S4E5: Daphne Dufresne, Founder and Managing Partner, Awani Capital
May 07, 2025 | 41:50
About This Episode
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 this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Daphne’s childhood and the powerful influence of her mother’s financial values
- Her early work experiences and the first big purchase she made at age 13
- How she broke into private equity and found her voice in a male-dominated space
- The importance of mentorship, authenticity, and building ecosystems for women leaders
- Why she founded Awani Capital and how she’s redefining success on her own terms
- This episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentional living, and using your platform to uplift others.
