Moments that Made Her

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, staying financially prepared, and engaging in meaningful post-career activities. All participants emphasize the empowerment of women in private markets and the continued impact they strive for in their post-transition lives.

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.