Numerix Names Isha Patro Recipient of 2025 Women in Finance Scholarship
Numerix is proud to announce that Isha Patro has been awarded the 2025 Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship. Isha will use the scholarship funds to cover her tuition at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, where she recently began pursuing her Master’s in Financial Engineering.
Now in its 11th year, the Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship, previously run by FINCAD, supports talented women pursuing advanced degrees in financial asset management, market risk management, structured finance, fixed-income, and derivatives within the capital markets—empowering the next generation of innovators shaping the future of capital markets.
About Isha Patro
Born and raised in Berhampur, India, a coastal town known for its beaches and mountains, Isha credits her parents as integral to her success:
“I’m sitting here in New York today, first and foremost because of my parents’ support. They have always made my personal growth a priority, and I owe it all to them.”
Isha’s curiosity and passion for engineering stems from her deep interest in solving real-world problems. Outside of finance and engineering, Isha is a classically trained dancer since the age of four and has a profound passion for the arts. She loves painting, candle-making, and crafts, having led a DIY club during her undergraduate studies.
A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Determination
Isha completed her undergraduate degree in Computer Science at the Vellore Institute of Technology. One of her favorite courses, Engineering Clinics, gave her hands-on experience solving real-world problems.
“In one project, we built a sensor-driven buoy designed to absorb oil from ocean spills,” Isha explained. “It caught a lot of attention and even won awards, but more importantly, it taught me how much I love solving problems.”
Her passion for innovation later led her to J.P. Morgan, where she interned and then worked full-time on the Fixed Income team, focusing on mortgage-backed securities. It was there that she discovered her true purpose:
“There was this pivotal moment when my manager walked us through the impact we had made in tangible numbers. It was captivating. That's when I knew financial engineering was my calling.”
Overcoming Barriers Through Opportunity
Coming from a financially modest background, Isha describes the scholarship as life-changing:
“This scholarship changed everything for me. Without it, NYU wouldn't have been possible. Now I can fully focus on my studies and take advantage of opportunities I never would have had time for otherwise. It's the difference between surviving college and thriving in it.”
She also emphasized the importance of scholarships like this in breaking gender barriers in finance:
“Finance is still a male-dominated field, and programs like this give hope to women like me who are trying to break into the industry. They create a community where we can connect with others who share the same passion and overcome similar challenges.”
A Vision for the Future
Isha’s long-term aspirations are bold and inspiring. After completing her master’s degree, she plans to pursue a role in quantitative research, specializing in global investment strategies and working at the intersection of AI and finance to create adaptive market solutions.
Looking ahead 5–10 years, she dreams of creating a global investment platform designed to democratize access to foreign markets:
“Today, access to foreign investments is largely limited to high-net-worth individuals and big institutions. I want to change that by building a platform where everyday investors can participate in global opportunities. It’s a win-win: investors benefit from better returns, and the countries receiving investments get a boost in growth.”
A Passion for Capital Markets
Isha’s curiosity about capital markets goes beyond her curriculum. She conducts independent research on how different countries’ markets react to geopolitical shifts and regularly shares her insights on LinkedIn, helping make complex trends more accessible.
She also built Minted Wealth, a personal analytics platform designed to track undervalued companies and turn raw market data into meaningful insights.
“For me, finance lives at the crossroads of psychology, mathematics, and human behavior. I always say: ‘Risk whispers before it screams—smart money listens to whispers.’”
Advice to Future Women in Finance
When asked what advice she’d give to other young women pursuing careers in finance, Isha shared the following thoughts:
“Believe in yourself, stay curious, and don’t let stereotypes define you. Finance may still be a male-dominated field, but your voice, your perspective, and your ideas matter. Don’t shy away from taking up space.”
Supporting Women in Finance
The Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship was established to promote diversity and empower women shaping the future of financial technology and capital markets.
We at Numerix are proud to recognize Isha Patro as the 2025 Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship recipient. Her passion, perseverance, and vision embody exactly what this scholarship represents. We look forward to seeing the remarkable impact she will make in the years ahead.
