4A in Focus: Ashley Allen'19

Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Allen, CFA CBS c/o ’19 On Leadership, Risk, and Redefining Success in Finance

Ashley's career spans the world of wealth management, credit investing, and leadership, grounded in purpose and fueled by bold pivots. From CFA to CBS MBA (+ former BBSA Co-President), Ashley's journey is a masterclass in showing up fully, taking strategic risks, and expanding what's possible for underrepresented voices in finance. Ashley is currently a credit analyst at JP Morgan.

▶️ Read on to hear directly from Ashley.

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Career Journey: From Stockbroker to Credit Investor

Q: Can you walk us through your career path and what led you to CBS?

Ashley Allen: I began at Scottrade as a stockbroker, helping everyday investors open accounts. That led me to Fidelity, where I spent six years working across the firm in operations, financial planning, advising, and supervisory roles. I also earned my CFA designation during that time.

Eventually, I realized I didn’t want to just guide clients on asset allocation, I wanted to be the one making the investment decisions. That’s when I began exploring business school. I applied to four programs and decided I’d attend whichever one accepted me first. Columbia was the one! The experience completely pivoted my life from Maryland to NYC, and it turned out to be exactly where I was meant to be.

CBS Experience: Community, Confidence, and a Life Partner 

Q: What stands out to you most about your CBS experience? 

Ashley Allen: The global student body was a huge asset. I was constantly learning from people who had lived and worked in places I knew little about. I now had friends and attended weddings across the world! But the most meaningful part of my CBS experience was BBSA.

I came to school as a single mom, and BBSA became my extended family. Classmates helped with childcare when I had interviews, my daughter attended some events with me and overall, I never felt like I had to hide that part of my life. In fact, I was BBSA co-president my second year, alongside the person who would later become my husband! So, CBS didn’t just give me a degree, it gave me a true support system as well as lifelong friends and my partner.

Taking Risks: Redefining Success on Her Own Terms 

Q: What have been some of the pivotal risks you’ve taken in your career, and what have they taught you? 

Ashley Allen: Leaving my first role out of CBS, at Goldman Sachs, was a defining moment. I had a great role as a publishing credit analyst, but another opportunity came up that better aligned with my growth goals. It wasn’t the “expected” next step, and of course folks had opinions on me leaving such a prestigious role and company, but it was the right move for me.

Since then, I’ve made similar moves, three firms post-MBA, each offering new learnings and responsibilities. My path hasn’t always looked linear, but it’s been intentional. I’ve learned that alignment matters more than optics, and I’ve never regretted betting on myself and taking meaningful risks.

Representation and Presence: The Power of Being Seen 

Q: You’ve spoken about the importance of representation. What does that mean to you in the context of investment management? 

Ashley Allen: Representation in finance, especially investment management, continues to be a challenge. I don’t take for granted that I’m often the only woman, or only person of color, in the room. But I also believe that just showing up has power.

You can’t be what you can’t see. So I make it a point to stay present, not just for myself, but for those watching. It’s not always easy, but it’s part of why I’m here. My goal is to hopefully normalize this path for others.

Advice to MBAs: Choose Alignment Over Optics 

Q: What advice would you offer to recent MBA graduates or early-career professionals? 

Ashley Allen: Take risks! Let go of the idea that success has to look a certain way. The earlier you are in your career can be considered the best time to explore. I’d also say that, for me, titles matter less than whether the work energizes you and aligns with your values.

Also, invest in your network! It’s not just a career asset, it can be a life asset. For me, it led to friendships, career opportunities, and even a life partner. To this day my three besties from BBSA are some of my closest companions. We often meet for brunch and have continued living life together. Don’t underestimate that aspect of the CBS journey!

Beyond the Office: Finding Joy in Movement and Travel 

Q: What brings you joy outside of work? 

Ashley Allen: Fitness is a huge outlet for me. I’m a certified personal trainer and teach group classes twice a week. It’s how I reset mentally and connect with people outside of the finance world.

Travel is another joy. In the past six months alone, I’ve visited Patagonia, Tanzania, Italy, and San Miguel de Allende, some for CBS weddings. And my daughter, of course, remains the center of my life! She keeps me grounded, motivated, and constantly evolving.

Final Reflection:

A Transformational Two Years

Ashley Allen: Before CBS, I remember hearing alumni say the MBA experience changed their lives. I wasn’t sure I believed it. But now, I understand. Those two years pivoted my life in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Personally and professionally, I left CBS transformed. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

📩 Want to connect with Ashley? Find her on Linkedin.