Dina Neller

Breaking Into the Finance Sector

Getting into finance requires grit. From day one, I knew I’d need to prove myself twice—once as a professional and again as a woman. Whether it was internships where I was the only woman in the room or client meetings where I was mistaken for the assistant, the unspoken rules were clear: stay sharp, stay calm, and stay three steps ahead.

But here’s the thing—women are naturally equipped for this work. We bring strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a long-term mindset to the table. And the industry is starting to take notice.

The Double Standard

In finance, confidence is often mistaken for arrogance—unless you're a man. Assertiveness in a woman can be labeled “aggressive,” while the same behavior in male colleagues is called “strong leadership.”

I’ve learned to own my space without apologizing for it. That means speaking up, even if my voice shakes. That means mentoring other women, because the ladder shouldn’t only hold one.

Finding Your Allies

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the rise of women lifting other women. From women-led investment groups to DEI initiatives in major firms, the momentum is building. I’ve found community in unexpected places—Slack groups, industry panels, and peer mentorship circles where authenticity wins over competition.

Finance is evolving. Slowly, but it’s happening. And women are not just joining the conversation—we’re changing it.

Advice to the Next Generation

If I could give one piece of advice to young women entering finance, it’s this: Don’t shrink to fit. Your perspective, your voice, and your questions belong in every room you walk into.

Stay curious, stay coachable, and build your network early. The power of relationships in this industry cannot be overstated.

And remember: finance doesn’t need more people who fit the mold. It needs more people who break it.