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.

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 models.

They also address the unique challenges women face in finance, sharing insights and advice for the next generation of leaders, including the importance of perseverance and the power of forming supportive networks.

Listen in to discover how Runa's experiences and perspectives continue to drive her mission to transform emerging markets.

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 offices, the importance of diversity in investment portfolios, and the value of philanthropy and mentoring in Career 2.0. Stephanie's anecdotes offer insightful lessons on patience, relationship-building, and the necessity of taking opportunities in one's career.

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.

Moments that Made Her is hosted by Kelly Williams, PEWIN's Founding Chair, and is produced in collaboration with Purple Photo Group.

To learn more please visit pewin.org.

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 and Pat reflect on the importance of resilience, authenticity, and building genuine relationships throughout their careers. The episode also touches on creating better workplace cultures and Pat's personal life, revealing interesting anecdotes like her first vehicle being a motorcycle.

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 for women in Japan and her current role promoting venture capital ecosystems and diversity within JIC. The episode underscores the challenges, achievements, and pivotal moments of Yuka's inspiring career.

Moments that Made Her is hosted by Kelly Williams, PEWIN's Founding Chair, and is produced in collaboration with Purple Photo Group.

To learn more please visit pewin.org.

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 career path to balance personal life with professional aspirations. Additionally, the conversation covers the topic of financial literacy for children, spotlighting Sarah's initiative to educate young kids about investing through her book 'Braving Our Savings.' The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges and triumphs women face in the private equity industry, offering insights and advice for aspiring professionals.

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 approach Reach Capital takes in nurturing junior talent and making investment decisions. Additionally, it emphasizes the supportive role of mentors and the unique perspectives brought by female founders in the venture capital and private equity space.