Apex Fintech Solutions Inclusion & Diversity

Tell us about your experience as a woman in tech. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

The most significant challenges I’ve faced as a woman in tech include the lack of representation and the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It has taken me time to find my voice and feel comfortable in the workplace, especially since I am often the youngest of the few women present during discussions. By forming strong relationships with women I admire at my firm and seizing various development opportunities, I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities. Learning about my mentors’ experiences and how they overcame similar challenges has helped me feel seen and supported.

Regarding work-life balance, my mentors have encouraged me to find sustainable ways to manage professional and personal commitments. I have discovered that habits like working out after a long day at the office or setting aside time each day for focus and leisure help achieve this balance. Additionally, I have realized that advocating for oneself and one’s needs is an essential form of self-care.

What are your professional goals, and how has Apex Fintech Solutions enabled you to pursue them?

As a business analyst on the business development team at Apex Fintech Solutions, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with almost every department. Through my experiences on this team, I have refined my professional goals, which are ultimately focused on obtaining a leadership role. I aim to improve my time-management and communication skills, enhance my technical proficiency to become more efficient and gain management experience while fostering team collaboration.

Throughout my two years at the firm, my manager has challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone, and I am now successfully managing multiple business processes. She has also shaped my career development by providing consistent feedback, support and actionable steps for continued growth. Additionally, Apex leadership is approachable and willing to mentor those interested in pursuing specific roles or career paths. With Apex’s support, I have been able to further my education and obtain new professional credentials. This support included the firm covering the necessary materials and preparation for the FINRA Securities Industry Essential exam, a certification required for my role.

How does Apex Fintech Solutions celebrate and empower women?

Apex empowers women through the Apex Women’s Network, participation in the Poker Power program — an initiative through our parent organization, PEAK6, that teaches poker to women-identifying individuals — and recognition of days like International Women’s Day and Women’s Equality Day.

Alongside my fellow AWN leaders, I work to empower, support and elevate women within Apex through mentorship, education and networking opportunities. Our group ensures that women at Apex have the tools, confidence and network needed to achieve their professional goals. We’ve organized roundtable discussions with senior female leaders at Apex to provide insight into their career paths and experiences. These events offer encouragement and support for women at the firm, and many demonstrate their support by participating in various locations, both in person and virtually.