Ananya Handa is the recipient of the Next Gen Leadership Recognition. Since she joined the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation in March 2023, she has been actively involved in programs dedicated to enhancing women’s opportunities in the industry, including the Toigo Foundation’s RISE Women in Leadership, WIP Chicago, and 100 Women in Finance.
An alumnus of the University of Cincinnati, Ananya received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Business Economics, then a Master of Science in Finance. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation. Ananya gained experience on the GP side through internships at John Hancock Investments and Balyasny Asset Management LP and joined advisory firm Fund Evaluation Group (FEG) post-graduation. At FEG, she served in both research and advisory roles, working with clients representing over $9.5 billion in assets.
At the Weinberg Foundation, which has $3.1 billion in assets, Ananya is a generalist investor, focused on the Foundation’s contribution to the mission to meet the basic needs of people experiencing poverty, including housing, health, jobs, education and aging.
What aspect of your work or contribution are you most proud of, and what impact do you hope it will have on others?
I love that my work is centered around amplifying an incredible mission – helping people who are experiencing poverty. The Foundation has made over $3 billion in grants since 1990. I hope to play a role in increasing our grantmaking ability and having an overall impact on the communities we serve.
What advice would you give someone who aspires to be in your role someday?
Say yes to stretch assignments and opportunities to take on more responsibility. Build relationships with those within and outside your firm, and curate your network.
Remember that this is a people business: The people you work with, and partner with, make all the difference.
What part of your portfolio are you most excited about?
Managers and strategies that can flex across capital structures to take advantage of volatility, especially in today’s markets!
Who is your mentor and how did the two of you connect?
I’ve been fortunate to have several, including managers and other individuals I’ve been lucky to cross paths with in the industry. Programs like the Toigo Foundation’s RISE Women in Leadership and WIP Chicago have been great resources to connect with mentors for me, as well.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
Food in general! My husband and I love trying out new restaurants and attempting to create new dishes at home.
