Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/1qX–f1FAnQ
By Courtney McQuade
Real advice. Real stories. And the kind of inspiration we wish we heard earlier in our careers — all captured live at ALTSLA.
I feel sharing people’s stories is one of the most important things we can do — especially when those voices are often overlooked or underrepresented. Inspired by Women’s History Month, this video series was designed to do just that.
At our 10th Annual ALTSLA event, I asked a few incredible women (and a couple of thoughtful men) one of two questions:
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What advice would you give to women looking to break into finance or advance in their careers?
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Is there a woman—past or present, famous or personal—who inspires you? Why?
When I started in finance in 1996, I was a sales assistant to a team of brokers. It was typical at the time: men held the senior roles, and women were often behind the scenes in support positions. Mentorship for women was rare. Diversity was even rarer — and I thought that was just how it was.
It wasn’t until my late 30s — thanks to the example and encouragement of other trailblazers — that I fully recognized how important it is to show women we can be more, and do anything we put our minds to. One way to spread this message is to amplify the voices of women and underrepresented professionals in this space.
This video is one small way to do that. A way to celebrate the strength, wisdom, and perspective of the women shaping this industry today. Because someone out there will see this and feel seen. Or inspired. Or reminded that they belong here too.
It means a lot to me to share these stories — and it’s something I hope we can keep building on. Huge thanks to everyone who spoke on camera, and to those who stepped outside their comfort zones to do so — I know some of you overcame nerves just to share your voice, and to everyone who’s ever taken the time to share advice, encouragement, or simply listen.
Time is precious, and I’m especially grateful to those who’ve spent theirs listening to my questions, sharing their perspective, and offering valuable insights. Special shoutouts to Jim O’Donnell, Daniel Crosby, Megan Gorman, Michael Corrao, Katie Cullen, Blair duQuesnay, Kandace Kaylor, Hoyt Stastney, Nic Millikan — and the late Jim Halligan — for the time, support, and encouragement you’ve given me over the years. Thank you.
Let’s keep showing up, sharing stories, and lifting each other up.
Huge thanks to Paul Hamman for supporting this video series — and to the entire ALTS Team, CAIA, CFA Society of Los Angeles, and CalALTS for continuing to elevate these important conversations.
A special shoutout to our incredible videographer, Gionata “Gio” Boogii of Litpix Media, whose patience, care, and thoughtful approach helped every interviewee feel comfortable on camera.
Featured Voices:
Advice Contributors (in alphabetical order):
➜ Adele Lopez Tagaloa, OCERS
➜ Cathie Wood, ARK Investment Management
➜ Kerry Bushman, Oaktree Capital Management
➜ Lindsay DeLarme, Oaktree Capital
➜ Rachel Sarabi, East Beach Asset Management
➜ Shannon Saccoccia, Neuberger Berman
➜ Tiffany Hong, Franklin Templeton
Inspiration Contributors (in alphabetical order):
➜ Alicia Miller, Black Salmon Capital
➜ Amanda Jiang, Markets Group
➜ Brickson Diamond, Tides Foundation
➜ Claire Mba-Madubuike, Alabama State University / Milken Institute Fellowship
➜ Debbie Cherney, SBCERA
➜ Derrick Haynes, JP Morgan Private Bank
➜ Ellie McLachlan, BlackRock
➜ Fatema Raza, Withium
➜ Jassica Chamuk, LACERS
➜ Jenny Johnson, Franklin Templeton
➜ Jordan Stenholm, CEPRES
➜ Laura Merlini, CAIA
➜ Lindsay DeLarme, Oaktree Capital
➜ Margret Hardardottir, Argosy Real Estate Partners
➜ Maren Lapham, Stillwater Asset Management
➜ Rachael Sarabi, East Beach Asset Management
➜ Shannon Saccocia, Neuberger Berman
➜ Stephanie Lynch, GEM
➜ Tiffany Hong, Franklin Templeton
➜ Trinity Williams, Paul Quinn College / Milken Institute Fellowship
