Anissa Dhouibi, Managing Director, Global Head of Equities Quantitative Analysis, Citi won STEM Champion at Markets Media Group’s 2023 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

I was genuinely honored to receive the STEM Champion award. The recent creation of this award recognizes the important role STEM careers and quantitative researchers play in the financial industry, and I hope this can inspire more women to pursue a career in STEM and in finance. I’m grateful for my team and for Citi for creating such a collaborative spirit and sharing my dedication in advancing diversity and excellence in Finance.

Why is mentoring important for anyone pursuing a career in STEM?

In STEM careers, mentoring is crucial to providing guidance and a sounding board to anyone making career decisions. Women in Quantitative Finance don’t always have role models in our immediate environment, and having a mentor can be very helpful to navigate challenges. Being a mentor and contributing to the growth of the next generation is a great way to pay it forward as one becomes more senior in their career.

What excites you about the Financial industry?

What excites me the most about the financial industry is its dynamic nature and the constant evolution of markets and technologies. It offers endless opportunities for innovation and problem-solving, keeping the work intellectually stimulating and incredibly collaborative. As quants, we work with a large number of teams on the trading floor, from trading, to risk, technology and structuring, making it a rewarding environment for anyone who enjoys working in a team.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to continue to work on innovative projects, and continue to build a collaborative environment for my team. I also hope to inspire more women to pursue a career in quantitative finance. Through mentorship, advocacy, and the impactful initiatives we undertake at Citi, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive industry where diverse individuals can thrive.

This article first appeared on Traders Magazine