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Last month, Security Traders Association (STA) appointed Christine Lee, Head of Business Development at Liquidnet, as its Women in Finance Vice Chair for 2024. As Head of Business Development at Liquidnet, she launched the initial Forum Council for Diversity & Inclusion. In addition to STA National, she is a member of the STA Connecticut Board and has supported STANY Women in Finance initiatives.
Traders Magazine caught up with Lee to learn more about her involvement with the STA.
Congratulations on your new role. To start, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a mother of two with 18 years of experience in this industry. I’ve learned to be intentional about setting my personal and professional priorities, which include family, health and meaningful relationships. Protecting these priorities allows me to be more engaged and passionate about my work. As a mom, time continues to be my most valuable asset at home, so finding the appropriate balance is a constant work in progress. The one non-negotiable in my day is my early-morning workout regimen: a blend of lifting heavy, HIIT/cardio and mobility work. My workouts are where I practice the discipline of finding comfort in the discomfort. They serve as a mental training ground for growth. I’ve been blessed with the invaluable guidance and support from mentors and sponsors who have invested in me and opened doors for advancement within the industry.
Tell us about the STA Women in Finance Committee. What is your mission and how do you achieve it? What are your plans for this year?
The STA Women in Finance Committee, a committee under the Security Traders Association, is dedicated to fostering connections among women in the financial sector while providing valuable resources and insights through our newsletter, interviews with senior women and our yearly Women in Finance Symposium held at the STA’s annual Market Structure Conference. Our mission extends beyond networking to actively promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry by collaborating with STA’s affiliate chapters to support women in finance. Looking ahead, we aspire to broaden our impact by engaging with charities and younger generations to bridge access to financial markets and cultivate interest in our field.
How did you get involved with the STA WIF Committee? What is it about this cause that inspires you?
My involvement with the STA Women in Finance Committee stemmed from Liquidnet’s sponsorship of STA New York’s group, STANY Women in Finance. I subsequently joined the board of STA Connecticut and assumed the role of WIF representative for the Connecticut affiliate chapter. Serving on both the STA Connecticut board and the Women in Finance Committee is gratifying because we work with so many great people, allowing us to foster a supportive community within our industry. By facilitating connections, advocating for one another and celebrating achievements, we strive to empower women in finance.
Since beginning your career, have you seen any evolution in terms of the industry’s approach to women’s issues? If so, can you explain, please?
Over the past two decades, there has been notable progress in the recruitment of women within the financial sector. However, the journey toward gender parity is far from complete, particularly when it comes to the advancement of women into leadership roles. Men are critical stakeholders in the advancement of women, with a crucial role to play in identifying, investing in and promoting female talent. My most recent read, “Mastering Leadership” by Robert J. Anderson and William A. Adams, articulates the invaluable contributions of women in leadership. Women have a natural proclivity for fostering creativity, high emotional intelligence and adeptness in interpersonal relations. By harnessing the combined leadership ability of both men and women, we can bring about a more engaged workforce and gain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.
What is one issue impacting women in finance that you think will warrant more attention in the years to come?
This is not unique to our industry, but it’s still a significant issue for women in finance: the challenge of reacclimating new mothers to the workplace and retaining working mothers as they progress in their careers. Ensuring a supportive environment that accommodates the needs of working mothers is essential to retaining top talent and promoting diversity within our industry. By addressing these challenges and implementing supportive policies and practices, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
