organisation that seeks to enhance the alternatives industry through educational programming, professional leverage, and philanthropic initiatives.

"For the second year in a row, 100WHF and PAAMCO have demonstrated their commitment to broadening talent in the alternative investment industry through the CAIA Foundation scholarships," says Thomas A. Porter, president of the CAIA Foundation. "We also want to recognise the continuing support of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Kaplan Schweser, and Institutional Investor in helping these scholars achieve their goal of earning the CAIA Charter." 

The scholarship is open to individuals with an interest in pursuing a career in alternative investment management, with a specific focus on portfolio management. The programme will award 10 scholarships each year through 2015.

To be considered for the 100WHF/CAIA Scholarship, applicants must be full members of 100WHF, not be eligible for programme reimbursement by their employers, and have one year of professional experience in the alternative investment industry.

The 2012 100WHF/CAIA Scholarship recipients are:

Karla Canavan, head of distribution and financial structures, Bunge; Geneva, Switzerland
Candace Chandra, AQEX; Washington DC, US
Yuh-Ning Chen, president/founder, Chenwu Capital Management; Saratoga, California
Marvena Edmond, senior associate, advisory asset management, Ernst & Young; New York
Jacqueline Hayot, chief operating officer, Iron Harbor Capital Management; Brooklyn, New York
Majlinda Kamberi, research analyst, Larch Lane Advisors; New York
Swati Olebe, student, MIT; New Paltz, New York
Nimisha Patel, Sr. research analyst, Segal Rogers Casey; New York
Veronica Wong, director, Moon Capital Management; New York
Tomoko Yano, senior analyst, MCP Asset Management; Hong Kong