NYALT Episode 92
Wall Street Women 2023: Directional Perspectives
This inspiring NY-AIR panel convenes influential women leaders shaping the future of alternative investments and entrepreneurship. From long-term institutional perspectives to pioneering women-led ventures, our guests share candid insights on navigating today’s markets, fostering diversity, and building resilient businesses with meaningful social impact. Discover how education, creativity, and deliberate capital allocation are fueling a new era of opportunity for women and underrepresented founders.
Featured Guests
Mariah Fiorina
Founder & CEO, Jefferson Elementary Zinc & Ramirez, Inc. Veteran Market Leader & Trailblazer in Finance
Mariah Fiorina brings decades of experience from top-tier firms including Citigroup, American Express, Merrill Lynch, and Drexel Lambert. She broke ground as the first female managing director and chief of market operations, now heads her own globally independent firms focused on empowering diverse businesses and innovative investment strategies.
Geeta M. Kapadia
Chief Investment Officer, Fordham University Endowment Steward of $1 Billion in Institutional Assets
Overseeing Fordham’s broad portfolio, Alexander blends patient capital allocation with commitment to diversity and impact investing. She emphasizes long-term horizons, niche entrepreneur engagement, and strategic partnerships supporting women-led and underrepresented companies, driving systemic economic empowerment.
Alexander Lebenthal
Senior Advisors & Thought Leaders Supporting Women-Led Enterprises
Joined by other top-tier industry figures with rich histories in venture, municipal bonds, and private equity, this panel embodies decades of leadership and investment acumen invested in nurturing the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Key Insights From This Episode
Long-Term Focus Counters Market Volatility
Sustained commitment to private markets and diversified strategies minimize the noise of short-term market shifts and maximize compounding growth over decades.
Women Excel Across Diverse Sectors Beyond Consumer Products
Emerging women-led firms thrive in health tech, telehealth, staffing, and niche consumer needs like Black hair care—industries ripe for capital and innovation.
Entrepreneurship Is America’s Backbone, Fueled by Creativity and Inclusion
New and diverse founders bring fresh ideas and communities that will power economic growth and resilience, especially post-pandemic.
Capital Access Remains a Barrier for Women and Diverse Founders
Institutional minimums often exclude early-stage or smaller ventures, highlighting the need for dedicated funds, flexible capital, and active support networks.
Education and Advocacy Are Critical for Change
Panelists emphasize the role of outreach, mentorship, and structural reform—especially in schools and universities—to bridge skills gaps and promote inclusion.
Access the Full Conversation
Gain deep insights into investment strategies, sector trends, and entrepreneurial ecosystems powered by women leaders. Hear firsthand about overcoming challenges and opportunities in today’s financing landscape. Download the full transcript and a custom insights deck to inform inclusive, forward-thinking investment decision-making.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“ES“Entrepreneurship is the basis of our economy—and it’s driven by creativity, resilience, and diverse talent.”
— Alexander Lebenthal
“Investors must understand the whole suite of exit outcomes—not just IPOs—as women-led companies scale for lasting impact.”
— Alexander Lebenthal
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