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Women in private equity and mergers and acquisitions (WPEMA)

Led by women across Marsh’s Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions (PEMA) Practice, the WPEMA initiative brings together the broader private equity and M&A community to advance women’s leadership and impact across the industry. 

WPEMA is focused on empowering women across the financial services ecosystem by building a vibrant, supportive global community of professionals and allies.

Grounded in three core pillars — networking, training and development, and volunteering — the initiative fosters leadership, helps to drive diversity, and amplifies advocacy across private equity and M&A.

A global community driving change

WPEMA is committed to advancing greater representation and opportunity for women across the global financial services landscape.

Since its formation, the initiative has built strong momentum — led by a group of talented women across Marsh PEMA globally. Through impactful client events, educational programmes — such as the Leadership Mindset Series, and focused advocacy, WPEMA is helping elevate visibility, unlock potential, and strengthen the role of women across the industry.

Our mission

  • Build a global community connecting women across private equity and M&A
  • Foster leadership and advance career development within PEMA and beyond
  • Engage clients through events intended to strengthen relationships and create opportunity
  • Partner with women-focused organisations to amplify advocacy efforts
  • Publish thought leadership that highlights women’s contributions to private capital

Women in action

A snapshot of the events, conversations, and initiatives where WPEMA is actively engaging, connecting, and driving impact across the private equity and M&A community.  

Leadership Mindset Series

Marsh Women in Private Equity and M&A Initiative host a series of events as part of our “Leadership Mindset Series” — masterclasses on specific topics delivered by industry experts, followed by networking. Topics of previous sessions have included:

  • Effective communication
  • Building a personal brand
  • Exploring leadership styles
  • Networking effectively
  • AI Powerhouse: Supercharging Productivity

Our latest event, led by Veronica Sorensen, explored how M&A professionals can use AI to boost productivity.

* If you would like to be part of this vibrant community, please contact Veronica Sorensen.

Leadership Mindset Series: Exploring how M&A professionals can use AI to boost productivity and work smarter

Last week, Marsh Women in PEMA, led by Veronica Sorensen, hosted another session in our Leadership Mindset Series, exploring how M&A professionals can use AI to boost productivity, work smarter, and communicate with greater impact. The discussion also covered how AI is increasingly influencing due diligence and the W&I insurance landscape. We were delighted to welcome insights from Laura MacLachlan and Olivia Dhein (Baker & McKenzie LLP), as well as David Rolo (Rumo Intelligence). It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from our network of clients, industry partners, and colleagues, including the PEMA team and colleagues from Mercer.

Pitch Perfect: Elevating Communication and Presence

As part of the Leadership Mindset Series, WPEMA, in collaboration with Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) hosted an interactive workshop led by executive coach and author Jennifer D. Morgan, focused on strengthening professional presence and delivering more impactful, persuasive communication. 

Barre & Connect: Energising Connections Across the Network

WPEMA hosted a high-energy barre session for clients and colleagues as part of a recurring series designed to foster connection in a more informal, engaging setting beyond the workplace. 

Beauty & Connection: A Charlotte Tilbury Experience

In celebration of Women’s History Month, WPEMA hosted a private masterclass and curated shopping experience, blending expert-led insights with a relaxed environment for meaningful connection. 

Women in Private Equity Summit: Expanding Reach and Relationships

WPEMA attended the Women in Private Equity Summit in Arizona, engaging with a dynamic network of investors, operators, and advisors while deepening relationships and expanding connections. 

Networking for Career Acceleration: Insights from Industry Leaders

As part of the Leadership Mindset Series, WPEMA UK hosted a panel discussion on the role of networking in career progression, featuring candid insights from senior leaders and concluding with a networking reception. 

Holiday Luncheon: Celebrating a Growing Community

WPEMA San Francisco hosted its second annual holiday luncheon, bringing together a growing network of women for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community building. 

Executive Presence: Strengthening Leadership Impact

As part of the Leadership Mindset Series, WPEMA hosted a session on executive presence, exploring how mindset, communication, and personal style shape perception, credibility, and leadership impact. 

In Conversation with Caitlin Moran: Perspectives on Modern Leadership

WPEMA UK co-hosted a discussion with Caitlin Moran on masculinity, feminism, and collaboration, sparking thoughtful dialogue on evolving perspectives and shared challenges. 

Pilates & Networking: Connecting Through Shared Experience (Germany)

WPEMA Germany hosted an evening combining a Pilates session with networking, creating a relaxed and energising environment for colleagues and clients to connect. 

Personal Brand & Presence: Building Confidence and Credibility

WPEMA UK hosted an interactive session led by Harriet Chunu-McClatchey, focused on how mindset, self-leadership, and personal style influence perception, trust, and authority. 

Pilates & Networking: Strengthening Connections in San Francisco

WPEMA San Francisco hosted a dynamic Pilates session for female investors, offering a non-traditional setting to build relationships and strengthen community. 

Style & Connection: Networking at KHAITE in New York

WPEMA New York hosted its second annual networking event at the KHAITE boutique in New York City, creating a valuable opportunity for connection and collaboration among private equity and M&A professionals.

Industry & Connection: Kayo M&A Summit in Boston

The WPEMA New York team proudly sponsored the Kayo Conference Series M&A Summit in Boston – an inspiring gathering of accomplished women leaders. 

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