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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 LewKim 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 HingaroniSeema 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 MooreErin 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 Lee

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 Paris Launch June 2024 - GroupPEWIN Paris Launch June 2024 - Anna, Alona, JoannePEWIN 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:

“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

PEWIN Announces 2023 Annual LP/GP Awards Recipients

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.”

PEWIN Announces 2022 Annual LP/GP Awards Recipients

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.”

PEWIN Announces 2021 Annual LP/GP Awards Recipients

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.”