Girls Who Invest Names Michelle DeFossett President

NEW YORK – June 10, 2026 – Girls Who Invest (GWI), a leading non-profit dedicated to transforming the investment management industry by attracting and advancing women investors, change-makers, and leaders, today announced that Michelle DeFossett has been named President. DeFossett, who joined the organization in 2021 and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, has played a central role in strengthening GWI’s operations and elevating its external profile through key industry engagements.

“Michelle has helped build Girls Who Invest into the strong, mission-driven organization it is today. Her leadership, operational expertise, and deep commitment to our community have helped position GWI for long-term impact,” said Seema R. Hingorani, Founder and Board Chair of Girls Who Invest. “As we enter this next chapter, I am confident that Michelle’s dedication and stewardship will continue to strengthen our partnerships, expand opportunities for our Alumni, and drive meaningful progress across the investment management industry.”

In her expanded role as President, DeFossett will guide GWI’s continued evolution, with a focus on scaling its programs, deepening partner engagement, and supporting career advancement for its growing Alumni base.

“It is an honor to step into the role of President at Girls Who Invest and continue building on the strong foundation our team has created,” said Michelle DeFossett. “What sets GWI apart is the depth of its community — our Scholars, Alumni, Board Members, Partners, and supporters — all aligned around advancing talent across the industry. I look forward to building on that momentum and supporting our community at every stage of their careers.”

“Michelle is a trusted leader who brings both strategic clarity and a deep understanding of GWI’s mission,” said Kim Lew, GWI Board Member. “She has played a critical role in strengthening the organization’s foundation, and in this role, she is well-positioned to build on that progress as GWI continues to grow.”

"Michelle's promotion to President is exactly the kind of leadership milestone that demonstrates Girls Who Invest's maturity as an organization.” Rob Bittencourt, GWI Board Member continued by stating, “from my vantage point as a Board Member and as an investor, what strikes me most about Michelle is her ability to think both operationally and strategically — she understands what it takes to run a high-performing organization and where the industry needs to go. The Alumni Community GWI has built is one of the most powerful forces for change in investment management, and Michelle has been central to that. I have no doubt she will take GWI to the next level."

DeFossett’s appointment reflects her leadership during a period of significant growth for the organization. She has worked closely with the Board and leadership team to strengthen internal operations and expand GWI’s ability to support its community, earning broad respect for her collaborative approach and steady execution.

DeFossett is a senior finance and operations leader known for building strong financial infrastructure and driving organizational growth across the nonprofit and financial services sectors. She has led complex budget and operational strategies, strengthened governance and financial oversight, and supported mission-driven organizations in scaling their impact. Her experience includes advancing financial sustainability and operational effectiveness at organizations such as Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), Habitat for Humanity–New York City, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the Maple Street School. Earlier in her career, she developed deep expertise in financial services and asset management, including roles at JPMorgan and Pareto Partners.

About Girls Who Invest

Girls Who Invest (GWI) is a non-profit dedicated to transforming the investment management industry by attracting and advancing women investors, change-makers, and leaders.

GWI supports first- and second-year college students through tuition-free education programs, while also providing career advisory services, community-building initiatives, and lifelong Alumni support. Through its Retention and Advancement Programs, GWI supports Alumni as they navigate and grow in their careers, offering mentorship, peer learning, and leadership development across areas such as negotiation, executive presence, and career progression. Through these programs, GWI equips Alumni with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to build lasting careers in investment management. 

The GWI community is made up of thousands of investors, industry leaders, supporters, and 130 Partner firms dedicated to advancing and retaining talent. To date, over 4,000 GWI Alumni have been educated and trained in just 10 years. Of Alumni working full time, more than 75% stay in the industry. To learn more, visit GirlsWhoInvest.org.