How the investment industry could be more like the Boys Club soccer camp

Aug 26

I grew up playing soccer at the Boys Club. Now I am a founder in one. Hindsight is 20-20.

I am a founder in an industry dominated by men. I don’t see that as a hurdle; I see it as a strength.

Most girls went to camps with coaches of D1 women’s teams. I went to camp at the Boys Club with the coach of the high school boys soccer team. I was the only girl (shocking I know). There wasn’t a lot of strategy behind my choice. There were a lot of awkward moments. Not for me, but I’m sure for everyone else.

Every team I was on had to be “shirts,” which in the blazing August sun, wasn’t a super popular uniform choice.

When we changed for swimming, I would get the lodge to myself with the male counselors standing guard, fending off boys throwing dead mice and bugs at me.

Running sprints, scrimmaging, and slide-tackling with 30+ boys meant I didn’t always win. But when I did, those high fives were hard-earned. And super sweet.

Here’s the thing. No one made me feel bad about being the only girl. No one told me I shouldn’t be there.
Not my parents
Not the coach
Not the counselors
Not even the boys

So I learned I should be there. Had every right to be there.
I still believe that.

“I wouldn’t change anything about that camp. There’s a lot I’d change about this industry. Maybe it could be more like camp. With less throwing of dead bugs. ”

Women deserve to be here. And we deserve all the love, support, rewards, and high fives when we win. Women's Equality Day is every day.

Stacy Havener

Blue-collar girl from the Berkshires who combined a lot of grit with a little glitter to become a successful female entrepreneur in the investment world. Founder of Havener Capital, raising capital ($8B and counting), stomping glass ceilings, and shaking things up.