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

Stacy Havener soccer player

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. 

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