My name is Lidia Asadi, and I am a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Business Administration. As an Afghan-American woman from an underrepresented background, I am determined to forge a path in finance that not only reflects my ambitions but also uplifts communities like mine. My expected graduation date is May 2028. My interest in business and finance was sparked during my senior year of high school when I committed to attending Berkeley. I quickly became inspired by the vibrant entrepreneurial and financial ecosystem here, from the Haas School of Business to events hosted by venture capital firms and Berkeley SkyDeck. I began attending startup pitch competitions and networking with professionals in venture capital, all of which fueled my curiosity for investments and finance. Through my internship with the Healthcare and Business Association at Berkeley, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with biotech professionals and support club operations. As the incoming director, I will soon lead initiatives alongside our consulting and finance committees. Additonally, I’ve worked with the Cal Bridges Program and ThinkNeuro, where I applied bibliometric research and R programming to study neurodegenerative diseases—experiences that strengthened both my analytical thinking and appreciation for innovation in healthcare. In the short term, I plan to continue building hands-on experience through internships that span investment analysis, due diligence, and strategy. Long term, I am committed to a career in private equity, ideally with a focus on healthcare and life sciences. I believe that the intersection of business and science presents one of the greatest opportunities for scalable, meaningful impact, both in terms of financial growth and human well being. What excites me most about alternative investments is the power to reshape industries by backing bold ideas and determined founders. Private equity, in particular, offers the chance to dig deep into operations, elevate performance, and drive real value. I’m drawn to this dynamic environment where strategic thinking meets measurable impact. As a woman in a male-dominated space, I also feel a personal responsibility to be part of the change, to help make finance more inclusive and representative. To improve access for asset managers of all identities, we need intentional structural changes. Investment readiness programs tailored for underrepresented emerging managers can help level the playing field, providing technical skills and networking opportunities. Simultaneously, large allocators, like endowments and pension funds, should adopt transparent benchmarks around diversity in their portfolios and commit a portion of their assets to diverse led firms. Equity in funding begins with equity in opportunity. If I could shadow any investor for a year, I would choose a woman in private equity. Someone who has overcome the structural and cultural barriers that still persist in the industry. I would want to learn not only about deal structuring and value creation, but also about leadership, resilience, and mentorship. Hearing how she navigated her career, raised capital, and built influence would offer invaluable insights for someone like me who is just beginning her journey. If I weren’t pursuing a career in finance, I would likely explore healthcare consulting or biotech strategy, careers that merge my love of science with a broader mission of impact. Throughout high school and college, I worked as a lab assistant and researcher in biology-heavy environments. Those experiences taught me how to ask the right questions, interpret data meaningfully, and value cross-disciplinary work. The values that guide me, equity, curiosity, and purpose, remain at the center of every path I consider. Ultimately, finance is not just a career for me, it’s a vehicle for impact. It’s a space where I can combine logic with leadership, and ambition with advocacy. As I continue to grow, I hope to not only build a successful future for myself but also to open doors for others like me who have the drive but need the opportunity.