NYAIR Episode 77
Five for Five
This episode of NY-AIR’s "Five for Five" brings together five remarkable women who have shaped Wall Street over decades. From Alexandra Lebenthal’s pioneering leadership in municipal bonds to Maria Fiorini Ramirez’s thought leadership in global economic consulting, Allison Berman’s legal expertise navigating finance, Sonal Desai’s top fixed income investment strategies, and Ali Toko’s authentic leadership across prime brokerage—each shares powerful advice on career resilience, authenticity, and leadership. Whether navigating self-doubt, mastering networking, or embracing your unique identity, these stories offer actionable insights to inspire and guide finance professionals today.
Featured Guests
Alessandra Tocco
Principal of RBT Advisory & President of the New York Alternative Investment Roundtable
Alessandra Tocco is an influential voice in the alternatives investment industry with over 30 years of leadership experience. Currently Principal at RBT Advisory and President of the New York Alternative Investment Roundtable, Alessandra previously held senior roles at firms including J.P. Morgan, Bear Stearns, Good Hill Partners, ABN AMRO, and Morgan Stanley. She was responsible for building and leading global capital advisory teams, developing key capital solutions, and driving best practices across the industry. Honored as one of the “50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds,” Alessandra is deeply committed to mentorship, industry education, and civic engagement—serving on multiple boards and supporting emerging talent in finance.
Alexandra Lebenthal
Senior Advisor, Houlihan Lokey – Financial Sponsors Group Former CEO, Lebenthal Holdings
Alexandra Lebenthal brings decades of Wall Street leadership, starting in her family’s municipal bond firm founded in 1925, which she led as CEO by age 31. With a career that spans wealth management to strategic advisory, she created and leads Houlihan Lokey’s Women Led initiative, supporting female-led companies. Her industry recognition includes being named one of New York’s 100 Most Influential Women by Crain’s and one of Wealth Manager Magazine’s Top 50 Women in Wealth Management. Alexandra’s wisdom centers on embracing every career step as valuable and leveraging relationships to open doors in male-dominated finance sectors.
Sonal Desai
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income
Dr. Sonal Desai oversees multiple fixed income teams and serves on strategic executive committees at Franklin Templeton. Formerly an IMF economist and university professor, she transitioned into leadership roles within the private sector including portfolio management award-winning strategies. Sonal’s candid advice focuses on pushing oneself to network more effectively and taking calculated career risks, highlighting the tendency for women to hold back from advocating for deserved recognition.
Allison Berman
President and CEO, Palisade Capital Management
Allison Berman is the leader of Palisade Capital Management, managing $5 billion in assets since joining in 2011. A former corporate attorney specializing in M&A at Schulte Roth & Zabel, Allison advocates fiercely for authenticity in the workplace and overcoming self-doubt—a common challenge for successful women in finance. Her professional journey underscores finding one’s unique voice and rejecting conformist pressures.
Maria Fiorini Ramirez
President and CEO, Maria Fiorini Ramirez, Inc.
With a nearly 50-year career as an economist and financial consultant, Maria Fiorini Ramirez leads an independent global economic and financial consulting firm advising some of the world’s largest institutions. She is noted for her influential board roles at Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Security Mutual Life, and major investment policy committees. Founder of a certified women-owned minority broker-dealer, Maria emphasizes the importance of self-care, strategic relationship-building, and long-term resilience in her advice for women on Wall Street.
Key Insights From This Episode
Embrace Every Step
Alexandra Lebenthal urges that there are no wrong choices in a career, only steps that build experience and learning over time.
Prioritize Self-Care
Maria Fiorini Ramirez advises not to over-stress, emphasizing mental and physical health as foundations for sustainable success.
Own Your Authenticity
Allison Berman's powerful counsel is to never fear being yourself and to push back against the pervasive self-doubt women often face in finance.
Master Networking & Risk-Taking
Sonal Desai highlights networking as essential and encourages women to advocate for themselves and take career risks boldly.
Communication & Balance Matter
Ali Toko stresses authentic communication, continual learning, and balancing personal wellness for lasting career growth.
Access the Full Conversation
Unlock the full episode to hear these influential women share in-depth stories, practical advice, and candid reflections. Access exclusive insights and download a custom insights deck designed especially for financial services professionals focused on leadership, career advancement, and navigating alternative investments.
Soundbites Worth Saving
"There are no wrong choices—they’re just steps along your journey.”
— Alexandra Lebenthal
"Never be afraid to be yourself. Stand up and give yourself a voice.”
— Allison Berman
"Take risks. Sometimes you can’t wait for all the answers to move forward.”
— Sonal Desai
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