In celebration of International Women’s Day, this article showcases four women from Alitis, each offering insights into their unique journey, their thoughts on the significance of female perspectives in business, and their vision for the future.

L-R: Apurva Parashar, Emily Hofmann, Alicia Reny, and Natalie Nguyen

The financial industry’s gender gap is long established and still exists in 2024, though strides have been made, they have also been gradual.¹ According to the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), as of December 2022, just 14% of portfolio managers registered are women.²

Alitis is a local, employee-owned, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse working environment as we believe that this makes us better at what we do.

Pioneering Paths

Apurva Parashar, Associate Portfolio Manager, recalls her journey into the world of investment management. “When I first entered this industry, I often found myself as the only woman or person of color in the room. I faced my fair share of adversity, but I refused to let that deter me. I made my own path, leveraging my skills, knowledge, and determination to carve out a space for myself. Today, I’m proud to see financial literacy being taught at a younger age, encouraging girls to become interested in finance with the hopes of more women entering the financial industry.”

“I am the first woman in my family to graduate from post-secondary. Not only does it symbolize the breaking of generational barriers, but by embracing education and focusing on my career, I am fulfilling my aspirations while paving the way for future generations of women in my family,” says Alicia Reny, Regional Office Manager. “Additionally, working in finance has provided me with the knowledge and resources to take control of my financial future.”

The Female Perspective

Emily Hofmann, Portfolio Manager, emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace. “A female perspective brings a different lens to the decision-making process. Women tend to approach problems with empathy, collaboration, and a focus on long-term sustainability. In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business climate, these qualities are invaluable. By embracing diversity, we foster innovation and drive better outcomes for our clients and our firm.”

Many women investors want to work with other women. When her financial advisor is a woman, a woman investor is 2.5x more comfortable taking investment risks than if her advisor is a man.³

On the topic of client relationships, Apurva shares, “Building relationships with my clients is important to me. I am proud to be able to convey complex financial concepts in a clear and accessible manner, ensuring my clients feel informed and empowered to make sound decisions about their finances.”

Leadership and Mentorship

For Emily, her start in the financial industry was very impactful. “I started my career as an intern for a confident, skilled, and successful female advisor on an all-female team. It was a very supportive environment, where we were all able to share experiences, perspectives, and expertise without fear of marginalization or bias. When I started working at Alitis, I never felt that my gender was a barrier. I’ve always felt supported and given equal opportunity. I will always remember the moment when I was promoted while 6 months pregnant with my first child.” As the only woman on the Alitis Executive Team, Emily champions diversity and inclusion, fostering environments where all voices are heard and valued.

Marketing Manager, Natalie Nguyen, strives to lead by example. “As a volunteer with Junior Achievement BC, I bring my real-life experiences to the classroom to empower youth to navigate the complexities of personal finance. As the captain of the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Rugby Team, I hope to inspire my teammates to push themselves both on and off the field by lifting each other through the good times and the hard times. As a mother to a daughter, I aim to instill in her the confidence to pursue her dreams fearlessly and become a leader in her own right. I was fortunate to have my mother and other strong women in my life, support me by letting me be me while also providing opportunities for learning and growth.”

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Emily looks forward to a future where women represent 50% of senior leadership in financial services. “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s remember that our work is far from over. We must continue to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and create opportunities for women at all levels. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future, where every voice is heard, and every woman has the opportunity to succeed.”

Increasing representation for women in traditionally male-dominated industries can be a powerful catalyst for cultural change. “Not only would the workforce be enriched with diverse perspectives and ideas, but this would allow for future generations of women to pursue their passions and ambitions without limitations,” says Alicia.

Natalie envisions a future where women have equal opportunities, representation, and recognition in the professional world. “Creating a supportive work environment that accommodates work-life balance is essential along with equal pay for equal work. This will require ongoing commitment and action from individuals, organizations, and policymakers to address systemic barriers and promote gender equality. But I believe by working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone can thrive regardless of gender.”

On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the achievements of women everywhere and recommit ourselves to creating a more equitable and empowered world for future generations.