Empowering Change: 25+ Women Leading AI in the Finance Industry
Celebrating visionary women at the forefront of AI innovation in financial technology
In the dynamic world of artificial intelegence and machine learning, the Data Science Salon has been a beacon of support and inclusivity, fostering a community that celebrates innovation and expertise.
Throughout their journey, they’ve encountered numerous remarkable women who have significantly shaped the finance industry with their groundbreaking contributions. Today, we proudly present a curated list of 25 exceptional female thought leaders in AI, spotlighting their transformative roles within banking and financial services.
As the financial landscape evolves, their influence becomes increasingly vital, setting new standards and breaking barriers in their fields. This compilation honors their profound impact on reshaping finance through technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, reflecting their expertise, leadership, and commitment to ethical stewardship.
Shuchi Agrawal Chief Data Officer at Citi
Shuchi Agrawal is a Technology Executive with over 20 years of experience in Cloud Adoption, Transformation, and Emerging Technologies. Specializing in Data Transformation and Governance, she holds a Master’s in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Illinois UC, with additional certifications from Wharton and MIT. Shuchi leverages data to drive decision-making and optimize operations, excelling in Agile methodologies with certifications in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and Scrum Master. She has led cloud data strategies on AWS and Azure, ensuring compliance with standards like HIPAA, SOX, and GDPR, across industries such as Financial Services, Real Estate, Aviation, Healthcare, and Digital Marketing.
Dr. Elizabeth Barth-Thacker — VP — Head of Data & Analytics at American Modern Insurance Group
Dr. Elizabeth Barth-Thacker is a seasoned digital change leader and strategist, renowned for her expertise in driving profitable growth through digital and analytic strategy execution, governance, and operational excellence. Currently serving as VP and Head of Data & Analytics at American Modern Insurance Group, she leads the organization’s analytic maturity journey, shaping its data and analytic strategy to enhance financial performance. Elizabeth is also a member of Chief, a private network empowering women executives. With a rich background spanning roles at Nicklaus Children’s Health System, Cigna Healthcare, and Humana Inc., Elizabeth brings extensive experience in technology governance, strategic planning, executive management, and human capital development. She holds a Ph.D. in an analytical field, complementing her practical insights with academic rigor.
Michelle Bonat — Chief AI Officer at AI Squared
Michelle Bonat is a seasoned tech leader and data scientist with a passion for leveraging data and AI responsibly to solve critical problems. With extensive experience spanning software engineering, AI innovation, and financial services, Michelle holds key roles such as Chief AI Officer at AI Squared, where she drives the development and implementation of cutting-edge AI technology. Michelle’s expertise includes building AI solutions, driving strategy, and advancing diversity in tech. She holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and has held leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase, Oracle, and as CEO of her own fintech startup. Michelle is also dedicated to giving back through mentoring, supporting food security, and climate change management initiatives.
Sarah Hoffman — VP — AI and Machine Learning Research at Fidelity Investments
Sarah Hoffman is a seasoned AI researcher, strategist, futurist, speaker, and writer. Currently, she serves as the Principal AI Evangelist at AlphaSense, where she focuses on exploring AI trends. Previously, Sarah was the Vice President of AI and Machine Learning Research at Fidelity Investments and led FactSet’s machine learning and language technology team. With over two decades of experience, she has been featured in various publications including The Wall Street Journal and CNBC. Sarah holds an MS in Computer Science from Columbia University and a BBA in Computer Information Systems from Baruch College. She is also involved in volunteering and speaking engagements in the field of science and technology.
Khatereh Khodavirdi — VP, Consumer, Global Growth & Enterprise: Data science, Analytics & AI Product, PayPal
Khatereh Khodavirdi is the Vice President of Data Science, Analytics, and AI Recommendations Products at PayPal. She leads global teams supporting 80% of PayPal’s revenue, including Venmo and Honey, by creating insights and AI/ML products. She has significantly contributed to developing data science at PayPal and integrating analytics into key product processes. Previously, she enhanced PayPal’s operational analytics, doubling sales team productivity, and led the finance organization for PayPal’s NA region. At eBay, she helped scale the advertising business to $1B revenue growth. Khatereh is also an instructor at Stanford University and Reforge, and a board member and advisor at StartX. She holds a Master’s degree in System Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and was a PhD student at UCLA.
Sreevani Konda Director — Data Analytics and Data Governance Fidelity Investments
Sreevani Konda, currently serving as the Director of Data Analytics and Data Governance at Fidelity Investments, brings extensive expertise in leading data-driven digital transformation initiatives. With a background in strategic consulting and leadership roles at organizations like the Texas Department of Transportation and General Motors, Sreevani has played a pivotal role in driving enterprise information management strategies. She specializes in areas such as master data management, data quality, and data governance, empowering organizations to achieve compliance, business growth, and operational efficiencies. Sreevani is known for her ability to build and lead high-performing cross-functional global teams and for her contributions to the community through writing and speaking engagements on data, analytics, and AI topics. She holds an MBA from Northwood University — DeVos Graduate School and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Osmania University.
Hongfei Li — Managing Director — Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Osso Capital
Hongfei Li, PhD, CFA, serves as Managing Director and Chief Data & Analytics Officer, focusing on driving alternative data insights in finance. With extensive experience in solution development leadership, predictive modeling, machine learning, and big data analytics, Hongfei has led teams and delivered value-based services in various roles, including at Osso Capital, Point72, and IBM. Their expertise includes business integration, fundamental research using alternative data, and analytical model development for Smart Commerce Initiatives. Hongfei holds a PhD in Statistics from The Ohio State University.
Peggy tsAI, Chief Data Officer at BigID
Peggy Tsai is the Chief Data Officer at BigID, where she leads data governance strategy and business development. She is an expert in AI governance, speaking at conferences like Gartner Data & Analytics and MIT CDOIQ Symposium. Peggy co-authored “The AI Book” and has been featured in publications such as CDO Magazine and Business of Data. With nearly 20 years of experience, Peggy has held C-suite roles at Morgan Stanley, AIG, and S&P Global Ratings. At Morgan Stanley, she was VP of Analytics and Data, developing policies for data governance. At AIG, she was the Data Innovation Lead, focusing on data management and regulatory compliance. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon, an executive coach, podcast co-host, and a member of Women in Data and WLDA. Peggy holds a BA from Cornell University and an MS from NYU, specializing in digital transformation, data governance, AI/ML, and leadership.
Vivian S. Zhang — Chief Technology Officer at Supstat Inc
Vivian S. Zhang is a renowned figure in the field of data science, known for her expertise in deep learning, generative AI, and machine learning. She serves as the Chief Technology Officer at SupStat Inc, where she has launched several AI companies specializing in various industries like finance, healthcare, education, and more. Vivian is also the driving force behind NYC Data Science Academy, where she designs nationally accredited programs in data science with a focus on machine learning. Additionally, she holds adjunct professor positions at Columbia University and Stony Brook University, where she supervises projects and leads code reviews for graduate students. As an active angel investor, Vivian is involved in venture capital syndicates, focusing on seed round and pre-A round investments in AI, machine learning, and data science startups across different sectors. With a background in statistics and computer science from Stanford University and Columbia University, Vivian continues to make significant contributions to the data science community through her educational initiatives, investments, and innovative AI ventures.
Mei Zhu Sr Director of Software Engineering JPMorgan Chase
This technology leader boasts over 20 years of experience in software development, with expertise spanning payment systems, identity and access management, security, and e-commerce. Their career highlights include roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Stripe, Visa, eBay, and PayPal. They are recognized for building and leading high-performing teams and delivering large-scale software projects. With a commitment to continuous improvement and engineering excellence, they advocate for clean code, architecture, and full test automation. Holding a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from Peking University, they are known for their curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to take on new challenges.
Prosasty Chaudhuri — Former —Global Head of Data And Policy at Citi
Prosasty Chaudhuri is a seasoned Chief Data Officer with over two decades of experience leading complex data projects for Fortune 100 financial firms. Recognized as a Top 100 Global Data Power Woman for consecutive years, she’s known for her expertise in data transformation, governance, quality, and AI. With an MBA from Columbia Business School and an MS in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University, she’s a trailblazer in her field. Currently, she serves as an Independent Board Member & Strategic Advisor at Sigmoid and as a Board Member for EDM Council Women in Data, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Debasmita Das — Manager Data Science at MasterCard
Debasmita Das is a seasoned data scientist specializing in finance and artificial intelligence. With over 9 years of experience, she focuses on Generative AI, Fraud Detection, Anti-Money Laundering, and HR Analytics. Currently leading a Data Science team at Mastercard, she develops AI-driven solutions for both internal and external stakeholders. Debasmita has authored multiple research papers and holds 3 granted patents in the field. She is recognized as one of the ‘Women to Watch Out for in AI & Analytics’ at the 3AI PINNACLE AWARDS 2023 and has served as a guest lecturer for Executive MBA batches at the University of Oxford. With a PGDM from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, and a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College, Durgapur, she brings a strong academic background to her professional expertise.
Elenita Elinon Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase
Elenita Elinon is the Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase & Co., with over 22 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to this, she served as a Senior Software Engineer at Thomson Reuters and held positions at Sailfish Systems, Ltd., Bear Stearns, Sanwa Derivatives, and Merrill Lynch. Elenita holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Ateneo de Manila University. She is also actively involved in volunteering and champions women in technology through her work with Numfocus.
Yasaman Hadjibashi — CEO & Co-founder at Stretch
Yasaman Hadjibashi is the CEO and Co-founder of Stretch, a Dallas-based company providing financial aid programs for justice-involved populations. Previously, she served as a Board Member for Citi Department Stores National Bank and held leadership roles at Citi and Barclays, driving data strategy, innovation, and digital transformation. Yasaman holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. She has also been active in political volunteering, supporting initiatives like Biden for President and Julián Castro’s 2020 U.S. Presidential Campaign.
Kylie Li — Former Sr Manager — Data Science at JG Wentworth
Kylie Li is a seasoned Machine Learning Engineer and Data Science Leader with over 7 years of experience in driving fintech innovations and strategic data solutions. She has a proven track record of leveraging large language models, data mining, and machine learning to create impactful solutions in financial services. During her tenure at JG Wentworth, Kylie led the development and launch of a transformative personal loan product, projected to generate $120 million annually. She championed the creation of dynamic pricing models and machine learning-based credit risk assessments, resulting in a 20% increase in loan approval accuracy. Prior to this role, she directed a team at T-Mobile to pioneer machine learning initiatives across credit, marketing, collections, and fraud domains, showcasing her commitment to innovation and excellence in data-driven strategy. Kylie holds a Master’s degree in Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Law from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. She has also completed courses in jurisprudence, civil law, and international law.
CTania Oliveira — Head of Data Science — Visa Consulting & Analytics
Tania Oliveira, Head of Data Science at Visa Consulting & Analytics, brings over 15 years of financial expertise across diverse regions. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, she excels in product management, sales, risk management, credit scoring, and marketing. Tania’s leadership at Visa includes driving strategies to enhance business performance. Previously, at Citibank, she led lending strategies, resulting in substantial revenue growth and successful product launches. Tania holds a Bachelor’s in Management from MIT Sloan School of Management and has pursued executive education at Harvard Business School.
Elizabeth Pritchard — Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Liberty Mutual Investments
Elizabeth Pritchard is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Liberty Mutual Investments, bringing over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. She has worked in large global investment banking and small startups. Known for her expertise in strategic planning, team building, and leveraging data and analytics, she leads AI, data, and analytics strategies to drive business outcomes. Elizabeth is committed to innovation, continuous learning, and staying ahead of industry trends. Previously, she served as Non-Executive Director at Eagle Alpha, founder of White Rock Data Solutions, and Head of Go-To-Market at Crux Informatics. At AIG, she was the Chief Operating Officer of the Science division. Elizabeth holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Columbia University. Passionate about advocating for girls in STEM, she has volunteered as a competition judge for STEM++Inno and sponsored Girls Who Code at Goldman Sachs. In her personal life, she is a wife, mother, swimmer, rancher, and gardener, raising goats.
Jayeeta Putatunda is a Senior Data Scientist at Fitch Ratings
Jayeeta Putatunda is a Senior Data Scientist at Fitch Ratings, where she leads initiatives in Generative AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP). With years of experience in statistical modeling, product analytics, and machine learning, she is passionate about exploring state-of-the-art models to build impactful products. Jayeeta has led NLP workshops with organizations like Women Who Code and GitNation and has spoken at prominent conferences including ICML, ODSC East, MLConf EU, and WomenTech Global Conference. She is also an ambassador for Women in Data Science at Stanford University and a mentor at Girl Up, United Nations Foundation, and WomenTech Network, aiming to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers. Jayeeta has been recognized as a ‘Woman Breaking Bias’ in 2022 and was a judge for The AI Journal Global Excellence Awards 2023. Jayeeta holds a Master’s degree in Quantitative Methods and Modeling from Baruch College, City University of New York, and a PGDM in General Management and Marketing Analytics from SCMS Cochin School of Business. Her technical skills include Python, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Apache Spark, Docker, AWS Redshift, Elasticsearch, and various statistical and ML tools.
Farjana Rohman, Director, U.S. Liquidity Product Head at Citi
Farjana Rohman is the Director and U.S. Liquidity Product Head at Citi, a role she has held since January 2024. Before this, she served as the North America Cash Concentration & Deposits Product Head from March 2022 to January 2024, and as Instant Payments Product Manager from May 2017 to March 2022. Prior to these roles, she worked at J.P. Morgan as an Analyst in Credit Risk Reporting from November 2011 to February 2013 and at Citi as an Analyst in Performance Measurement & Analysis from March 2010 to November 2011. Farjana began her career as an Operations Summer Analyst at Goldman Sachs in 2008. She holds a BS and BA in Business Management, Finance, and Sociology from Brooklyn College. Additionally, she has been a peer mentor with iMentor since September 2015.
Lynn Sautter Beal — VP @ Upstart
Lynn Sautter Beal, currently serving as VP at Upstart, has a rich background in fintech and product delivery, with experience at JPMorgan Chase and Nationwide Financial. At Upstart, she leads teams providing support to lending partners and hosts the “Leaders in Lending” podcast. Lynn’s expertise spans product implementation, customer success, and professional services, driving growth and transformation. She holds a Master of Science degree in Data Science with a specialization in Analytics & Modeling from Northwestern University and is proficient in various tools and languages, including Python, R, and SQL.
Amy Shi-Nash — Chief Analytics and Data Officer at Tabcorp
Amy Shi-Nash, PhD, is the Chief Analytics and Data Officer at TabCorp, where she leads the data analytics strategy, driving business transformation and customer focus. With over 20 years of experience across financial services, telecoms, retail, consulting, and technology, Amy is recognized as a global leader in data-driven innovation. Her past roles include Chief Data Scientist at NAB, Global Head of Analytics and Data Science at HSBC, General Manager of Group Data Science at CBA, and Chief Data Scientist at DataSpark. She holds a Ph.D. in Data Mining, an MSc in AI, a BSc in Computer Science, and an MBA. Amy is also a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate, multiple patents, and publications, and was named one of the global top 100 innovators in data and analytics in 2021 and 2022.
Erin Stanton — Global Head of Portfolio and Trading Analytic Client Support Virtu Financial
Erin Stanton is an accomplished AI and data leader with over 15 years of experience in big data, data science, and computer science. She currently serves as the Global Head of Portfolio and Trading Analytic Client Support at Virtu Financial, where she leads a team of 25+ professionals across four regions. Erin is known for her dynamic energy, innovative problem-solving, and ability to explain complex models in simple terms. She holds a Master’s in Information and Data Science from UC Berkeley and is passionate about expanding data literacy and women’s roles in technology. Erin is also an active volunteer, serving as the Women in Data Science Ambassador at Stanford University.
Sumedha Rai — Artificial Intelligence — NLP at Acorns
Sumedha is a Senior Data Scientist and AI researcher based in New York. She has extensive experience in both industry and academia in the field of AI/ML. Currently, she works with a micro-investments firm, where she leads AI for fraud detection and spearheads Natural Language Processing projects. Additionally, she’s involved in interdisciplinary research with the Center for Data Science at NYU and the Langone Medical School. As an AI practitioner, she has collaborated with distinguished academics, product companies, hedge funds, central banks, and even neurosurgeons. In her previous roles, she has worked in diverse areas including misinformation in healthcare, bibliometrics, default predictions, dynamic forecasting techniques, and data science in policy. Sumedha has authored articles on AI in major media outlets and frequently participates as a panelist in tech discussions at NYU. She has also been a speaker at multiple ML conferences, national radio shows, and podcasts. Consistently staying informed about the latest tech developments, she is always eager for the opportunity to dissect and glean insights from them.
Emily Riederer is the Senior Manager of Analytics & Data Science at Capital One.
Emily Riederer is the Senior Manager of Analytics & Data Science at Capital One. With over 8 years of experience, she leads efforts to enhance collaboration between business and data science partners, develops modeling and measurement solutions, and provides external audits of models. Emily has expertise in predictive modeling, model risk management, and analytics infrastructure solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Mathematical Decision Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated summa cum laude.
Iro Tasitsiomi, Head of Investment Data Science at T.Rowe Price
Argyro (Iro) Tasitsiomi, PhD, is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience driving alpha and strategic direction in organizations. With a background in astrophysics and physics, she brings a unique perspective to her roles. Currently, as the Head of Investments Data Science at T. Rowe Price, Argyro integrates innovative investment signals with fundamental approaches and oversees Technology Innovation. She holds a PhD in Astrophysics and a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Chicago, with prestigious awards for academic excellence.
Meenakshi Thanikachalam — Chief Data Officer at Popular Bank
Meenakshi Thanikachalam is the Executive Head of Data & Analytics (Chief Data & Analytics Officer) at Popular Bank for 1 year and 5 months. Previously, she led data solutions and analytics innovation at Ally for 3 years and 6 months. Meenakshi holds an Executive MBA from Northwestern University and an MS in Applied Statistics & Data Science from Eastern University. She’s also a Certified Business Intelligence Professional. She’s involved in volunteering, including guest lecturing and panelist roles at universities.
Summary
Women have profoundly influenced the financial world through their hard work, dedication, and intelligence, driving innovation and progress across the industry. Their contributions encompass leading groundbreaking research, developing cutting-edge financial technologies, steering major financial institutions, and upholding ethical standards in AI. These women bring diverse perspectives and skills, fostering inclusive environments that enhance creativity and problem-solving in finance. Their commitment and resilience have propelled technological advancements and inspired future generations to pursue careers in STEM, ensuring a more equitable and dynamic financial landscape. Through their relentless efforts, women continue to redefine what is possible in finance.
If you’d like to add someone to this list, please reach out to our editorial team at info@formulatedby.com
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