Latinas in Leadership: A Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with Morgan Stanley - Vonoi Magazine

By Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine / Photos Vonoi Media

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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Fordham University’s BlK and LTNX MBA club was proud to host an empowering panel discussion titled “Latinas in Leadership,” featuring accomplished Latina leaders from Morgan Stanley. This event spotlighted the stories, successes, and strategies of trailblazing women in the financial industry, with a special emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and career advancement.
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As Latinas continue to break barriers across industries, this event provided a crucial platform to celebrate their achievements, inspire future leaders, and foster meaningful discussions on the importance of representation in leadership roles. The panel also highlighted the unique opportunities available for graduate students interested in joining Morgan Stanley, one of the world’s leading financial services firms.

Representation in leadership is a critical topic in today’s workforce, particularly for underrepresented communities. Latinas are making their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields such as finance, technology, and business, but challenges remain. This event addressed those challenges head-on by providing insights and practical strategies for success. Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand from dynamic Latina leaders about their journeys, the hurdles they’ve overcome, and how they’re working to increase diversity at every level of their organizations.

Morgan Stanley, a firm that prides itself on fostering an inclusive environment, has made significant strides in promoting diversity in leadership. This panel aligns with the firm’s commitment to developing diverse talent and creating pathways for future leaders from all backgrounds.

This year’s event features two distinguished Latina leaders from Morgan Stanley, each with a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering others.

Anibel Sauls

Christie-Belle Garcia

Anibel Sauls - Vice President, Operations Client Relationship Manager at Morgan Stanley Anibel Sauls is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in financial services. As Vice President, Operations Client Relationship Manager at Morgan Stanley, she plays a pivotal role in managing client relationships and ensuring operational excellence. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Anibel worked as a Manager at Ernst & Young's Capital Markets Consulting Practice and as Vice President of Information Delivery at Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services.

Anibel’s expertise spans agile and traditional project management frameworks, and she is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a champion for diversity and inclusion, particularly in the areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). She actively mentors young women and people of color, serves as a mentor for Break Through Tech AI, and is a former President of The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound (JLWOS). She also sits on the board of The Sharing Shelf, a nonprofit dedicated to serving low-income children. Anibel holds a B.A. in Economics and International Studies from Manhattanville College and a Master’s in Information Systems from Northwestern University.

​Christie-Belle Garcia - Executive Director, Talent and Diversity & Inclusion Advisor, Human Capital Management at Morgan Stanley.
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Christie-Belle Garcia joined Morgan Stanley in 2022 and currently serves as Executive Director and Talent and Diversity & Inclusion Advisor for the firm’s Wealth Management division. In this role, she is responsible for shaping and executing diversity initiatives, talent acquisition strategies, and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

Christie-Belle’s journey into financial services follows a distinguished 15-year career in higher education, where she led diversity and STEM talent pipeline initiatives. Her leadership extends beyond the workplace, as she serves on the boards of the Gateway Foundation by Money Management Institute and the Bethel Education Foundation, further cementing her commitment to social impact and equity.
Christie-Belle earned a dual degree in History and Spanish from Manhattanville College, a Master’s in Secondary Education, and a Ph.D. in Contemporary Learning and Interdisciplinary Research from Fordham University.

The speakers took time to speak with every single attendee, they left no student behind. The were super humble with their time and service. These ladies are Super Stars in leadership.

The “Latinas in Leadership” panel offered more than just career advice. It’s was a celebration of the progress Latinas have made in leadership and a reflection on the work still ahead. Attendees left with actionable insights into how to build meaningful careers while staying true to their cultural identities and personal values.

In addition to the speakers sharing their experiences, attendees learned about graduate opportunities at Morgan Stanley and how the firm is actively working to cultivate a pipeline of diverse leaders. Morgan Stanley’s commitment to creating a more inclusive workforce provides hope for a future where leadership reflects the rich diversity of our communities.

BLK & LTNX MBA Board Members

This panel discussion was a must-attend event for anyone passionate about fostering diversity in leadership and creating a more inclusive workplace. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship, representation, and community in achieving professional success. Here is what we learned:

Firsthand from successful Latina leaders about their challenges and victories in the corporate world.

Strategies for navigating corporate environments, advocating for yourself, and advancing your career.

Connecting with leaders from Morgan Stanley and the broader Fordham community who are passionate about diversity and inclusion.

Engaging conversations about the future of leadership, inclusivity, and the role that Latinas play in shaping industries like finance.

The “Latinas in Leadership” panel underscores the significance of celebrating Latina leaders during Hispanic Heritage Month. By shining a spotlight on the contributions of women like Anibel Sauls and Christie-Belle Garcia, this event aimed to inspire the next generation of leaders to break barriers, embrace their heritage, and strive for excellence in their careers.
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Meaningful conversations that honored the legacy of Latina leadership while paving the way for future generations. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Fordham University’s BlK and LTNX MBA club taught us how to be a leader in our own industry of choice.

Vonoi Magazine / Vonoimag.com
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