100 Women in Hedge Funds (100WHF), a nonprofit organisation for investors and professionals in the alternatives industry, has raised USD1.36 million for 100WHF Foundation to support its Celebrating Education – Investing in the Next Generation initiatives.
The announcement was made at the 14th annual 100WHF gala in New York, which was attended by The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador of 100WHF’s Next Generation initiatives.
To achieve its goal of investing in the Next Generation, 100WHF will partner with four non-profit organisations – Forté Foundation, CAIA Association, Girls Who Invest, and Smart Woman Securities – in 2016 and 2017 to encourage young women to look more favourably at a career in finance and investments; to create educational opportunities and access points to support young women who want to join the industry; and to facilitate an ongoing peer network for young women in the industry.
Additionally, the following five 2015 North American Industry Leadership Award honorees were recognised at the Gala for their leadership in good corporate governance and contributions to the industry, as well as their participation in the milestone of 100WHF’s 500th Industry Education event:
Michelle Edkins, Managing Director and Global Head of Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment, BlackRock
Bess Joffe, Managing Director, Head of Corporate Governance, TIAA-CREF
Rakhi Kumar, Managing Director, Head of Corporate Governance, State Street Global Advisors
Anne Sheehan, Director, Corporate Governance, CalSTRS
Anne Simpson, Investment Director, CalPERS
"In their roles as investors, these five outstanding women make decisions on a daily basis that affect the investments and performance of their own funds. As corporate board members, they lead the way as advocates for gender diversity in the board room. In multiple arenas, each is an inspirational model to the young women of the Next Generation who are building their careers in the alternatives industry," says Lauren Malafronte, 100WHF Board of Directors Executive Committee member and Managing Director at Scotiabank.
