‘This Program Gave Me a Seat at the Table’
Lighted Pathways Tackles Lack of Minority Talent in Asset Management Industry
Olivia Broussard is one of only five percent of African Americans working in the asset management industry.
Broussard, from Baton Rouge, LA, discovered her passion for the industry—and got a foot in the door—through UNCF’s Lighted Pathways Program, which provides scholarships and internships to African American undergraduate students interested in the investment management industry. Through the initiative, UNCF aims to create a career pathway to attract, develop and retain underrepresented talent for the asset management industry.
“This program didn’t just give me a title; it gave me a seat at the table and the vision to see what was possible,” shared Broussard, who works as a commingled funds specialist at Acadian Asset Management. “I’m so grateful for everything UNCF has done for me.”
Now in its fifth year, the Lighted Pathways Program remains committed to tackling the lack of minority talent in asset management.
“Being one of the first interns in this program is something very meaningful to me,” Broussard said. “When they first built it out, made the foundation, pitched the idea, they were thinking of students like me.”
Originally, Broussard was studying public health sciences with a double concentration in chemistry and biology at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), a UNCF-member institution. “The UNCF Lighted Pathways program completely changed the trajectory of my career,” she said.
Growing up, Broussard said business wasn’t a common topic. But participating in the Lighted Pathways program helped her find her passion for finance.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” she explained. “Seeing other thriving and successful Black professionals in that space allowed me to see myself in a different light, see myself in a better light. The asset management industry and the Lighted Pathways Program gave me a ton of confidence.”
Broussard graduated from XULA in 2023, adding to her family’s HBCU legacy. Her great grandmother and several aunts and uncles attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. Another uncle, who is a current Catholic arch bishop, attended Divinity School at XULA, “which was another reason I chose to attend,” she said. “I chose an HBCU to be in a supportive academic environment.”
Finding a job in the industry was not an easy task. When she applied through LinkedIn Jobs, she often saw that she was one of 400 or 500 applicants. “Those numbers were very intimidating,” she said.
But Broussard had built a supportive community through Lighted Pathways. When a role opened at Acadian Asset Management, her mentors helped her make a connection. “They both advocated for me and I was ready,” she said. “When I got the call from Acadian that I got the job, I literally cried.”
Now, she mentors students who are entering the Lighted Pathways Program. “As they say, you must always lift as you climb,” she said.
Broussard’s message to donors: “Your investment in Lighted Pathways, whether you joined us five years ago, or just recently, is a gift that keeps on giving. Your support doesn’t just drive company performance—it empowers young people like me to become the talent this industry needs to meet today’s challenges.”
UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Olivia Broussard in their academic endeavors.