Karly Robledo

Karly Robledo, a finance major, Ogden Honors College student, and Girls Who Invest Program scholar, exemplifies what it means to lead with both intellect and intention. Karly is paving the way in a historically male-dominated field for the next generation of women in high finance, proving that women, especially those from LSU, can lead the charge. 

“What I love most about being a finance major is how fast-paced it is,” said Karly. “Technology is always evolving, markets are always changing, and you can never predict them for certain. I really like how every day is a little bit different because I will never get bored of my job.”

Karly’s time at LSU has been marked by intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to her growth. Through internships, honors research, faculty mentorship, and involvement in student organizations, she has built a foundation of critical thinking that sets her apart. 

Beyond her academic drive, Karly is passionate about making space for women in finance. A pressing challenge she sees in the high finance industry is the lack of female leadership. “Only around 12% of portfolio managers are women, only about 11% of venture capitalists are women, and less than 20% of CFA holders are women. You can keep going with these statistics, but women have had a hard time making it to the top.” Karly wants to serve as proof that women do belong in high finance. 

“Wonderful things happen when women gain control of capital . . . Women are more likely to make investment decisions that are good for the environment and that have a positive social impact on society. That can quite literally change the world when you have more women making decisions on capital funding. And so, my message to women is that you matter, you belong, and your opinion has value.”

Her own path has already had ripple effects on her mission. Karly became the first LSU student ever accepted as a summer intensive scholar into the prestigious Girls Who Invest program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. The program, dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry, solidified her passion for asset management and gave her the confidence to step into rooms where few women are present.

At LSU, Karly is continuing to build that confidence as the technology sector head for 1860 Investment Fund, a student-managed investment club, and as the vice president for Women in Business. 

After graduation, Karly plans to pursue the CFA designation and work toward becoming a portfolio manager at a large asset management firm where she hopes to learn from seasoned investors on the buy-side. To women considering pursuing finance, her message is clear: 

“Any woman who is on the fence about majoring in finance because it is a male-dominated field, that should be the sign to do it. You should absolutely do it scared; you can really have a positive impact.”