Christina Anthony founded the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs of BC in 2002, soon after she returned to her native Vancouver after spending a few years in New York City as an investment banker with The Goldman Sachs Group, and a little more than a year with that company establishing its Seattle office.

The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs has grown to hundreds of members who attend regular networking events and discussion seminars.

Anthony now manages client portfolios at Odlum Brown’s Vancouver office and works with a team of five women to provide investment advice.

In 2002, she helped plan initial strategy with a team to launch the Altura Growth Fund, which would eventually be sold to morph into CI Investments’ B.C. Medical Innovations Fund.

Anthony earned praise from Business in Vancouver in 2002 as a 40 under 40 finalist.

She earned her bachelor of commerce degree from UBC and then completed internships in Frankfurt, Germany, at Deutsche Asset Management and in Vancouver at Phillips, Hager and North Investment Management.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

Running a successful money management business provides more fulfilment for me and for my clients than I could have ever imagined. It is not just about stocks and the bonds; it’s about peoples’ goals, dreams and legacies.

What’s the greatest barrier you’ve had to overcome in your career?

I can’t think of one. When obstacles are put in front of me in business, I persevere, find a solution and get through them.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?

There’s my husband, Matt Anthony of ZLC Financial Group. Then there’s Al Hudec of Davis & Co. LLP, former Odlum Brown vice-president Nancy McKinstry and Tracey McVicar of CAI Partners. But, if I had to single out one, it would be Jacki Hoffman Zehner, former Goldman Sachs Group partner and current member of the University of British Columbia board of governors..

What network or organization has most helped you in your career?

First, the UBC Portfolio Management Foundation, a money management program for students at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, put me on my track for my career. The second organization is the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs. I founded and am president of that non-profit organization, which helps women build businesses.

What was your toughest decision?

To leave Vancouver, the city I love, to go to New York to experience Wall Street. I left behind the safety and security of my family and friends and did not know what the Big Apple would have in store for a naive little Canadian girl like me. I had to test whether New York’s motto – “If you can make it there you can make it anywhere” – was true.