Shawn Evans is an investment officer at a large corporate pension plan in Chicago and prior to that held a series of similar roles in Chicago-based public pension funds. He started his career as an accountant, and is a CPA as well as a CFA. He works as a volunteer leader with Chicago Cares, and has participated in college and high school mentor programs.

Our conversation covers how Shawn came into a career in finance, his early days in accounting and his transition onto the investment side. His career was predominantly self-driven, and he didn’t participate in any mentorship and sponsorship programs that are sometimes offered. He is keenly aware of the importance of a personal brand, and prefers to focus on long-term sustainable solutions v. short term fixes when it comes to addressing diversity needs in firms.