NYAIR Episode 76
Wall Street Women 2022: Insights & Perspectives
This episode features an exclusive all-women panel of industry pioneers who have shattered barriers and set new standards in alternative investments. From overcoming adversity to leading multi-billion dollar portfolios, the speakers reveal candid truths and actionable strategies for thriving in finance and building sustainable, diverse platforms. Packed with career wisdom, operational insight, and DEI game-changers, this is a must-listen for forward-thinking professionals aiming to elevate their impact.
Featured Guests
Cynthia DiBartolo
Founder and CEO, Tigress Financial Partners; CEO, Rise Financial and Rise Prime
Cynthia DiBartolo is a trailblazer in financial services, having built Tigress Financial Partners as the nation’s only disabled and woman-owned investment bank, broker-dealer, and research provider. She also leads Rise Financial and Rise Prime, a woman-owned prime broker with a unique, technology-driven capital introduction platform aimed at democratizing access for emerging managers. With a career starting in 1983, Cynthia’s background includes key roles at Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, and Citigroup. Overcoming severe personal health challenges, she founded her firms to create opportunities for women, minorities, and disabled professionals, exemplifying resilience and innovation.
Caroline Lovelace
Founder and CEO, Rose Hill Park
Caroline Lovelace brings over 15 years of experience in alternative investments, focusing on emerging managers, seed and acceleration capital, and diverse manager platforms. Rose Hill Park is growing as a multi-product, DEI-centered platform encompassing hedge funds and private equity strategies. Caroline’s career path spans private equity, hedge fund manager selection, and corporate restructuring expertise. Her leadership emphasizes building platforms that foster diverse investment talent with robust back-office support and strategic positioning for longer-term growth.
Anna Snider
Head of Due Diligence, Global Wealth and Investment Management CIO Office, Bank of America
Anna Snider directs manager selection and due diligence across Bank of America’s Global Wealth and Investment Management, overseeing trillions in assets including tens of billions in hedge funds and private markets. Her expertise blends risk management and portfolio education, shaping investment allocations and ESG/DEI integration at scale. Anna also serves as the head of the board of High Water Women, focusing on impact investing and financial literacy initiatives. Her career highlights a thoughtful approach to mentorship, leadership development, and innovating diligence and portfolio strategy in evolving markets.
Susan Webb
President and CEO, Palisade Capital Management
Susan Webb, founder of Appomattox Advisory, has extensive experience in hedge fund manager identification and portfolio management, previously heading First Atlas Capital, a multi-billion dollar global fund of hedge funds. Her expertise includes overseeing investment committees, launching manager selection programs, and serving on a range of industry and philanthropic boards. Susan is recognized for operational excellence, fostering diversity in finance, and promoting financial education for women and youth through various nonprofits and advisory roles.
Key Insights From This Episode
The Power of Sponsorship Over Mentorship
True career advancement comes when leaders actively advocate and create opportunities for diverse talent—it's about being spoken for, not just spoken to.
Building Enduring Businesses Through Technology
Embracing digitization, hybrid models, and proprietary platforms is critical for scaling operations, serving global clients, and democratizing access to capital, especially for emerging managers.
DEI as a Commercial Imperative
Diversity of thought is repeatedly shown to drive better P&L and innovation, moving DEI beyond moral positioning to essential business strategy.
Optimism and Pragmatism in Asset Management
While DEI progress is notable, only a tiny fraction of asset managers and allocators are women—systemic hurdles remain, requiring persistent optimism and robust frameworks for change.
Hybrid Teams and New Work Models
COVID has revealed that flexible, results-based management enables firms to retain diverse talent and thrive in today’s global, distributed environment.
Closing the Access Gap
Innovative platforms like Rise are providing no-cost capital introduction and support for minority and woman-owned firms, with calls to 'pay it forward' by mentoring and collaborating for the next generation.
Access the Full Conversation
Unlock the entire audio and exclusive insights deck for actionable takeaways around portfolio innovation, DEI implementation, and navigating the evolving realities of alternative investments. This episode is an indispensable toolkit for financial professionals who want to drive measurable impact, access cutting-edge strategies, and strengthen their competitive edge.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“I don’t need anyone else talking to me—I need people who will talk about me and open opportunities. Sponsorship pays it forward.”
— Cynthia DiBartolo
“Diversity of thought drives your P&L. It’s not just morally right—it's good business. The numbers prove it.”
— Susan Webb
“Sometimes you just have to make yourself available to opportunity, and figure out a way to get there. Don’t tell me it’s hard.”
— Caroline Lovelace
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