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How West Monroe’s Women in Mergers & Acquisitions Group is Breaking Industry Barriers

The Women of Mergers and Acquisitions at West Monroe tell their stories of working in the male-dominated financial sector and what they do to attract more female talent

July 12, 2023

women speaking to each other

West Monroe has built a distinctive market reputation for merger and acquisition services ranging from diligence to complex carveout transactions—making us a trusted partner to some of the largest private equity investors. Despite being part of a growing practice, Madeline Verbeten, Kirsten Lentz, and Maddie Bessinger found themselves among only a few women. It’s why they founded our Women in Mergers & Acquisitions (WIMA) group in 2020. 

A strong sense of community is always important in professional services. We believed that by putting structure and focus around recruiting and retention of women, we could increase the representation on our M&A team and create the type of thriving community that elevates everyone’s performance and potential. West Monroe supported us in doing so, and we’ve been able to pay that back by building a highly engaged and productive community."

Having exposure to elevated and strategic discussions around M&A and value creation beginning early on in my career has been a huge advantage in my professional development; it’s exciting to now be able to create these opportunities for other women on my team who are just beginning their careers."

In three years, WIMA has grown by five times, ranging from new consultants to partners. Members participate in delivering WIMA’s agenda by working in teams of both women and men to address three areas: recruiting, leadership and internal relationship building, and external relationship building with women in the M&A and private equity community. 

This has been a wonderful opportunity to take on leadership responsibility for something that I feel passionate about and to give back to a community that has been of tremendous benefit to me so far in my career at West Monroe.

One area where WIMA has had an impact is campus recruiting. WIMA members have established relationships at more than a dozen universities across the country, and the group hosts other activities such as a virtual roundtable for undergraduates.

WIMA also facilitates introductions and networking for new members. For example, all new members have a woman as a career advisor or coach, ensuring an instant relationship from the time they walk in the door. 

One area where WIMA has had an impact is campus recruiting. WIMA members have established relationships at more than a dozen universities across the country, and the group hosts other activities such as a virtual roundtable for undergraduates.

WIMA also facilitates introductions and networking for new members. For example, all new members have a woman as a career advisor or coach, ensuring an instant relationship from the time they walk in the door. 

Professional development is a significant focus—whether through regular panel discussions on topics such as promotion readiness or informal coffee chats. WIMA members also gain exposure to female leaders in the industry through participation in networking groups and events, such as the March 2023 Women's Private Equity Summit. 

We are extremely proud of what WIMA has accomplished and the value it has brought to our M&A and Private Equity teams. Developing and retaining talent is crucial to maintaining leadership in the market. It is a real testament to the commitment of our women that the group has grown as it has and that 14 WIMA members earned promotions in 2023.

Check out current M&A openings on our careers site.