Moments that Made Her

In this episode of Moments That Made Her, PEWIN Founding Chair Kelly Williams welcomes Alona Ponomareva, a private equity investment professional with the World Bank Treasury and a leader of PEWIN's Paris chapter.

With more than two decades of experience spanning private equity fund investments and direct investing, Alona brings a perspective shaped by working across international markets and different sides of the investment industry. Her professional journey offers a lens into the evolution of private equity, the value of diverse experiences, and the relationships that connect investors across geographies.

Beyond her investment career, Alona...

Robin A. Painter, partner in Proskauer’s market-leading Private Funds Group joins Moments That Made Her to discuss her path from a self-reliant upbringing on Long Island to becoming one of the leading attorneys in venture capital and private fund formation. In conversation with PEWIN Founding Chair Kelly Williams, Robin reflects on the lessons that shaped her career, entering the legal profession during a recession, and helping build a pioneering venture and fund formation practice during the early growth of the private markets industry.

Robin shares insights from key turning points in her career, including the transition of...

Renae Griffin on New Beginnings: From Consortium’s Impact to Partnering at Awani Capital

PEWIN executive director Emily Mendell introduces Moments That Made Her and host Kelly Williams, PEWIN founding chair and former founder of Customized Fund Investment Group. In Season 5’s “new beginnings” theme, Kelly interviews longtime friend Renae Griffin, now a partner and head of investor relations at Awani Capital. Renae recounts growing up in Fresno in a tight-knit African American community shaped by entrepreneurial parents and civil-rights consciousness, her first job washing school desks at 12, and her early focus on finance. She traces a...

In this episode of 'Moments That Made Her,' hosted by Kelly Williams, founding chair of PEWIN and CEO of the Williams Legacy Foundation, the focus is on career transitions within the private markets. The episode features a roundtable discussion with industry veterans Katie Stokel and Kate Mitchell. They share their career journeys, experiences in private markets, and the significant transitions they've navigated. Key topics include the complexities of retirement, practical steps for smooth transitions, ensuring continuity and maintaining relationships, and the emotional aspects of leaving long-term roles. The discussion also highlights the importance of creating robust succession plans...

In this powerful episode of Moments That Made Her, we sit down with Daphne Dufresne, Founder of Awani Capital and a founding member of PEWIN. Daphne opens up about her incredible journey from a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn to becoming a respected leader and investor in the private equity industry.

Raised by a Haitian immigrant mother who modeled financial discipline, sacrifice, and fierce determination, Daphne shares how those early lessons shaped her mindset and career path—from her first job at age 12 to becoming a partner in major investment firms and eventually launching her own.

In...

Join us for an engaging conversation as PEWIN's Founding Chair, Kelly Williams, sits down with Runa Alam, Founder and CEO of DPI. In this episode, Kelly and Runa explore the pivotal moments that helped shape Runa into a leader in the finance industry.

From a childhood marked by attending 11 different schools across multiple countries to founding a private equity firm focused on Africa, Runa's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and vision. Highlights include discussions on the importance of travel and cultural understanding, the role of private equity in Africa, and the influence of strong role...

In this episode of 'Moments That Made Her', Kelly Williams, Founding Chair of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), interviews Stephanie Szymanski, Chief Investment Officer at Lakeview Capital Management. Stephanie shares her journey from growing up in South Bend, Indiana with dreams of becoming an attorney, to her finance studies at DePaul University, and her eventual rise through various roles in private investing. She highlights pivotal moments, including her tenure at Sawdust, her role in private equity, and the critical importance of mentorship and taking risks. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards of working in family...

S04E01: Camille Asaro, Partner - Audit Alternative Investments, KPMG

In the fourth season premiere of 'Moments That Made Her,' Kelly Williams interviews Camille Asaro, National Audit Sector Leader for Private Equity at KPMG. Camille shares her upbringing in an Italian-American household, her path as the first generation college graduate, and her pioneering career in private equity. They discuss Camille's experiences overcoming professional challenges as a working mother, her ascent in the industry, and her contributions to promoting women in alternative investments. Camille also reflects on her personal resilience and career highlights, including mentoring future leaders.<...

In this episode of 'Moments That Made Her,' host Kelly Williams converses with Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman. Pat shares her upbringing in a small town in North Carolina, emphasizing how her early experiences, including picking peaches, shaped her work ethic and academic focus. The podcast delves into her academic achievements, such as graduating from Harvard Business School and passing the CPA exam, which opened doors to a career in finance. Pat discusses her pivotal moments, including her role in focusing on emerging managers in private equity and her ascent to senior ranks. Both Kelly...

S3E58: Yuka Hata, Managing Director, Head of Fund Investments, Japan Investment

The podcast 'Moments That Made Her,' hosted by Kelly Williams of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), presents an in-depth conversation with Yuka Hata, Managing Director and Head of Fund Investments at Japan Investment Corporation. Yuka shares her unique upbringing in Tokyo, her venture capital career beginning at Jafco, and her experiences navigating a male-dominated industry. She discusses her transition from Japanese firms to international roles, highlighting the significance of pursuing niche opportunities to establish credibility. Yuka also emphasizes the evolving professional landscape...

Empowering Women in Private Equity: A Conversation with Sarah Samuels

This episode of Moments That Made Her, hosted by Kelly Williams, features a deep dive into the lives and careers of women in the private equity sector. The guest, Sarah Samuels, shares her journey from growing up in a small town with limited financial resources to becoming a partner at NEPC. She discusses the importance of finding one's 'zone of genius,' overcoming obstacles, and the power of asking for what you want. Sarah also touches on her personal challenges, including navigating a divorce and reshaping her...

This episode of 'Moments That Made Her,' hosted by Kelly Williams, founding chair of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), features the founders of Reach Capital: Shauntel Garvey, Jennifer Carolan, and Wayee Chu. They discuss their backgrounds, from childhood education experiences and career transitions, to their venture into founding Reach Capital, focusing on the intersection of technology and education. Touching upon their motivation and the challenges encountered, including the difficulty in getting deals through and the establishment of their firm within a male-dominated industry, the episode highlights the importance of resilience, early financial literacy, and the innovative...

S3E5: Elizabeth Hewitt, CIO, Sloan Foundation

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers...

S3E4: Kate Mitchell, Co-founder, Scale Venture Partners

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

S3E3: Alison Nankivell, Senior VP, BDC Canada

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

S03:E02 - Kristin Gunther, Partner, Revolution Growth

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

S03:E01 - Emily Mendell, Executive Director, PEWIN

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

S02:E10 - Lauren Dillard, Senior Managing Director & CFO, Vista Equity Partners

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas...

S02:E09 - Jill Kitazaki, President, Denning & Company

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

S02:E08 - Neda Daneshzadeh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Prelude Growth

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make...

S02:E07 - Eileen Mancera, Managing Director - Head of Sales and Marketing, Post Advisory Group

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities...

S02:E06 - Chrissie Chen Pariso, Managing Director, MPowered Capital

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep...

S02:E05 - Mina Pacheco Nazemi, Head of the Diversified Alternative Equity, Barings

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share...

S02:E04 - Melissa Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Asia Alternatives Management LLC

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share...

S02:E03 - Sarah Wuellner, Partner, Promus

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers...

S02:E02 - Adele Oliva, Founding Partner, 1315 Capital

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

S02:E01 - Carole Streicher, KPMG U.S. - Deal Advisory & Strategy Leader

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share...

Episode 10: Kelly Williams, Founding Chair of PEWIN

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers...

Episode 9: Dana Johns, Senior Portfolio Manager - Private Equity at Maryland State Retirement and Pension System

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities...

Episode 8: Suzanne Yoon, Founder and Managing Partner, Kinzie Capital Partners

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep...

Episode 7: Alisa Wood, Partner, KKR

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers, and empower...

Episode 6: Andrea Kramer, CEO of Hamilton Lane Alliance Holdings, Co-Head of Fund Investments

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share...

Episode 5: Angela Miller-May, Chief Investment Officer at Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make...

Episode 4: Pam Hendrickson, Vice Chairman, Riverside

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers, and...

Episode 3: Jeri Harman, Founder & Chairman, Avante Capital Partners

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with...

Episode 2: Kim Lew, President and CEO of the Columbia Investment Management Company

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas...

Episode 1: Kirsty McGuire, Executive Director of PEWIN

Moments that Made Her is a podcast where the rare and unique women that hold senior private equity roles share their stories, including the key personal and professional moments that defined their journeys and lessons they learned along the way.

Moments that Made Her is a production of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, also known as PEWIN, which is the preeminent organization for senior-level women investment professionals in private equity.

PEWIN provides its members with opportunities to network, share ideas, make deep connections with peers...