Her Story
About Christine
Christine Emeka works in the financial services and fintech industries. She has received first-class honors, distinctions, and the Dean's Award for her academic achievements. Emeka credits her success to her mother, a judge and single parent who provided her with strong educational opportunities and the chance to live in London, the UAE, Lithuania, the US, Wisconsin, and Lagos, fostering a global perspective and cultural understanding. She also attributes key professional growth to Jack Zhang, who offered her an early opportunity in fintech at Airwall. Emeka values relationship building, showing up fully, treating others with respect, and remaining open to learning from diverse perspectives. She advises young women entering the field to pursue it out of genuine interest rather than solely for financial gain, to trust their potential, challenge the status quo, build networks, and persist in seeking opportunities. Emeka notes that the industry remains male-dominated and highlights challenges such as regulatory hurdles for fintech growth and the need for greater inclusion of women in software engineering and financial roles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to how I was raised by my mom who was a judge and single parent. She threw me at different opportunities, gave me the best education, ability to travel and see the world from different perspectives. I lived in London, UAE, Lithuania, US, Wisconsin, Lagos. This helped me understand different cultures. Also to Jack Zhang who gave me opportunity in fintech at Airwall.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you want to be in the financial industry, love it. Don't do it just for the money. Trust your potential more, shape up things, challenge the status quo, speak out, learn, be open to learning. Build relationships, networks, speak to people. Anyone telling you no just means you're asking the wrong person.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The industry is still very male-dominated. There needs to be more creation for women and more trust in women. Challenges with traditional banking vs fintech, regulators making it hard for fintechs to grow. Need more women in software engineering and financial industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
If you're going to do it, do it well, make sure you show up, treat others like you want to be treated. Relationship building is one of the most important things. Be open to learning from people, always hear people out.
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