WIN’s mission is to connect, empower, and promote women in the investment industry.
Connect
WIN provides quarterly networking events and volunteering opportunities to foster the professional development of women in the financial industry. Events are held in the central Indiana area, with virtual options when possible.
Empower
The WIN Mentorship Program pairs women early in their investment careers with experienced investment professionals, jump-starting their career growth.
Promote
WIN collaborates with local schools to inform students on careers in investing, growing a more diverse pipeline for the future of the financial industry.
History
The Women Investors Network was formed in 2019 to fill the need for an organization supporting women in central Indiana’s investment industry. We recognized the positive impact that having female connections, mentors, and role-models within the industry had on our own careers and knew that other women could benefit from making those connections. Since its foundation, WIN has hosted a variety of networking events, provided volunteer opportunities, and engaged in outreach to local universities.
Meet the Team
Sara Omohundro
Sara Omohundro founded WIN in January 2019 and serves as the organization’s President. Sara is currently a Principal at Elevate Ventures. Previously, she served as a Senior Investment Analyst for the Indiana Public Retirement System. Sara graduated magna cum laude from Butler University and holds a Master of Science in Economics from Purdue University. She has published economic research in the Issues in Political Economy journal and is a CFA charterholder. In 2022, Sara was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 20 in their Twenties, recognizing emerging leaders in Indiana. Outside of work, Sara enjoys riding and showing horses.
Deandra ballard
DeAndra Ballard has partnered in leadership with Sara, since the inception of WIN in 2019. Ms. Ballard is currently a Senior Investment Analytics & Reporting Analyst at the Purdue Research Foundation - Office of Investments. Previously, Ms. Ballard, served in various investment roles at the Indiana Public Retirement System, most recently as the Manager of Investment Risk and Operations. Ms. Ballard holds a BBA from Northwood University graduating magna cum laude. Ms. Ballard shares the desire of connecting women within the investment space with an objective to not only grow business networks but also nurture women in investments as a career option. In her free time, Ms. Ballard enjoys travel, dance, and of course Touché cookies.
Paige McHugh
Paige McHugh recently joined the WIN leadership team in 2023. Paige is currently an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg, LLP, where she focuses her practice on a broad range of transactional tax issues as well as private fund formation. In particular, she works with private investment fund managers on the tax and various other aspects of fund formations, fundraising, ongoing operations, and regulatory compliance. Paige holds a BA in economics and history from DePauw University, a JD from the IU Maurer School of Law, and an MBA in Accounting and Finance from the IU Kelley School of Business. Paige spends every moment of free time with her two Australian Shepherds, Atticus and Leroy.