Insights from MSCI’s Program Management Lead Cloud Force and the importance of inclusivity in innovation

In Fall 2020, MSCI — a data and technology leader in the global investment community — joined Starkey Hearing Technology and Asurion as a founding partner for the Fung Institute Industry Partnership Program (FIIPP). The Fung Institute Industry Partnership Program fosters meaningful collaboration between industry and the next generation of technical innovators and leaders.

We interviewed Cloud Force, who has over 20 years of software engineering and management experience, about MSCI and advice for future engineers in industry. She is currently Head of Technical Program Management for MSCI’s Analytics business.

Can you tell us more about MSCI’s solutions in global investing and the role of innovative technology in them?

MSCI is a world leader in the financial services industry, particularly in its role to create greater transparency in the investment process. As the organization is going through a massive technology transformation, one of our top priorities is to move in a direction in which technology is a core driver for success. We continue to look for innovative individuals with fresh perspectives and a passion to problem solve to support us in this process!

As a successful woman in tech who has held multiple technical leadership positions, what is your advice for other women aspiring to follow a similar path?

It’s important to remember that even if you don’t love the environment you are in, you have the power to change it. I’ve frequently been in a room where I’m the only female, and I was able to remain my authentic self and pave my own path. My mission was to create an inclusive environment where all individuals have the power to thrive. I did so through articulating my vision mindfully, focusing on creating an empowering experience for those around me.

“It’s important to remember that even if you don’t love the environment you are in, you have the power to change it.”

There are also many opportunities to support other women and diversity groups in the workplace. MSCI’s Employee Resource Groups, are making large strides in creating opportunities for diversity and inclusion. For example, I was able to work with the CTO and Head of Data & Technology HR to create a Women in Tech group to engage over 350 female and male allies to discuss ideas across the space and enable change in an authentic way. Can you tell us a bit about MSCI’s corporate responsibility? We are moving very intentionally as an organization in our commitments to our employees and the wider communities in which we operate. Not only are we growing in the realm of environmental and social governance, we also place a strong emphasis on a code of conduct dedicated to responsibility within our organization. We are committed to developing a workforce that reflect the communities in which we operate. We have a wide range of programs and events to promote diversity and inclusion including our Women’s Leadership Forum, Black Leadership Network, Eco Groups, Executive Diversity Council, and more.

What are you most excited about for this partnership with the Fung Institute?

MSCI was drawn to the Fung Institute by how strongly the values of our two organizations align. The phrase “technology + leadership = innovation” and the emphasis on empathy for impact closely resembles the direction MSCI is moving. MSCI has an established presence in Berkeley, and we love how deeply the Fung Institute and the students are embedded into the local engineering community. When things open up, we are really looking forward to close collaboration, particularly in the factor modeling space with the IEOR department. We see this as the foundational start to continue working with Berkeley for many years to come. Cloud will also be participating in various Fung Institute networking events. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about MSCI and explore career opportunities.

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Fung Institute Industry Partner: MSCI was originally published in Berkeley Master of Engineering on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.