2025 CAREER FORUM
October 10, 2025
NEW YORK city
The Industry-Leading Event to Recruit and Source the Next Generation of Talent in Finance
The headlines and studies on the gender gap in the alternative industry and the value of diversity are pervasive. The Career Forum provides a platform for young women and all first-generation college students/graduates an opportunity to learn, engage, and network with industry veterans while efficiently helping employers solve the continued issue of finding qualified talent.
Host Sponsors
Platinum & Scholar Welcome Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Expo Sponsors
FAQs for Applicants
Applications close at 11:59 pm ET on Friday, September 12.
Application review: September 12 - 18, 2025
Applicants informed of status on or before: September 19, 2025
If you are arriving from outside the Tri-state area, you qualify.
The value of the travel stipend will range from $200-$700 based on the distance of travel and need. If you don’t need a stipend to attend, please flag so that we are able to make this opportunity available for the maximum number of people
We also have a limited block of complimentary, shared rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We encourage you to apply since your resume will be included in a resume book that will be sent to all participating firms.
Agenda*
October 9, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Scholar Welcome Cocktail Reception
October 10, 2025
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Check in & Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Welcome Remarks by COLAB Co-Founders
8:45 PM - 9:10 AM: Legacy Award Presentation & Keynote
Kelly Williams, CEO, The Williams Legacy Foundation
Presenters:
Camille Asaro, Partner, Private Equity Audit Sector Lead, KPMG
Dana Johns, Partner, Courage Small Business Partners
Emily Mendell, Executive Director, PEWIN
Suzanne Yoon, Founder and Managing Partner, Kinzie Capital Partners
Adele Oliva, Founding Partner, 1315 Capital
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM: Panel #1: The GP Playbook: Career Navigation and Investment Strategy Mastery
Moderator: Emily Deagan, Partner, Paul Hastings LLP
Aiyu Yuan Nicholson, Partner, Stepstone
Courtney Mehrotra, Head of Investor Relations, Stellex
Liza Benson, Partner, Moderne Ventures
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM: Ally in Action Award
Harisha Koneru Haigh, Managing Director at Northwestern University
Presenters:
Scott Konicki, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Christen Conley, Associate - Institutional Asset Management, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Katherine Patch, Director - Family Offices, Foundations, and Endowments, BlackRock
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Panel #2: The LP Perspective: Career Routes and Market Opportunities Worth Pursuing
Moderator: Karen Rode, Senior Partner - Private Investments, Aon
Antonio Rodriguez, Director of Investments at Building Service, 32BJ Funds
Kirk Sims, Managing Director - Head of Emerging Manager Program, Teachers Retirement System of Texas
Leslie Lenzo, CFA, CEO & CEO, Hershey Trust Company
Stephanie E. Szymanski, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Lakeview Capital Management
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM: Networking Break
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM: Panel #3: Beyond the Fund: Alternative Career Paths in the Investment Ecosystem
Moderator: Ed Dartley, Partner, Practice Area Leader, Asset Management and Investment Funds, K&L Gates LLP
Tom Cassels, Director of Operations, Citco Fund Services
Abby Geller, Managing Director, BlackRock
Connor Nicosia, Strategic Account Executive, Carta
Elizabeth Burton, Managing Director, Investment Strategist, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
11:55 AM - 12:05 PM: Ally in Action Awards
Bradley Michael Dorchinecz, Managing Director of the Private Equity Group for 50 South Capital
12:05 PM - 1:10 PM: Roundtable Discussions
1:10 PM - 1:25 PM: The Startup of You: Managing Your Career in the 21st Century
Ben Casnocha, Co-Founder and General Partner, Village Global
1:25 PM - 1:30 PM: Closing Remarks by COLAB Co-Founders
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Lunch and Career Expo
*This is subject to change.
Who should participate?
PROFESSIONALS
Professionals from organizations within the alternative investment industry, including private equity, venture capital, real estate, credit, real assets, hedge funds, and investment banks, who are seeking to recruit and network with enthusiastic, qualified, and highly educated next-generation talent.