Hina Shamsi—A Trailblazer for Women in Tech

A TRAILBLAZER FOR WOMEN

Her openness to new ideas is rooted in her embrace of diverse perspectives—and a commitment to making sure those diverse voices are heard. “At Morgan Stanley, that kind of culture is intentional and takes a lot of work,” she says. “But when different ideas come together, that’s when magic happens.”

 

This philosophy fuels Hina’s passion for mentoring and empowering others on their professional journeys, to give voice and visibility to underrepresented experiences and ideas. In addition to her active mentorship, Hina is the executive sponsor of the Asian cohort within the Race and Ethnic Diversity (RED) in Technology employee networking group. An active member of the Women in Information Technology networking group at Morgan Stanley, Hina also leans in to help members of the firm’s Return to Work program for women and Year Up program for young professionals.

 

For these efforts and more, Hina has been named a Morgan Stanley MAKER, Class of 2024, joining a community of advocates, innovators and groundbreakers for women’s advancement, all nominated by their peers. “MAKERS are empowered women that are leading the change, but also lifting others to do the same, creating a multiplier effect,” says Hina.

 

While more women are in technology now than there were when Hina started 25 years ago, a lot of work is still needed to attract even more, says Hina. “As a technologist, I want to encourage women to join our field and let them know we’re here to support them,” she says. “Programs like MAKERS, which elevate and empower women, are crucial to this effort.”

 

“The support and sponsorship of women here is unlike at any other firm,” she says. “I come to work every day at the most prestigious firm on Wall Street knowing that life has offered me an opportunity that most people don’t get, especially women.”

 

Grateful for “the incredibly smart and dedicated people” she’s surrounded by every day, Hina feels strongly that she would not be where she is today without the support of her parents and “the mentors and sponsors who saw my potential.” She calls those mentors and sponsors her “cheerleaders, those who speak on your behalf when you’re not in the room,” and her “truthtellers, those who tell you where you need to improve.”

 

This gratitude and awareness underpin her commitment to paying it forward and creating opportunities for others, especially for women, and women of color, like herself. “If I can do it,” insists Hina, “they can too.”