Michelle Lai

Mentor

I spent 7 years in private equity and investment banking in Asia, forging my career in male-dominated industries like those which students of STEM subjects might find themselves in when they graduate. I am currently exploring a career in entrepreneurship - another male-dominated sector. I am keen to help young women boldly design their lives and make their mark in whichever industry they choose. 

I grew up in Singapore, but only found my voice when i went abroad to the US for college. I cannot over-emphasize the importance to me of having been around like-minded, progressive and supportive individuals in my developmental years as I broke out of the Asian female mold, and would like to create a similar environment for Qian Zheng scholars. 

I work with the Wharton Women network in Hong Kong / Asia and co-founded Giinseng, a impact investing interest group based in Hong Kong. I also work with Bangkok-based Goodwill Group Foundation, a nonprofit that provides vocational education for economically marginalized migrant women in Bangkok and Ubon. 

I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics (Finance) from the Wharton School and a degree in Economics from the College of Arts and Sciences.