How do you think your staff are benefiting from being involved with WiFA?
WiFA offers many opportunities to participate in meaningful programs, educational events, philanthropy and networking. WiFA attracts senior women and men, those starting their careers and newcomers to HK seeking to establish their network and make a few friends. I really value this broad-tent approach. WiFA is valuable to a wide spectrum of people in finance and unique in how it collaborates across Hong Kong to leverage, not replicate, all the great work being done here.
What is your current role, and participation in the diversity and inclusion initiatives?
I lead Government and Regulatory Policy in Asia Pacific for Citadel and Citadel Securities – two separate firms with a common founder and culture. It’s a great role combining stakeholder engagement, strategy development and market education. Both firms aspire to lead the industry in what they do – investment performance and market-making, respectively. We’re a meritocracy with a very diverse and inclusive culture. I help to drive our firms’ global women’s affinity group CONNECT\\Women and am a long-term supporter of the LGBT+ advocacy and marriage equality agendas.
Can you share one of your Firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Programs?
CONNECT\\Women’s mission is to inform, engage and empower women at Citadel and Citadel Securities. The program is rich in substance, content and career development and enrichment opportunities, e.g. peer mentoring, book distributions, guest lecturers and coaches, networking and volunteer opportunities. Informally, we want to cultivate a community of CONNECT//Women who can access each other over the course of their entire careers.
Tell us one thing that is important for #CreatingTheWorkforceOfTheFuture
Life-long learning. Organizations that encourage and support staff to acquire news skills and provide opportunities for new experiences/challenges will be the most competitive in the world.
What advice would you give to women who want to lead?
Go for it! It may sound simple, but we need to encourage women to step forward and stand behind them when they do.