Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Stefano has built a distinguished career in finance spanning 23 years. She currently serves as an Investment Compliance Team Manager, leading a team of analysts and senior analysts while overseeing compliance with U.S. laws and SEC rules for trading mutual funds. Her responsibilities include rectifying trade errors to ensure no client accounts are negatively impacted by mistakes. Stefano initially pursued an undergraduate degree in actuarial science, graduating with a 3.9 GPA, before transitioning to finance after an internship experience. She later earned an MBA in Finance from NYU Stern while working during the day at Morgan Stanley. She attributes her professional success to advice from a mentor during her internship to avoid stressing too easily, noting that a calm and level head enables better decision-making in high-pressure situations such as stopping trades live. Stefano emphasizes integrity as her core value, applying it to do what is right for the company and clients, and she extends this principle to her personal life. She advises young women entering the industry to treat the work seriously, push hard without being abrasive, and recognize that men and women are equals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to learning not to stress too easily. When I was an intern, my mentor told me that stressing would eat me alive and prevent clear thinking. Staying calm allows better decisions, especially in a high-pressure job where we stop trades live and fix mistakes without panicking.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to not stress that easily. My mentor pointed out it was my biggest flaw and explained that stress prevents you from thinking your best. You need a level head, especially when fixing trade mistakes in real time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would give them the same advice to try not to stress too easily. You have to treat this job seriously, not like soft petal roses. Act level-headedly, don't take criticism to heart, push hard to get ahead, but don't be abrasive. Men and women are equal, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Managing a growing team is a challenge. There are lots of different personalities and skill sets. I have to utilize everyone's strengths, work on weaknesses, and make sure the team works together to solve business problems. Making sure no account is impacted negatively by mistakes is key.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the most important value. Doing the right thing 100% for the company and the client. In my personal life, acting with integrity means my partner can trust me completely. It's the same decision whether at work or home.
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