Hi! I’m Lizzy,
I'm a recent MBA graduate from Oxford, with 6 years of experience in financial services and impact investing. I'm passionate about disrupting traditional banking systems and building an inclusive fintech ecosystem.
About Me
I’m a mid-west born lover of travel, hiking, and classic films.
Building inclusive and sustainable financial solutions is my mission & I believe fintech is paving the path.
My professional journey is winding and purpose driven - scroll on to learn more.
Chapter 1: The Curious Art Historian
Ohio 2008 - 2012
I studied art history with an anthropological lens. I was curious to learn how art can be a blueprint for understanding the socio-economic, political and religious drivers for how societies evolved throughout history.
One of my favorite memories from this chapter was interning for MoMA and walking around the museum on days it was closed to the public. I'd never really seen Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon until I stood with it in a room by myself.
Source: MoMA
Chapter 2: Building Business Skills
Ohio + Boston 2012 - 2015
Art history is a lifelong passion, but I realized I wanted to work in a dynamic and growing industry. Building business skills was necessary, so I joined at rotational leadership program at the largest printing company in the world, RR Donnelly. This experience taught me about operations, accounting, e-commerce, customer service and of course print manufacturing. I took a role in financial services, moved to Boston and transitioned to GLG working with private equity clients.
Random Fact: The underlying basis for how offset print works is that oil and ink don't mix.
Source: Komori
Chapter 3: Tackling Global Challenges
Boston 2015 - 2019
At 25, I found myself unsatisfied with the corporate financial services scene. I was seeking purpose and an opportunity to tackle tough global questions like:
Why are some countries wealthier than others?
How can financial independence for women be improved?
What are the sustainable and economic levers we can pull to improve these challenges?
I began working for Accion, an industry leader in impact investing in microfinance and fintech (200+ AUM). On a small team based in Boston and Nairobi, we built the African Board Fellowship. A $6 Million funded executive education program for CEOs and board members of leading financial institutions across 20 African countries.
The Goal: Strengthen governance and improve risk management practices among financial service providers serving low income clients in Africa.
African Board Fellowship: Good Governance, Better Business - Accion, Center for Financial Inclusion
Blogs
While at Accion, I wrote blogs for the think tank, the Center for Financial Inclusion
Governing in a Digital World
"Digital trends in the African financial inclusion sector are evolving quickly. With the entrance of fintech startups and a more tech savvy client base, the role of corporate governance is more important than ever…”
Feb 2018
“Larry’s Letter:” Challenging Traditional Investor Responsibilities
“Just prior to the global elite gathering at Davos, Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock investment firm wrote a letter to CEOs about the importance of long-term, sustainable strategy and understanding the social impact of the companies BlackRock and others invest in…”
Feb 2018
In the Wake of the Equifax Breach, Are Biometrics the Answer?
“The recent security breach of credit reporting agency Equifax exposed birth dates, social security numbers and credit card information of up to 143 million consumers. The hackers will likely sell this personal information which could result in financial and medical identity left, and fraudulent credit card activity and tax reporting, along with a slew of other activities…”
Sept 2017
Offshore Financial Centers for Financial Inclusion: An Aligned Industry or Oceans Apart?
“In the aftermath of the Panama Papers, the words “offshore” and “tax-haven” are often taboo rhetoric within the investment industry. Perhaps even more so in the impact investing space, where fund managers have both fiduciary and social responsibilities…”
June 2017
Chapter 4: The Oxford MBA
Oxford 2019 - 2020
What a year! the University of Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School was Hogwarts magical and fulfilling in many challenging ways. I learned about business fundamentals by collaborating with leaders from 64 different countries. Eye opening doesn't even begin to describe.
Chapter 5: What’s Next?
I’m excited about how fintech is disrupting financial services to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem. One key learning from business school - tech is fundamentally best positioned to provide customer driven solutions that increase access and improved financial health. I’m looking for an opportunity to use my operations and partnership skills to drive growth in the fintech sector.
