Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) Foundation Announces 2026 Brilliance Awards Recipients
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) Foundation Announces 2026 Brilliance Awards Recipients
Industry Leaders to Be Honored for their Contributions to Advancing Women in the Private Markets
New York – June 25, 2026 – The PEWIN Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Private Equity Women Investor Network, today announced its 2026 Brilliance Award recipients.
The awards, which recognize enduring commitment and extraordinary leadership in advancing women in private markets, will be presented at the Brilliance Soirée in New York City on September 23, 2026, bringing together an expanded community of leading investors, industry advocates, PEWIN members, allies, friends, and family to honor exceptional achievement and lasting impact.
“Brilliance deserves a spotlight and celebrating extraordinary leaders is one of our organization’s greatest privileges,” said Kelly Williams, Chair of the PEWIN Foundation. “These honorees are not only shaping the future of private markets—they are raising the bar for our industry and expanding opportunities for women to lead and succeed. The Brilliance Awards recognize outsized impact, and it has become a powerful platform for shining a light on excellence. We are excited to gather with our broader community in New York and give these leaders the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The awards include the North Star Lifetime Achievement Award, the Torch Bearer Mentorship Award, the Ignite Benefactor Award, the Beacon Advocacy Award, the Ember Advancing Organization Award, and the PEWIN Hearth Award.
North Star Lifetime Achievement Award
Jeri Harman Founder & Chairman, Avante Capital Partners
Jeri Harman is recognized for more than three decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing women in private markets. In 2009, she founded Avante Capital Partners and grew it into one of the largest women- and minority-owned private credit firms in the country, with $1.5 billion in assets under management today. Jeri has moved women into partner and investment-committee seats, onto boards, and built the mentorship networks that a generation now credits for their rise. As a role model, a founder, investor, executive, and champion of the next generation, she didn’t just succeed in the system, she built a new one that has helped shape a more inclusive and supportive private markets industry.
Torch Bearer Mentorship Award
Pamela Hendrickson Senior Advisor, Riverside Company, & Board Chair, American Investment Council
Pamela Hendrickson is honored for her extraordinary commitment to mentoring and elevating women leaders in private markets. As an influential leader at both The Riverside Company and the American Investment Council, she helped bring opportunities for women to life through impactful policies, programs, and initiatives. Equally important, Pam has given tirelessly and generously of her time to support rising stars across the industry, serving as a trusted advisor, advocate, and role model whose influence continues to shape future generations of leadership.
Ignite Benefactor Award
Courtney McCrea & Sara Zulkosky Co-Founders, Recast Capital
Courtney McCrea and Sara Zulkosky are recognized for transforming the landscape of support for women-led investment firms. Through Recast Capital and its innovative programs, they brought to life a bold vision that has become a model for General Partner support, creating a thriving community that helps its participants access capital, build networks, and scale successful firms. Courtney and Sara’s leadership has not only expanded opportunities for individual firms but has also strengthened the broader venture capital ecosystem for emerging managers and entrepreneurs.
Beacon Advocacy Award
Oriana Papin-Zoghbi & Anna Jeter Co-Founders, AOA Dx
Oriana Papin-Zoghbi and Anna Jeter are honored for advancing women’s causes through groundbreaking research and thought leadership focused on women’s health innovation. Their influential study, Follow the Exits: Why Women’s Health Is a Smart Bet in Healthcare—the first comprehensive analysis of realized exit outcomes across women’s health over the past 25 years—is changing the narrative around investment in women’s healthcare and demonstrating the sector’s significant potential. Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, they are helping drive greater attention, investment, and innovation in women’s health.
Ember Advancing Organization Award
New York State Common Retirement Fund
The New York State Common Retirement Fund is recognized for its longstanding commitment to advancing inclusion and opportunity within private markets. Through its pioneering Emerging Manager Program and sustained support of diverse and women-led investment managers, the Fund has become a leading advocate for expanding access to capital and opportunity. Its consistent, visible commitment to emerging managers has served as a shining light for fund managers of all sizes and a powerful example of how institutional investors can foster greater representation and advancement across the industry.
PEWIN Hearth Award
Nina Lesavoy Founder & Managing Director, Avec Capital
Presented on behalf of both PEWIN and the PEWIN Foundation, the Hearth Award recognizes an individual who serves as the heart of our community. Through exceptional kindness, generosity, and a gift for bringing people together, Nina Lesavoy has created a sense of belonging that extends far beyond her own work. A veteran fundraiser with more than 35 years in the institutional investment management business, she is a trusted connector, fostering relationships, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring others feel seen, supported, and included. Her lasting contribution is a stronger, more connected community because of the warmth she shares and relationships she nurtures.
About the PEWIN Foundation
The PEWIN Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the preeminent global organization for senior women leaders in private markets. Established in 2022, the organization supports programs focused on research and innovation, community building, and access to resources and opportunities that propel women’s leadership and success in financial services. Learn more at pewin.org/initiative/foundation/
PEWIN Foundation Announces Major Support from Knight Foundation for Leadership Lattice Study of Women’s Ascension in Private Markets
PEWIN Foundation Announces Major Support from Knight Foundation for Leadership Lattice Study of Women’s Ascension in Private Markets
Initial Results to be Unveiled at Brilliance Soiree, September 23, 2026 in New York City
NEW YORK, NY — June 17, 2026 — The PEWIN Foundation today announced that it has received meaningful financial support from Knight Foundation to sponsor its 2026 Leadership Lattice study, a bold research initiative designed to unlock more effective pathways for women to ascend into senior leadership across private markets. The Leadership Lattice study is focused on identifying what works: the proven behaviors, support structures, career decisions, sponsorship models, and ecosystem interventions that help women progress and thrive. Key initial findings of the study are expected to be shared at the PEWIN Foundation’s Brilliance Soiree & Awards on September 23 in New York City.
“The PEWIN Foundation is deeply grateful for Knight Foundation’s support of this important work which expands on their longstanding commitment to women’s leadership and greater inclusion within private markets,” said Kelly Williams, Chair of the PEWIN Foundation. “Their pioneering Knight Diversity of Asset Managers research series helped elevate critical insights about representation, opportunity, and capital allocation across the investment management landscape. Their commitment to this effort underscores the promise of building a more actionable path for women to ascend, lead, and shape the future of our industry.”
The Leadership Lattice study reflects a central truth about careers in private investing: advancement is shaped by a dynamic mix of individual choices, career moves, mentors, sponsors, organizational cultures, networks, and opportunity. Through proprietary research and stakeholder engagement conducted by the Workforce & Organizational Research Center (WORC), the study will identify positive patterns of leadership ascension and translate them into actionable frameworks that individuals, organizations, and the broader private markets ecosystem can use to help more women stay on the path to leadership.
“Knight Foundation is proud to support the PEWIN Foundation Leadership Lattice study because it seeks to move beyond diagnosis and provide actionable insights that will help more women advance into leadership roles across private markets,” said Rebecca Carland, Chief Investment Officer at Knight Foundation. “We believe that high-quality information drives better decisions and better outcomes, and that expanding pathways to leadership strengthens institutions, markets, and the communities they serve.”
The study comes at a pivotal moment for the private markets industry. As firms compete for talent, strengthen governance, expand networks, and build resilient leadership pipelines, the advancement of women is a strategic opportunity. The PEWIN Foundation believes that systemic progress requires shared responsibility across individuals, firms and institutions, and ecosystem leaders. By identifying the conditions that help women remain on the ascent, the Leadership Lattice study aims to move the industry from aspiration to implementation.
The PEWIN Foundation invites individuals, firms, institutions, and ecosystem partners interested in learning more, engaging with the study, or supporting the broader work of advancing women’s leadership in private markets to contact PEWIN at .
About the PEWIN Foundation
The PEWIN Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the preeminent global organization for senior women leaders in private markets. Established in 2022, the organization supports programs focused on research and innovation, community building, and access to resources and opportunities that propel women’s leadership and success in financial services. Learn more at pewin.org/initiative/foundation/
About the Knight Foundation
We are social investors who support democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once had newspapers. Learn more at kf.org.
Media Contact
Jansel Murad
DLPR
PEWIN Foundation Announces 2025 Brilliance Awards Recipients
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) Foundation Announces 2025 Brilliance Awards Recipients Inaugural awards recognize leadership contributions in five powerful categories New York – July 29, 2025 – The Private Equity Women Investor Network (“PEWIN”) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the preeminent organization for senior-level women in private markets, today announced the recipients of its 2025 Brilliance Awards.
The Brilliance Awards are borne from the organization’s longstanding annual LP/GP awards and are focused on individual contributions, along with one organizational award in five powerful categories. Now proudly housed under the PEWIN Foundation, this program reflects a mission to build a stronger ecosystem for women in private markets for the long term.
“The Brilliance Awards are more than a celebration—they’re a powerful reminder of what’s possible when bold leadership and unwavering commitment converge to champion women in private markets,” said Kelly Williams, Chair of the PEWIN Foundation. “By honoring these trailblazers and institutions, we not only recognize their extraordinary impact, but we also reaffirm the values that will shape a stronger, more inclusive, and dynamic industry where women don’t just participate—they lead.”
North Star Lifetime Achievement Award Kim Lew, President and CEO, Columbia University Investment Management Company
The North Star Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an industry veteran who has continuously stayed true to their vision, lit the way and served as a “leader of leaders” for women in private markets over the course of a long and illustrious career.
Kim Lew has maintained a lifelong dedication to advancing women in private markets via her leadership, advocacy, and ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive industry. She has created a multi-faceted platform—leading by example, mentoring, and using her voice—to support and elevate women in finance. Drawing from her experience as a half-Black, half-Asian woman and first-generation college graduate, Kim mentors diverse candidates personally, encouraging resilience, confidence, and authenticity.
As CEO of Columbia Investment Management Company and previously as CIO of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, she has committed herself to sponsoring young women’s growth into leadership roles. She has also encouraged and supported the formation and development of women-led funds, asserting that “outperformance will be driven by diverse and creative investing ideas.” Her ongoing, steadfast engagement with PEWIN and organizations across the broader ecosystem, including Girls Who Invest, reflects a distinctive and sustained commitment to advancing women’s long-term progress in the industry.
Torch Bearer Mentorship Award Seema Hingorani, Founder and Chair, Girls Who Invest and Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
The Torch Bearer Mentorship Award honors an individual who has dedicated their time to elevating, educating, and supporting the next generation of women leaders in private markets.
Seema Hingorani has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for young women in finance through mentorship, talent development, and advocacy. As the Founder of Girls Who Invest, she created a pioneering nonprofit focused on building a pipeline of future female leaders in investment management by providing education, internships, mentorship, and community-building opportunities. In addition to this work, Seema has consistently mentored aspiring professionals across the industry, offering guidance, sponsorship, and access to career-building opportunities.
At Morgan Stanley, she has further embedded her commitment to women’s advancement by leading emerging talent development initiatives, shaping inclusion and advancement strategies, promoting gender-smart investment, and amplifying women’s voices through firm-wide and industry events.
Throughout her pioneering efforts and consistent championing, Seema’s commitment and drive have changed the career trajectory of thousands of women creating an unparalleled legacy of empowerment.
Ignite Benefactor Award Erin Harkless Moore, Managing Director, Investments, Pivotal Ventures
The Ignite Benefactor Award is awarded to an individual who has made a meaningful impact through investment or philanthropic funding of women-led firms, organizations, or companies in the private markets.
Erin Harkless Moore has emerged as a pivotal force in the quest to funnel investment capital toward women-led firms and companies. At Pivotal Ventures—the organization founded by Melinda French Gates—Moore serves as Managing Director of Investments, where she oversees a suite of early-stage investments in female-led startups and venture capital funds. She has spearheaded an aggressive strategy that channels capital early into women-founded companies operating in areas such as caregiving, women’s health, mental wellness, and fintech.
Moore’s influence extends beyond funding: she has reshaped investment processes to intentionally root out bias and ensure that performance potential, not founder archetypes, drives decisions. Pivotal’s rigorous and inclusive evaluation model aims to send a clear message that capital allocated to women can be both profitable and transformative. In parallel, Moore serves on the selection committee for Bridge Funding Global, an initiative focused on steering capital toward diverse fund managers, including women, reinforcing her mission to elevate the underrepresented.
In totality, Erin Harkless Moore has architected a robust, multi-channel approach to advancing women’s access to capital—investing directly, reshaping fund selection, enabling women-led managers to thrive, and influencing broader industry norms.
Beacon Advocacy Award Lareina Yee, Senior Partner Client Services, McKinsey Global Institute Director of Technology; Global Alliance Leader, McKinsey & Company
The Beacon Advocacy Award recognize an individual that has made an impact on advancing women’s causes through research, journalism, and/or thought leadership within the private markets.
Lareina Yee’s research, advocacy and public leadership have played a role in transforming the conversation about women in private markets and corporate America. Lareina co-founded the landmark Women in the Workplace initiative, now the largest study of its kind in the United States. This annual research has provided critical data and actionable insights on the advancement of women in business, shaping corporate policies and public discourse for over a decade. In addition, Lareina has authored and co-authored influential reports—including “Delivering through Diversity” and “The Future of Women at Work”—that have become essential reading for leaders seeking to drive gender equity. Her recent book, The Broken Rung, distills years of research and practical advice to help women navigate and overcome systemic barriers in the workplace.
Her work underscores how organizations’ intentional investment in sponsorship, employee benefits, and career development resources is critical to building lasting pipelines for women into senior leadership. Her influence extends into advising CEOs and investment firms on embedding gender-smart policies—such as creating critical-mass teams, formal sponsorship programs, and metrics for retention and promotion—that ensure women are recognized and advanced equitably. Her work has tangibly shifted practices within financial services. Yee has elevated the narrative that backing women leaders isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for business success.
Ember Advancing Organization Award California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) The Ember Award honors a firm or institution that has kept the flame burning for inclusion through policies, initiatives or programs that actively support the success, inclusion, and progression of women within the firm or across the industry. CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) has taken a multifaceted and influential approach to advancing gender equity in investing, leveraging its significant capital and shareholder influence to reshape standards across the financial industry. CalPERS’ Investment Office has made “board diversity and inclusion” a core pillar of its governance strategy. Through an ambitious engagement and proxy voting campaign the fund has helped increase female representation on corporate boards.
Further, CalPERS anchors diversity in its own investment process via its Emerging & Diverse Manager Program, which has been evolving for over 30 years investing substantial capital in women-led private equity fund managers. CalPERS also uses its thought leadership to drive industry-wide conversations through their annual Pathways for Women conference and partnership with CalSTRS to host the Catalyst: California’s Diverse Investment Manager Forum.
CalPERS’ proactive investment strategies, extensive advocacy, organizational reform, and convening power demonstrate sustained leadership in pushing gender equity forward. By holding companies accountable, funding diverse managers, elevating women’s voices, and integrating inclusive hiring and governance practices, CalPERS is treating gender equity not as a box-checking exercise, but as an essential driver of financial performance.
“These remarkable individuals and organizations embody the bold vision and unwavering commitment to the advancement of high-performing women that our industry needs,” said Dana Johns, Chair of PEWIN and Vice Chair of the PEWIN Foundation. “Through their leadership, advocacy, and impact, they are reshaping the future of private markets and opening doors for those who follow. We are honored to celebrate each of them and the lasting change they are creating.”
The PEWIN Foundation will be honoring recipients at the PEWIN Brilliance Soirée on the evening of September 3, 2025, in New York City, amidst an audience of PEWIN members, friends, and industry supporters.
About the PEWIN Foundation
The PEWIN Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN), the preeminent global organization for senior women leaders in private markets. Established in 2022 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation channels the collective philanthropic power of PEWIN’s members to support women’s advancement within the financial services industry.
Through strategic grant making and Foundation-led initiatives, the organization supports programs focused on research and innovation, community building, and access to resources and a opportunities that propel women’s leadership and success in financial services. For more information, please visit https://www.pewin.org/initiative/foundation/
Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) Welcomes Eileen Mancera and Sarah Samuels to Board of Directors
New York – January 8, 2025 – The Private Equity Women Investor Network (“PEWIN”), the preeminent organization for senior-level women in private equity, today announced two additional appointments to their board, Eileen Mancera, Managing Director, North American Business Development at Pemberton Asset Management and Sarah Samuels, Partner, NEPC.
“Both Eileen and Sarah are seasoned, long-time champions of women in private equity,” said Dana Johns, Board Chair, PEWIN. “Over the past several years, these two female industry leaders and pioneers have been deeply involved in PEWIN as well as incredibly successful in their respective roles in the private markets. It’s rewarding to watch our dauntless board expand in numbers and continue to lead our ever-growing organization focused on uniting, empowering, and advancing women leaders in our asset class at this critical time in our evolution and growth.”
Eileen Mancera is Managing Director, North American Business Development at Pemberton Asset Management and is responsible for business development for the eastern half of the United States. She is a Founding member of PEWIN and has served the organization in numerous capacities, including most recently co-leading the communications advisory council. Prior to joining Pemberton, she was Head of Marketing and Client Services for Post Advisory Group. Mancera has 23 years of marketing and institutional sales experience in all alternative asset classes, credit, hedge funds and private markets. Before joining the financial sector, she spent 15 years in public service as a political fundraiser and strategist.
Sarah Samuels is a partner at NEPC and oversees the firm's private markets, hedge funds and public markets investment teams. She served on the PEWIN Steering Committee and currently co-leads the organization’s Membership Committee and Boston Chapter. Prior to joining NEPC, she was managing director at Wellesley College, where she was responsible for the investment of the College’s endowment. Earlier in her career, she was the deputy chief investment officer at Mass PRIM, where she chaired the
internal Investment Committee and oversaw asset allocation and investments. She is an author and advocate for children’s literacy, having published “Braving our Savings” in 2024. She also personally invests in underrepresented founders and funders as a member of TBD Angels.
Both Mancera and Samuels began their four-year terms on January 1, 2025. They will join a board of directors comprised of fourteen women leaders and three emeriti which governs and guides an organization of nearly 1500 women leaders in private markets. Over the last year, PEWIN has enjoyed impressive membership growth of 30%, hosted nearly 90 worldwide events, and expanded programming to its stakeholders, including the broadening of its Pinklight platform for women founders.
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 an unparalleled forum for senior women general partners, limited partners, and private market professionals to network, share investment ideas, and explore opportunities to collaborate to unite, empower and advance female leaders in our industry. With global membership and alumni approaching
1500 women across 17 chapters worldwide, PEWIN represents more than $3 trillion USD in assets under management. To learn more, please visit https://www.pewin.org/.
Media Contact
Jansel Murad
Dukas Linden Public Relations
(646) 722-6537
PEWIN Announces 2024 LP/GP Awards Recipients
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.”
Oriana Papin-Zoghbi and Anna Jeter are honored for advancing women’s causes through groundbreaking research and thought leadership focused on women’s health innovation. Their influential study, Follow the Exits: Why Women’s Health Is a Smart Bet in Healthcare—the first comprehensive analysis of realized exit outcomes across women’s health over the past 25 years—is changing the narrative around investment in women’s healthcare and demonstrating the sector’s significant potential. Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, they are helping drive greater attention, investment, and innovation in women’s health.
New York – July 29, 2025 – The 
Kim Lew has maintained a lifelong dedication to advancing women in private markets via her leadership, advocacy, and ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive industry. She has created a multi-faceted platform—leading by example, mentoring, and using her voice—to support and elevate women in finance. Drawing from her experience as a half-Black, half-Asian woman and first-generation college graduate, Kim mentors diverse candidates personally, encouraging resilience, confidence, and authenticity.
Seema Hingorani has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for young women in finance through mentorship, talent development, and advocacy. As the Founder of Girls Who Invest, she created a pioneering nonprofit focused on building a pipeline of future female leaders in investment management by providing education, internships, mentorship, and community-building opportunities. In addition to this work, Seema has consistently mentored aspiring professionals across the industry, offering guidance, sponsorship, and access to career-building opportunities.
Erin Harkless Moore has emerged as a pivotal force in the quest to funnel investment capital toward women-led firms and companies. At Pivotal Ventures—the organization founded by Melinda French Gates—Moore serves as Managing Director of Investments, where she oversees a suite of early-stage investments in female-led startups and venture capital funds. She has spearheaded an aggressive strategy that channels capital early into women-founded companies operating in areas such as caregiving, women’s health, mental wellness, and fintech.
CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) has taken a multifaceted and influential approach to advancing gender equity in investing, leveraging its significant capital and shareholder influence to reshape standards across the financial industry. CalPERS’ Investment Office has made “board diversity and inclusion” a core pillar of its governance strategy. Through an ambitious engagement and proxy voting campaign the fund has helped increase female representation on corporate boards.
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.