Kathryn Wilkens
Founder @Pearl Quest Llc
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WORK HISTORY
Founder @Pearl Quest Llc
Kathryn is the founder of Pearl Quest, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in the intersection of investments and data science. She provides strategic advisory services to institutional investors, including mutual funds, hedge funds, and other asset managers, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to drive innovation in product engineering and portfolio management.Currently, Kathryn is advising a mutual fund on the development of a cutting-edge small-cap investment product, utilizing machine learning to enhance portfolio construction, risk management, and performance analytics. Her work bridges the gap between traditional investment strategies and modern data-driven approaches, enabling clients to unlock new opportunities and achieve superior outcomes.Kathryn has also designed and delivered innovative educational programs for leading organizations. For Wiley, a global publisher, she created an online review program to help candidates prepare for the CAIA exams, combining her deep knowledge of alternative investments with effective learning strategies. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the development of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) program, where she advised on curriculum design, developed machine learning-focused content, and created exams to equip financial professionals with the skills needed to thrive in a data-driven world.With deep expertise in institutional investments, including alternative assets, and a strong foundation in data science, Kathryn is a trusted advisor to clients seeking to innovate and excel in a rapidly evolving industry.
EDUCATION
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Ph.D., Finance
ABOUT KATHRYN WILKENS
I’m a financial economist and educator who helps bridge the gap between traditional investment analysis and modern data science. As the founder of Pearl Quest, LLC, I work with institutions, advisors, and allocators to apply quantitative insights responsibly by supporting better decision-making, risk management, and transparency in alternative investments.With more than 25 years of experience in finance, research, and education, my work has spanned curriculum design, forecasting models, and professional credential development. Earlier in my career, I served as Director of Curriculum for the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association and helped establish the Financial Data Professional (FDP) credential, blending financial theory with applied data science.Today, my focus includes data-informed fiduciary governance, that is, how boards and decision-makers can use analytics ethically and effectively to enhance oversight. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Coalition to End Homelessness, where I contribute to strategic planning and program accountability.I believe in lifelong learning, collaborative innovation, and the power of clear, data-informed dialogue to improve both portfolio outcomes and social impact.
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