Posted on March 24 2025
We are so excited to be featuring one of our long-term ambassadors, Kristine Robinson. When we found out that she started a non-profit for women in private equity, we knew we wanted to feature her and her work to help women empower other women. You can find out more about her organization, Women in Private Capital Canada and how she is helping professional women in finance network and find like-minded individuals.
ALLY Shoes: Tell us how you got started with a career in finance.
Kristine: My career in finance did not start on a linear path. I graduated from my Bachelor of Commerce and worked in public policy in the think tank space and then for the Clinton Foundation before moving into a traditional M&A banking role a year out of graduating. I ended up pursuing a masters in Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins while I was in my early banking years. All of these experiences set me up well for the work I do today. The majority of the last decade of my career has been focused on the private markets.
ALLY Shoes: What are some key barriers women face in private capital, and how can they be addressed?
Kristine: Establishing a powerful network to draw on, and knowing other women in the industry. Finding and participating in organizations like Women in Private Capital Canada (WPCC) can help bridge the gap, but it also takes a consistent approach to connecting with other stakeholders across the private capital ecosystem to truly build your network.
ALLY Shoes: What inspired you to start Women in Private Capital Canada (WPCC)?
Kristine: The idea for WPCC came from my own search for resources focused on bringing together women in the private capital industry in Canada. I was trying to expand my own network and found myself across a boardroom table from other women in our space and not knowing them. There are not a lot of us in this industry and it seemed like a missed opportunity not to bring this community together. After that it all came together pretty quickly and the thesis for the organization was clear.
Source: ALLY Shoes, Bossy Beige Leather Classic Pump
ALLY Shoes: What is your vision for the future of WPCC and women in private capital?
Kristine: The goal for WPCC has and will continue to be growing to a scale where all members feel they have a strong network of women to draw on and coordinate with in the private markets. One more tangible barometer for success would be for us to have active members in every Province and major city in Canada.
ALLY Shoes: In honor of Women's History Month, What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally?
Kristine: This month is a reminder to appreciate and recognize the work that women before us have put in to help lay the foundation for us to keep building on. It’s an opportunity to thank those who did not pull the ladder up behind them, but instead leave it in place for future generations to keep climbing, and hopefully, climb faster with fewer barriers.
ALLY Shoes: How can we continue to advocate for women’s rights and opportunities beyond this month?
Kristine: Show up for the women in your personal and professional life. What does that mean? Speak highly of their accomplishments. Celebrate their wins and help troubleshoot the tough times. Be a sponsor for women who are climbing the ladder and go to bat for them as they excel. Find flexible ways to ensure talented women do not feel isolated or pushed aside when they go through different stages of their lives. I think the takeaway is that it takes work to really be there for the women in your life - but it’s important time well spent.
ALLY Shoes: Who is your ally?
Kristine: I am grateful to have had a few in my corner. Most notably, I have parents and a husband who are my personal board of directors. I cannot express enough how crucial your choice in life partner is to your success. I have also been fortunate to have mentors and sponsors in my professional life that have consistently shown up for me. These are the people that have my back in the rooms I am not in - which is often when you need them the most.
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