Celebrating Women in Fintech: Trailblazers of October
This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. With women making up only about 30% of the fintech workforce, it’s crucial to recognize those who have not only reached the top but have also paved the way for others. Here, we hear from four inspiring leaders: Colleen Ruane, Adriana Pirela, Dr. Cecilia Lenk, and Jinnee Lim, as they share their greatest achievements and insights.
Colleen Ruane: Director of Data Analytics, SEI
Colleen Ruane has been a driving force at SEI since 2017, where she serves as the Director of Data Analytics. Her proudest achievement? Leading a team of 30 professionals to build a comprehensive data and analytics program from the ground up within the Investment Manager Services practice.
Colleen emphasizes the importance of integrating data analytics into the overall product strategy, which has significantly impacted clients’ businesses. "Utilizing my 15 years of industry experience to establish best practices at SEI has been a huge career milestone for me," she shares.
Her strategy focuses on three core goals: enabling clients to maximize their data, delivering actionable intelligence through analytics as a service, and enhancing the platform experience. Colleen is passionate about democratizing access to data, ensuring that clients have the tools they need to thrive.
"Every day, I’m motivated by the tangible impact my work has across the financial services industry," she reflects, noting that SEI’s 11,300 clients, including banks and hedge fund managers, have all benefited from the data analytics platform she champions.
Adriana Pirela: Chief Marketing Officer, Digicel Group
Adriana Pirela’s greatest achievement lies in her ability to empower others. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the growth of her colleagues, transforming them from a group of individuals into a cohesive team that excels in their respective fields.
"The most incredible feeling is to see people grow personally and professionally," Adriana explains. Her leadership style fosters an environment where team members can take on more significant and challenging roles, ultimately becoming essential contributors in their areas.
Adriana’s commitment to empowerment reflects a broader mission to uplift women in fintech, encouraging them to embrace their potential and pursue leadership roles.
Dr. Cecilia Lenk: Chief Executive Officer, Netcapital, Inc.
Dr. Cecilia Lenk offers a unique perspective on achievement. "Achievements come in all shapes and sizes," she notes, emphasizing that not all accomplishments are grand milestones. For her, the essence of achievement lies in living a life true to her core values: empathy, kindness, openness, reliability, honesty, and fairness.
Cecilia recounts a pivotal moment in her career when she left a job that didn’t align with her values. "It wasn’t the best career move at the time, but it was the smartest thing I ever did," she reflects. This decision set her on a path to understand what truly mattered to her, both personally and professionally.
Her journey is ongoing, and she finds joy in the small victories that affirm her commitment to her values. "My greatest achievement is a work in progress," she shares, highlighting the importance of integrity and authenticity in her leadership.
Jinnee Lim: Chief Growth Officer – Southeast Asia, Finder
Jinnee Lim embraces her identity as a nonconformist, viewing it as her superpower. Throughout her career, she has often found herself in roles where she didn’t fit the traditional mold, yet she has thrived by leveraging her resilience and adaptability.
"When I joined UBS, I had no wealth management background," Jinnee recalls. Faced with a challenging project on her first day, she quickly adapted and delivered commendable results. Her ability to tackle challenges head-on has been a hallmark of her career.
At GoBear, Jinnee was tasked with leading a transformation despite lacking experience in fundraising or digital businesses. "I refused to let negative energy impact me; I was determined," she states, reflecting on the resilience that helped her navigate unprecedented challenges during the global pandemic.
Jinnee’s commitment to integrity is unwavering. She recalls advising a financial institution against entering a new market, despite pressure to present a more favorable view. "For me, integrity is vital as an advisor," she asserts, showcasing her dedication to honest and ethical decision-making.
These four women exemplify the strength, resilience, and leadership that are essential in the fintech industry. Their stories not only inspire but also serve as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of finance.