By Valerie DeNigris | November 15, 2024
In an inspiring evening of conversation, finance industry leaders Alex Chi of Goldman Sachs and Stellar Tucker of Truist came together with Apex for Youth supporters and friends on October 23rd. Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu guided the discussion with her trademark insight, creating an atmosphere where stories of challenge and progress resonated throughout the room. As an Apex for Youth signature event, Asians in Finance reflects Apex’s initiative to foster and strengthen intergenerational connection and community among Asian American professionals.
Throughout the evening, speakers shared candid perspectives on navigating career paths, embracing connections, and building authentic leadership presence in the financial sector. The power of shared experiences emerged as a central theme, particularly when Alex Chi opened up about his journey: “I grew up like an Apex youth in the challenging environment of a low-income housing project in East New York, Brooklyn and attended public school PS 346 Stark. I had to grow up quick.” His story struck a chord with many in the audience, demonstrating that it takes more than determination to succeed–it takes building connections and knowing how to navigate these spaces that will not recognize or reward merit alone.
The evening proved transformative for attendees like Sara, an Apex alum, who found strength in community: “Connecting with other Asian American professionals who share similar backgrounds and goals was incredibly meaningful. Their stories inspired me and I will carry their advice forward in my career.”
For emerging professionals, the event offered both practical insights and inspiration. Vicki, another Apex alum, reflected on the experience: “Through this opportunity, I got to meet leaders in the finance industry who have more lived experiences of being in their career and are incredibly wise, accomplished, and role models.”
Our deepest gratitude goes to our speakers, Alex Chi, Stellar Tucker, and Scarlet Fu, for sharing their wisdom and inspiring discussions. Special thanks to Blue Owl Capital and Patrick Lo, Waterfall Asset Management for co-hosting, as well as the Asians in Finance Planning Committee—Ray Chan, Alex Chi, David Jar, Andrew Kim, Gilbert Liu, Patrick Lo, Jazzy Lopez, and Kathy Wong—for their dedication in making this event a success.
For more information on how you can be involved with our Asians in Finance community, please email development@apexforyouth.org.
Photos: Erica Kapin
Apex for Youth celebrated Brooklyn Nets’ AAPI Night by highlighting the journeys of Asian American athletes and professionals, exploring how heritage, identity, and resilience shape their experiences both within the game and in their communities.
At Apex for Youth, we believe in the power of opportunity. On Tuesday, October 8th, we witnessed this power in action as New York City’s AAPI community came together in an inspiring display of unity, culture, and generosity at Madison Square Park at Taste of Asia.
