AIF Global Marks 11th Year of Women Investors Forum in New York

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 30 September 2025

• AIF Global hosted its 11th annual Women Investors' Forum at the Yale Club of New York City
• The forum is included in AIF's annual programming dedicated to women investors
• AIF is a stand-alone economic think tank that promotes the sharing of ideas, best practices, and information

AIF Global celebrated its 11th year of women investor programming with the 11th annual Women Investors' Forum held at the Yale Club in New York City.

The forum, a highlight event for top women in institutional investment, offered a platform for conversations on investing, leadership, and networking.

At the 2025 forum, the AIF Institute Trailblazer awards went to Margaret Belmondo (NEPC), Elizabeth Caldas (Rhode Island Employees' Retirement System), June Kim (CalSTRS), Julia Mord (Commonfund), Dana Johns (Private Equity Women Investor Network / formerly New Jersey Division of Investment), and Sondra Vitols (YWCA Retirement Fund).

The YWCA Retirement Fund also received an award for its 100th anniversary, which reflects a century of service to women.

Since it was the only pension plan developed by and for women, with more than 90 percent of its participants being women, the fund has been fully funded since its creation.

YWCA Retirement Fund Chief Executive Officer Elliott Buchholz pointed to the fund's purpose of offering secure retirement benefits while serving the YWCA's mission.

AIF President Melissa Waller pointed to the importance of recognizing these trailblazing women and YWCA's milestone, noting that their achievement is of value to the global investor community.

The forum also featured a keynote fireside chat between Melissa and Dr. Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist and professor at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School, entitled "Strategies for Getting Noticed and Having Influence in Your Career."

Dr. Alison stressed the importance of demonstrating the worth of one's existing accomplishments rather than merely trying to be "better than they are." The session will be available to AIF members through the organization's Investor Portal.