Geeta Kapadia is a recipient of the Women in Investment Management Recognition. Chief Investment Officer at Fordham University since August 2022, Geeta has built a diverse and collaborative team that embodies the University’s mission. Before Geeta's current position at the $1 billion endowment, her career spanned consulting, marketing, and healthcare, informing the holistic approach that she applies when supporting the university with her leadership.
Geeta, a CFA charterholder, holds a BA in Mathematics from the University of Chicago and an MS in Financial Markets and Trading from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Geeta began her investment career in 1997 as an Investment Consultant at Stratford Advisory Group in Chicago. Since then, she has held senior roles including Senior Investment Consultant at Mercer and Associate Treasurer and Director of Investments at Yale New Haven Health.
What aspect of your work or contribution are you most proud of, and what impact do you hope it will have on others?
I'm proud of the team that I've assembled, because the composition reflects the student community that Fordham serves. I am particularly grateful for the hard work that the team puts into our function, respecting the importance of endowment management and the transformative impact a strong endowment can have on the university.
What advice would you give someone who aspires to be in your role someday?
Work hard, be yourself, and treat others the way you want to be treated.
What part of your portfolio are you most excited about?
I'm excited about the private markets portfolio because I believe it has the ability to drive outcomes for the total portfolio.
Who is your mentor and how did the two of you connect?
One of my mentors is the former CFO who hired me at Fordham, Martha Hirst. She was a great supporter, cheerleader and source of wisdom as I navigated joining the Fordham team. Since her departure from Fordham, I have collaborated with her successor, Tokumbo Shobowale, who has provided a new perspective and helpful thoughts as he has integrated his vision into the finance function.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy swing dancing!
This piece has been edited for length and clarity.
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