Influential Woman · Financial Services & Enterprise Technology
Iyana Farrar
Architecture Technology Intern, Nuveen, a TIAA company
Charlotte, NC
Her Story
About Iyana
Iyana Farrar is a business and technology-focused student and emerging business professional based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management Information Systems with a minor in Economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with an expected graduation in 2027. Her academic and professional path reflects a strong interest in the intersection of technology, business operations, and data-driven decision-making, alongside early experience in project coordination and organizational leadership. Professionally, she is an Architecture Technology Intern with Nuveen, a role within TIAA focused on enterprise architecture, cloud computing, and data governance. She also serves as a Brand Ambassador for Charlotte FC, where she contributes to fan engagement and marketing initiatives. In addition, she has gained hands-on experience through internships with University City Partners, supporting project management, community development initiatives, marketing analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. Beyond her formal roles, she is the founder of Farrar Capital Group, a developing venture focused on helping small businesses with business planning, market research, and operational strategy. Her work and interests reflect a blend of technical, analytical, and community-oriented priorities, with emphasis on leadership, communication, and continuous learning. She is also actively engaged in volunteer work within education and community programs, demonstrating a commitment to service, mentorship, and civic engagement alongside her academic and professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iyana
01What do you attribute your success to?
My faith gives me purpose, my determination keeps me pushing even when things get hard, and my community reminds me that I don’t have to do this alone. Together, they’ve been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is simple: learn, and move on. You don’t have to fail and start over every time, you just have to take the lesson with you. Learning and moving forward helps you build a stronger sense of self and gives you clarity on what to do next. It’s what pushes you into that next step and shapes who you’re becoming, because life itself is one continuous lesson; we’re learning something new every day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry would be to build self-confidence early, and don’t be afraid to walk away from opportunities that don’t align with your growth or values. Prioritize your education, it’s the foundation that everything else is built on. Beyond that, stay grounded in your faith and your personal values; they’ll keep you centered as you navigate a competitive field and help you build a career, and a life, that’s genuinely self-made.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is capitalization. Ensuring that businesses can effectively execute on the strategic plans I develop for them within a realistic 6-8 month timeframe. Much of that depends on factors outside of anyone’s direct control, such as market conditions and broader economic shifts. Fixed costs tend to be predictable, but variable costs; the ones most exposed to market volatility are often what determine whether a business can fully capitalize on a well-designed plan.
That said, this also creates a significant opportunity. Businesses that build flexibility into their financial planning, and work with consultants who understand how to navigate that uncertainty, are better positioned to adapt and grow regardless of market conditions. I see real opportunity in helping organizations build that kind of resilience from the ground up
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both in my work and personal life, are honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of self. Honesty builds trust with clients, colleagues, and myself. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one’s watching, especially when it comes to the advice I give and the plans I create. And having a strong sense of self keeps me grounded. It means I show up the same way in every room, and I don’t compromise who I am to fit a mold that isn’t mine.
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