Expanding the Leadership Pipeline: A Strategic Investment in our Students with the Apollo Opportunity Foundation

The financial services and asset management industries present tremendous career opportunities, yet many students remain unaware of the multitude of paths available. Through a partnership between the Apollo Opportunity Foundation and Student Leadership Network, we are introducing students to a range of career pathways and opening doors to professional networks, mentorship, and practical skills that can shape their life trajectories.

Expanding a Pipeline of Female Talent in Finance

The numbers tell a compelling story about the untapped potential in financial services leadership. A 2023 Deloitte study found that women account for just 18% of all C-suite positions globally in the financial services industry. Yet research also consistently shows that companies with greater gender diversity in leadership positions tend to deliver more effective leadership and management outcomes.

Three students in school uniforms stand and smile at a podium labeled APOLLO with a screen in the background displaying partial text. — *Students learn about career pathways at Apollo*

Student Leadership and AOF recognized this opportunity, and their strategic partnership addresses the talent pipeline challenge at its source. Led by Stephanie Drescher, Apollo Global Management Partner and longtime Student Leadership Network Board Member, this collaboration transforms career trajectories by investing in early exposure, mentorship, and skill development for girls+.

Signature Program: TYWLS at the Workplace with Apollo

A large group of people, mostly women, pose and smile on and around a staircase in a modern, well-lit building.

TYWLS at the Workplace visit to Apollo’s NYC office

A woman speaks to an audience in a conference room with two screens behind her displaying a statistic: 97% of graduating seniors.

Student Leadership Network CEO Yolonda Marshall welcomes students to an office visit at Apollo

A woman leads a group of students through a modern hallway with beige marble floors and a large potted plant.

TYWLS at the Workplace visit to Apollo’s NYC office

Four women standing side by side indoors, smiling at the camera; they are dressed in business or professional attire.

TYWLS at the Workplace visit to Apollo’s NYC office

The cornerstone of our partnership includes annual career exposure and networking events that connect students from The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) directly with Apollo professionals. Over the last three years, Apollo hosted TYWLS at the Workplace office visits, which combine practical skill development for students, such as networking and public speaking practice, alongside exposure to industry experts. Panel discussions and small-group sessions offer students the opportunity to engage with employees in various roles. Equally important, students hear about obstacles the employees have faced and how they pivoted to reach their goals, which makes a career in the finance industry feel more accessible and tangible for students.

As one student reflected, “A misconception I had was that finance jobs only focus on math. Through Apollo, I’ve learned that there are many people who do different things here, such as lawyers and other types of professionals.” Through TYWLS at the Workplace, students actively explore a professional environment to broaden their understanding of career opportunities within the financial services ecosystem.

Expanding Impact: GALA at the Workplace with Apollo

A group of students in uniforms and adults pose together in an office lounge area with large windows, plants, and modern furniture.

GALA students visiting Apollo’s Los Angeles office

Six people sit around a conference table in a modern meeting room, with discussion questions displayed on two large screens at the front.

Small group discussions provide space for students to practice networking skills and ask questions

Building on the success of our NYC initiatives, our partnership expanded to serve students in Los Angeles. The launch of GALA at the Workplace in May brought this transformative program to the West Coast for students at Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA), a Young Women’s Leadership affiliate school.

Students toured Apollo’s Los Angeles office, gaining exposure to career opportunities that extend beyond traditional finance roles. While investment and finance positions remained central to the experience, students also discovered roles in information technology, human resources, marketing, and event management. This comprehensive approach helps students see that successful corporations require diverse skill sets and backgrounds, creating multiple entry points for their interests and talents.

“GALA students were thrilled to experience what a day in the life of Apollo employees looked like,” said Sarah Boldin, Managing Director of Girls’+ Education. “The visit offered opportunities to connect with strong female role models, and our students saw more possibilities for their futures after college. It was also especially meaningful to have Apollo partner with our Los Angeles affiliate, given the challenges that affected the Los Angeles area earlier this year.”

Innovation in Action: Apollo Mentorship Day

A woman stands and speaks in front of a large screen displaying job search websites to a group of students seated around a conference table.

Students learn about professional networking sites and future job search opportunities

Four women sit on a panel speaking to an audience in a conference room, with APOLLO and Student Leadership Network displayed on screens behind them.

Panel discussions

Two women sit on a couch by a window, holding papers and having a discussion in an office setting with a cityscape in the background.

Resume review with Apollo mentors

A group of people sits around a large conference table in a modern office, listening to speakers in front of a screen displaying “APOLLO.”.

Panel discussions

Our partnership’s newest initiative was an exciting evolution in programming scope and impact. Our first-ever Apollo Women in Finance Mentorship Day brought together students from five schools across our New York City network to connect with Apollo employees for dedicated resume support, networking, and mentorship.

The day’s activities addressed critical components of career readiness for high school students. Through a panel discussion, Apollo employees helped demystify the finance industry by introducing students to the full spectrum of career paths available. The event also fostered personal connections through a “speed networking” activity and structured mentorship conversations, allowing students to build relationships with professionals who can provide ongoing guidance and support.

The Mentorship Day enhanced students’ career readiness through hands-on resume writing activities. Participants left with tangible tools and enhanced confidence, better prepared to pursue their professional aspirations. The program also addressed the natural uncertainty students face about their futures. One student noted, “I liked talking to them about not being 100% sure about what to do in the future because that is something I’ve been worrying about a lot.” These honest conversations helped normalize career exploration and provided students with reassurance that professional paths often evolve over time.

The Path Forward

By introducing students to the world of finance early and providing mentorship, this collaboration creates pathways for the next generation of female leaders in the field. After one of the events, a student said, “This event has influenced me to look deeper into finance and not be afraid.” Her reflection shows us that exposure and mentorship can lay the groundwork for future career paths.

Four women stand side by side, smiling, in front of a screen displaying the word APOLLO. Two are in school uniforms, and two are in professional attire. — *Lauren Coape-Arnold and Stephanie Drescher from Apollo were instrumental in creating the Mentorship Day for TYWLS students*.

“Student Leadership Network has set a new level of partnership for the Apollo Opportunity Foundation,” said Lauren Coape-Arnold, Executive Director of the Apollo Opportunity Foundation and Global Head of Citizenship at Apollo. “I’ve been impressed by their commitment to leverage the entire Apollo ecosystem to advance its mission. Over 100 Apollo employees have volunteered with Student Leadership Network at a variety of events over the last year; from hearing student reflections on these interactions, I know that the Apollo team is making a meaningful impact on the network and its students.”

Thank you to all of the Apollo mentors and volunteers who shared their time and talents with our students!