New York, Aug 14, 2024 – The Private Equity Women Investor Network (“PEWIN”), the preeminent organization for senior-level women in private equity, today announced the winners of its 2024 Annual LP/GP Awards in six categories.
The PEWIN Annual LP/GP Awards recognize outstanding organizations who are transforming the private equity industry by advancing gender equity within their firms and across the global ecosystem. Organizations are nominated by PEWIN members and voted on by the organization’s leadership.
Award Recipients
Female-Founded/Led Emerging Firm of the Year: Aruwa Capital
Female-Founded/Led Established Firm of the Year: 1315 Capital
North American Limited Partner of the Year: Hamilton Lane
International Limited Partner of the Year: Japan Investment Corporation
North American General Partner of the Year: Trilantic North America
International General Partner of the Year: Coller Capital
PEWIN also announced its Member of the Year, Sarah Favaro, Director of Investments, Sawdust Investment Management Corp. The award recognizes an individual who has continued to dedicate time, effort and resources to supporting PEWIN’s growth, mission and community throughout the year.
“At a time when gender equity efforts are facing new headwinds, we are committed to recognizing the positive forces that are impacting our industry and taking steps towards a future where more women lead the way,” said Dana Johns, Board Chair, PEWIN. “The 2024 awards recipients have moved the needle through their policies, procedures, investment initiatives and educational efforts. We applaud their steadfast dedication to advancing gender diversity and thank them for their contributions to sustaining this critical movement.”
The recipients will be celebrated at an awards presentation during PEWIN Pinnacle, the organization’s sold-out annual members meeting to be held on September 10, 2024, in New York City.
About Private Equity Women Investor Network
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity, venture capital and private credit. The organization provides its members with opportunities to network, share investment ideas, and pursue initiatives to unite, empower and advance female leaders in our industry. With global membership exceeding 1300 women across 14 chapters worldwide, PEWIN represents more than $3 trillion USD in assets under management. To learn more, please visit https://www.pewin.org/.
Contacts
Jansel Murad Dukas Linden Public Relations (646) 722-6537
PEWIN Launches Chapter In Paris With Inaugural Gathering
New York, July 2, 2024 – Private Equity Women Investor Network (“PEWIN”), the preeminent organization for senior-level women in private equity, today announced the official launch of its newest chapter in Paris, France.
PEWIN provides an intimate forum for senior women general partners, limited partners and private equity professionals to network, share investment ideas, explore potential opportunities to work together and increase the profile of female leaders in our industry. The launch of PEWIN’s Paris chapter marks the second chapter in Europe, with London being the first, and the fourteenth chapter globally.
“We are excited to launch our chapter in Paris, a city home to an impressive number of female investors who are responsible for leading capital deployment at their firms and institutions. We look forward to harnessing the incredible power at these organizations to unite, empower and advance gender equity across GP and LPs worldwide,” said Emily Mendell, Executive Director of PEWIN.
Since PEWIN’s founding in 2008, the number of women leaders in private equity has grown significantly, and so has the organization. Today, PEWIN represents over 1,300 members globally, including approximately 100 CEOs and CIOs and 150 Firm Founders and Co-Founders. Over 90% of PEWIN members are managing directors, partners and heads of their asset classes.
At the inaugural gathering on June 27, 30 senior-level women investors were present at the Paris offices of host Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP to hear about PEWIN’s mission and membership opportunities. PEWIN member Alona Ponomareva, who manages the European private equity portfolio for the World Bank Pension, was instrumental in organizing the chapter’s launch.
“We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout and sense of enthusiasm for the launch of our Paris chapter,” said Ms. Ponomareva. “The success of the event is a testament to the growing influence and leadership of women in private equity globally, and the undeniable energy of Parisian investors who have demonstrated a keen interest in fostering collaboration within the industry.”
About Private Equity Women Investor Network Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity. PEWIN provides members opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers, and empower each other to succeed. PEWIN’s mission is to increase the profile of women in private equity, and its members represent institutions with over $3 trillion in assets under management (AUM). To learn more, please visit https://www.pewin.org/.
Media Contact Jansel Murad Dukas Linden Public Relations (646) 722-6537
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) Names Industry Veteran Emily Mendell as Next Executive Director
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Private Equity Women Investor Network (“PEWIN”), the pre-eminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity, today named Emily Mendell as its next Executive Director. Ms. Mendell will be responsible for leading the organization’s day-to-day operations, while also guiding its long-term strategic direction for the benefit of its members.
Ms. Mendell brings to PEWIN three decades of leadership within the venture capital and private equity ecosystems. Specifically, she possesses deep experience in advocating for general and limited partners on a global basis. She has previously served in leadership positions at two of the private equity and venture capital industries’ venerable trade associations: the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and the Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA). She also served as Head of Communications for Polaris Partners. Most recently, she was Director of Marketing and Communications at CenterSquare Investment Management, a global real estate investment firm. Ms. Mendell received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Mendell succeeds Kirsty McGuire who served as PEWIN’s first executive director from 2021 until 2023 and remains active within the organization.
“Emily’s experience within our industry is only rivaled by her passion for our organization, its mission, and our members,” said Dana Johns, Board Chair of PEWIN. “She is a proven leader, a seasoned communicator, and an effective relationship builder. We are thrilled to have her in this role and look forward to her contributions to our collective success. This work could not be any more important, especially as women continue to make strides in terms of senior representation in private equity. We could not be more excited for Emily to help unify senior women leaders across the industry.”
As an organization, PEWIN is at the precipice of exponential growth and opportunity. Membership has grown to over 1,000 senior women leaders spanning 30+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, while advancing critical initiatives including:
Pinklight Programs, a platform that offers resources, expertise, and support to help members launch their own firms and gain insight into the fundraising process.
The PEWIN Foundation, which leverages the philanthropic power of women in private equity to advance gender equality and illuminate the impact of diversity across the financial services industry.
Toigo RISE, a partnership with Toigo that helps women with five to ten years of experience in finance grow and advance in their careers through various initiatives, including meaningful engagement with PEWIN members.
“As senior women leaders, PEWIN members continue to make their mark within the VC and PE industries,” said Kelly Williams, Founding Chair of PEWIN. “We are ever expanding in numbers and influence, and we are committed to bringing the value of our network to even more stakeholders in more ways over the next decade.”
“Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many remarkable women whose contributions to the private equity and venture capital industries have been monumental,” said Ms. Mendell. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to advance the cause, raise the profile, and increase the impact of an organization committed to empowering these leaders. We have come so far over the last decade, and there remains so much important work to do. I am looking forward to partnering with PEWIN’s founders, leaders, and members in this next phase of growth.”
About Private Equity Women Investor Network
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) is the pre-eminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity. PEWIN provides members opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers, and empower each other to succeed. PEWIN’s mission is to increase the profile of women in private equity, and its members represent institutions with over $3 trillion in assets under management (AUM). All PEWIN members are in decision-making roles at their organizations and include Managing Director or Partner level professionals, Chief Investment Officers, Senior Portfolio Managers, or similar levels of responsibility. To learn more, please visit https://www.pewin.org/.
Contacts
Jansel Murad Dukas Linden Public Relations (646) 722-6537
PEWIN Foundation Announces Its First Grant Recipient: Girls Who Invest
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PEWIN Foundation, the non-profit arm of Private Equity Women Investor Network, announced the recipient of its first grant: Girls Who Invest (GWI). Launched in 2019, PEWIN Foundation leverages the philanthropic power of senior women in private equity to advance gender equality. Only 6% of senior private equity leaders are women, and only 6% of the largest institutional money managers are led by women chief investment officers. GWI aims to bring more women and non-binary individuals into investment and leadership roles through education, mentoring, and internships.
Kelly Williams, Chair of PEWIN Foundation and Founding Chair of Private Equity Women Investor Network stated, “We are thrilled to provide PEWIN Foundation’s inaugural grant to Girls Who Invest. The GWI experience inspires more women to enter the investment industry and provides a solid educational foundation for their participants, who may not have otherwise considered a career in investing.”
The PEWIN Foundation 2023 grant of $15,000 will help support the financial needs of college students interning at private fund managers and institutional investors through GWI’s Summer Intensive Program. To determine the grant recipient, PEWIN Foundation vetted multiple candidates against the criteria established by the Foundation’s mission. Members of the Private Equity Women Investor Network’s Steering Committee provided the initial contributions to launch the Foundation and funded the inaugural grant to GWI. The Foundation’s expanded fundraising efforts aim to increase future grants.
“It’s such an honor and privilege to work hand in hand with the esteemed organizations represented by members of the Private Equity Women’s Investment Network to increase representation within the industry,” said Katherine Jollon Colsher, President and CEO at Girls Who Invest. “We continue to see a strong interest in private equity from our scholars and alumni, and with PEWIN Foundation’s support, we’re excited to further support this interest and maximize our community’s impact within the space.”
The Foundation’s partnership with GWI comprises both near-term funding and long-term commitment to educating college women and non-binary individuals about private equity.
About the PEWIN Foundation. The PEWIN Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose volunteer leadership are members of the Private Equity Women’s Investor Network, the membership organization of senior women in private markets. The PEWIN Foundation’s mission aims to leverage the philanthropic power of women in private equity to advance gender equality and illuminate the impact of diversity across the financial services industry.
Mission-driven activities of the PEWIN Foundation will focus on supporting career development and education, economic equality, and entrepreneurship, under the brand, Powered by PEWIN. https://www.pewin.org/initiative/foundation/
About Girls Who Invest.
Girls Who Invest (GWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the investment management industry by attracting and advancing women investors, changemakers, and leaders. They are changing the face of investing through education, mentoring, internships, and a supportive, motivated community and have reached a community of nearly 2,000 alumni in just seven years.
GWI enables college students to explore investment management careers through its two tuition-free educational programs. The Summer Intensive Program combines in-residence academic training led by top university professors with a guaranteed paid internship at one of more than 100 leading investment management firms. The Online Intensive Program is self-directed and asynchronous, allowing independent learners the opportunity to master finance and investing fundamentals at their own pace from renowned training organizations.
The GWI Career Institute focuses on the long-term professional development, retention, and advancement of our alumni in investment management. GWI provides career advisory services, community building, and connections for our alumni at all stages in their careers.
Girls Who Invest’s vision is for 30% of the world’s investable capital to be managed by women by 2030. www.girlswhoinvest.org
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity, has announced the winners of its 2023 LP/GP awards. The awards were presented at PEWIN’s Annual All Members Meeting with over 150 members attending in person in Chicago.
The PEWIN Annual Awards recognizes outstanding organizations who are transforming the private equity industry by supporting increased gender diversity in four categories: Female Founded/Led Emerging Firm of the Year, Female Founded/Led Established Firm of the Year, Limited Partner of the Year and General Partner of the Year, and in two regions: North American and International. The firms are nominated by PEWIN Members and voted on by the PEWIN Steering Committee.
Dana Johns, Board Chair, PEWIN, said of the awards, “PEWIN is incredibly pleased to recognize Lightspring Capital Partners, Chicago Pacific Founders, Ardian, MassPRIM, Asia Alternatives, Vista Equity Partners and Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, each of whom are leaders in empowering women in private equity. We are also grateful for the tremendous contributions of this year’s Member of the Year, Joanne Yoo, who is the Board Secretary, Membership Co-Chair, and Africa and Europe Leader of PEWIN and a Partner at Development Partners International (DPI).”
Anna Ferguson and Stacey Seltzer, Awards Committee Co-Chairs, presented the awards to the winners at the Awards Reception held on July 24, 2023 in Chicago. “The PEWIN leadership is very pleased to recognise the efforts that the winners have put into empowering women in private equity and venture capital. It is truly impressive to see the great work that they, and all those that were nominated, are doing in supporting gender diversity and the positive impact this has on the industry.”
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity, has announced the winners of its 2022 LP/GP awards. The awards were presented at PEWIN’s Annual All Members Meeting with over 200 members attending in person in New York and virtually.
“Seeing these impressive award winners highlights the impact female leaders are making across the PE industry and the value of having this incredible network of senior women as members of PEWIN.”
The PEWIN Annual Awards recognizes outstanding organizations who are transforming the private equity industry by supporting increased gender diversity in three categories: Female Founded/Led Firm of the Year, Limited Partner of the Year and General Partner of the Year, and in two regions: North American and International. The firms are nominated by 1000+ PEWIN members and voted on by the PEWIN Steering Committee. In past years, these awards have recognized the following outstanding institutions: 1315 Capital, Ancala, Asia Alternatives, Avante Capital Partners, Beringea, CalPERS, Development Partners International (DPI), Kinzie Capital Partners, Lightspeed, Luminate Capital Partners, Scale Venture Partners, TPG, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Hamilton Lane, Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, Riverside Company, Teacher Retirement System of Texas and the Cambridge University Endowment Fund.
Kirsty McGuire, Executive Director of PEWIN, said of the awards, “PEWIN is so pleased to recognize Turning Rock Partners, Hadean Ventures, MetLife Investment Management, Commonfund, Advent International and Eurazeo, each of whom are leaders in empowering women in private equity. We are also grateful for the tremendous contributions of this year’s Member of the Year, Jill Kitazaki, who is the Co-President of PEWIN and President at Denning & Company.”
Kate Mitchell, Vice Chair of PEWIN, presented the awards to the winners at the Awards Ceremony held on September 22, 2022 in New York. “Seeing these impressive award winners highlights the impact female leaders are making across the PE industry and the value of having this incredible network of senior women as members of PEWIN.”
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the pre-eminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity, has announced the winners of its 2021 LP/GP awards. The awards were presented at PEWIN’s 13th Annual All Members Meeting with over 200 members attending.
“This year’s award recipients build upon the legacy of our past winners in continuing to grow the amount of private equity activity driven by women. We are thrilled to celebrate the important role they play in transforming the private equity landscape.”
The PEWIN annual awards program recognizes outstanding organizations who are transforming the private equity industry by supporting increased gender diversity in three categories: Female Founded Firm of the Year, Limited Partner of the Year and General Partner of the Year, and in two regions: North American and International. The firms are nominated by PEWIN membership and voted on by the PEWIN Steering Committee. In past years, these awards have recognized the following outstanding institutions: Avante Capital Partners, Beringea, Development Partners International (DPI), Kinzie Capital Partners, Luminate Capital Partners, Scale Venture Partners, TPG, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Hamilton Lane, Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, Riverside Company, and Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Kirsty McGuire, Executive Director of PEWIN, said of the awards, “PEWIN is so pleased to recognize 1315 Capital, Asia Alternatives, CalPERS, the Cambridge University Endowment Fund, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Ancala Partners, each of whom are leaders in empowering women in private equity. We are also grateful for the tremendous contributions of this year’s Member of the Year, Dana Johns, who is Co-CEO of PEWIN and a Senior Portfolio Manager at Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.”
Kelly Williams, Founding Chair of PEWIN, said, “This year’s award recipients build upon the legacy of our past winners in continuing to grow the amount of private equity activity driven by women. We are thrilled to celebrate the important role they play in transforming the private equity landscape.”
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) Names Kirsty McGuire as Executive Director
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PEWIN (Private Equity Women Investor Network) has announced the appointment of Kirsty McGuire, former General Counsel of the StepStone Group, as its first Executive Director. McGuire will complement PEWIN’s existing leadership team, which includes Kelly Williams (Chair), Kate Mitchell (Vice Chair), Krista Hatcher and Dana Johns (Co-Chief Executive Officers), Jill Kitazaki and Joanne Yoo (Co-Presidents), Iris Zhao-Fiorello (Secretary), and Sarah Corr (Treasurer).
“Kirsty brings energy and vision to support PEWIN’s leadership and will accelerate the momentum the organization has achieved to date”
“Kirsty has a long history of demonstrating her passion for PEWIN’s mission to increase the profile of women in private equity, including active engagement with PEWIN’s recent sponsorship campaign,” said Kelly Williams, Founding Chair, PEWIN. “This is a major milestone for PEWIN, as it continues to be the most trusted and supportive network for senior women in the private equity industry since 2008. Today we have over 800 members in 11 chapters around the world.”
“Kirsty brings energy and vision to support PEWIN’s leadership and will accelerate the momentum the organization has achieved to date,” said PEWIN’s Vice Chair Kate Mitchell. “She will be driving some of our most successful initiatives including PEWIN’s accelerator program, Project Pinklight, which has mentored 26 fund managers who have raised $1.8 billion across 16 funds, the annual CIO Roundtables, the Toigo Rise mentorship program and the PEWIN Foundation.”
McGuire is a seasoned corporate attorney and business-minded advisor with over 18 years of experience structuring and closing sophisticated commercial transactions both in-house and within major US law firms on behalf of publicly traded and privately held domestic and international organizations. Kirsty was formerly the General Counsel of the StepStone Group. Prior to joining StepStone, McGuire was a corporate attorney with over 11 years of experience at leading firms including Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Paul Hastings and Credit Suisse. McGuire also serves as a committee member of the Private Investment Funds Committee of the New York City Bar Association. She received her JD with honors from the George Washington University Law School and her BS in Commerce with concentrations in Marketing and Management from the University of Virginia.
“I have been an active member of PEWIN for many years. I am thrilled to help lead PEWIN and empower the most senior women in private equity,” said McGuire. “PEWIN members are some of the most remarkable and highly engaged women in financial services. It is an extraordinary network of women with so much opportunity and impact. My goal is to help grow this organization and expand PEWIN’s reach globally as the premier membership organization for women in this space – it is an unparalleled network built by women for women.”
New York, NY; September 23, 2020 – Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the pre-eminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity, has announced the winners of its 2020 LP/GP awards. The awards were presented at PEWIN’s 12th Annual All Members Virtual Meeting. It was their first virtual meeting with over 200 members attending.
The PEWIN annual awards program recognizes outstanding organizations who are transforming the private equity industry by supporting increased gender diversity in three categories: Female Founded Firm of the Year, Limited Partner of the Year and General Partner of the Year, and in two regions: North American and International. The firms are nominated by PEWIN membership and voted by the PEWIN Steering Committee. In past years, these awards have recognized the following outstanding institutions: 1315 Capital, Avante Capital Partners, Luminate Capital Partners, Scale Venture Partners, The Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, The Riverside Company and The Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Kelly Williams, Founding Chair and co-CEO of PEWIN said of the awards, “PEWIN is so pleased to recognize Kinzie Capital, Development Partners International (DPI), Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, Hamilton Lane, TPG and Beringea, each of whom are leading by example in their support, promotion and amplification of the outstanding women investors who exist in the global private equity industry. Through the efforts of each of these firms, it is our hope that the amount of assets under management by women in the industry will continue to increase, as they demonstrate the outstanding returns achieved by women investors especially during these unprecedented times.”
51Labs VLog: Pioneer & One of the Most Powerful Women in Finance – Kelly Williams
Jordan Selleck, Founder, 51 Labs, interviewed PEWIN Founder and Co-CEO Kelly Williams
Project PINKLIGHT PE accelerator program for women-led funds Formalized support, including: Panel of LPs & GPs for cold pitches Feedback on fund structure Toolkit (e.g., references, potential LPs, diligence questionnaires)
PINKLIGHT started by Kelly Williams, Founding Chair and Co-CEO of Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the pre-eminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.
LP insight –> Teacher Retirement System of Texas now has 12 female managers in their portfolio
Video –> Brendan McCarthy
51 Labs is a NY-based marketing agency focused on middle-market private equity, investment banking firms, lenders, and other service providers. Jordan Selleck (Founder) is a recovering banker turned serial entrepreneur. He also founded a non-profit helping Navy SEALs get jobs. His wife, Jing, supported the family for two years while having their first child and holding a demanding job in corporate law.
PEWIN provides an intimate forum for senior women general partners, limited partners and private equity professionals to network, share investment ideas, explore potential opportunities to work together and increase the profile of female leaders in our industry. The launch of PEWIN’s Paris chapter marks the second chapter in Europe, with London being the first, and the fourteenth chapter globally.
