Paulita Pike Discusses the Importance of Representation and Diversification in the Investment Space

In a recent feature by Hispanic Executive Magazine, asset management partner Paulita Pike highlights the importance of representation and diversification in mutual funds and other investment vehicles. The article shares insights from Paulita as well as Adela Cepeda, board member and chief of the capital committee at BMO Financial Group, and Emma Rodriguez-Ayala, general counsel, chief compliance officer, and board secretary at LGIM America.

“If there is any space where I think it should be obvious to have representation, I think it’s mutual funds,” Paulita says. “Mutual funds are the democratization of investments. They were created to give access to people of limited means. The vast majority of that $30 trillion [currently in mutual funds] represents money invested in 401(k) plans, retirement plans, and in college savings plans. It makes sense for people of all backgrounds to be involved in this space, whether it’s on the legal side, the investing side, or the board side. This space should be representative of the public that is creating this capital.”

Paulita also discusses her career path, noting that her trajectory was forever altered by mentor Paul Dykstra, retired Ropes & Gray partner and adjunct law professor. An invaluable guide to Paulita throughout her career, Paulita and Paul now teach law classes at the Notre Dame School of Law and Northwestern Pritzker School Law.

“He is a perfect and powerful example of allyship and sponsorship, and he is a white male,” Pike explains. “When we talk about promotion and sponsorship of diverse individuals, there are those of us who have to work to pay it forward. But it also takes a great deal of involvement from non-diverse individuals. We need more people like Paul stepping up.”