Women Investors Networking Council
Chair: Ann Ferreira, Lake Country Capital
According to a 2022 report by McKinsey, women make up only 12% of managing directors and 16% of principals and partners in investment roles at private equity firms. The Women Investors Networking Council (WINC) was created within the Small Business Investor Alliance to support and foster the development and advancement of women investing professionals working in lower middle market private equity.
The goal of WINC is to facilitate, expand, and develop opportunities for women investors through the expansion of professional fellowship opportunities for networking and connection among women investors at every level. This initiative encompasses efforts to expand business opportunities for women investors, particularly with respect to fundraising, deal sourcing and investment relationship-building; efforts to advance initiatives for recruiting, developing, and retaining female investing talent; and to provide opportunities for professional development as women investing professionals progress through their careers.
Participation in WINC is open to all members of SBIA, regardless of gender, and to all individuals at a member investing firm. Monthly WINC meetings offer an interactive forum to discuss topical issues, as well as an opportunity to facilitate small group networking and mentorship.