CFA MONTRÉAL SALUTES LÉDÉENNE CHAPLEAU'S COMMENDABLE COMMITMENT TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF FINANCE PROFESSIONALS

Every year, the Méchoui organized by FIAMtl is an unmissable event for the Montreal financial community.

It was in the summer atmosphere of the 11^th edition of this event that Lédéenne Chapleau, CFA, received the award for the woman who has distinguished herself the most for her emeritus involvement in the financial and investment community of Montreal on August 22.

On this occasion, many members, including Sandy Poiré, CFA, president of the Society, were able to congratulate this promising professional for her immense contribution to raising awareness of our investment profession among young people.

Lédéenne, who is part of CDPQ's external portfolio management team, started as a volunteer with CFA Montréal in 2019. Her passion for finance led her to get involved with young people and to become Co-Chair of the University Relations Committee in September 2022, before taking over at its leadership in November 2023.

The role of the University Relations Committee is vital to CFA Montréal and the promotion of the CFA program, as it facilitates interconnection between students, professionals, and professors. Thanks to its inspiring dynamism, the committee led by Lédéenne has performed more than forty presentations in universities. 

Driven by her interest in applied mathematics, Lédéenne remembers that when she started at university, she had no idea what finance was. A classmate explained to her that her father's best friend held the CFA designation, had a rewarding job and that obtaining this certification was a major challenge. It was enough to convince her!

During her many meetings with young people, she observes interesting disparities: young men already often have their foot in the door in the industry, they have a network, they evolve in groups and seem to be better aware of the different career prospects available to them. On the other hand, young women are often less well supported and informed.

It is this desire to reduce this gap and to engage future professionals in our field that makes Lédéenne a remarkable and convincing ambassador.

This distinction, which recognizes the contribution to the influence of the finance professions, and more particularly of the CFA designation among the next generation in finance, is close to the heart of FIAM President Claude Perron, who said: "It is with deep admiration that we salute Lédéenne's achievements in the future of finance at universities. Her commitment perfectly embodies the objectives and values of excellence that we cultivate at FIAM. We are all prouder to highlight the importance of her involvement as it feeds a talent pool that aligns harmoniously with FIAM's mission: to develop a community of professionals in the “new finance,” one that integrates Big Data and merges data science with finance. There is no denying that her passion and dedication will have a significant impact on the future of the profession."

The lucky winner, who would like to thank all the volunteers who work with her to support our mission, said: "It is a privilege to be part of such an exciting financial community that inspires me to contribute to the mission of CFA Montréal and to promote the CFA program at universities. Helping students better understand the CFA designation and the professional opportunities that if offers it in a changing context is a real pleasure."

Lédéenne's recognition in the finance industry is a testament to her undeniable influence within CFA Montréal. We send her our most sincere congratulations on this well-deserved honor!