#HERstory: Celebrating Women’s History Month 2026
Continuing our #HERStory campaign, this Women’s History Month, we celebrate two outstanding women whose contributions are instrumental to our success at KAR – Clarissa Ayzenberg and Olivia Song.
Clarissa Ayzenberg
FUN FACT: I love food but I am quite a picky eater. I love going to and trying new restaurants but I also love to cook and bake.
What part of your job energizes you the most?
Every day is kind of new. I’m constantly learning every single day and I think that aspect of just constantly learning is really exciting. Everyone on the team is super great – they welcome all thoughts and ideas. You get to learn off of what they know and they learn from you. It’s very collaborative.
What’s something you wish more women entering finance knew?
It’s not as intimidating as it may seem. You don’t really need to know everything at the beginning. Careers evolve, things change. As long as you have a genuine interest and passion for it, I would say, go for it. There are a lot of people in the community to help you and to mentor you throughout the process.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned while working as a research analyst?
I think it changes your outlook on the world. As I go day-to-day, I find myself considering who manufactures various products and what do they do? We have construction outside our building and I’ll say “Oh, I know that manufacturer and what they do and how they make their things.” It’s nice to have that real-world connection and have that apply in your work.
Is there a habit or routine that helps you stay grounded or productive?
It’s having a routine. It’s staying organized. I’m juggling school and work and just setting aside time for yourself to workout, to hang out with family, with friends and staying organized in general helps keep that routine and helps you stay kind of sane in the whole process.
Olivia Song
What was your first job out of college?
I started as a portfolio administrator at TCW. I think I had a very narrow perspective of what finance was when I first started. But as I got into it, I learned how vast it was and how many specialties there were. I think our industry is very people-centric and a lot of the work we do is built around building relationships with our clients and with each other and working hard to make sure that we deliver for our clients.
Could you share some early memories from when you were just starting out in the industry?
I had a woman manager who was very tough, but thorough. I would walk into her office with the question, and she would ask where is your notebook because I’m not repeating anything that I’m saying right now. It made you kind of stick around and get curious on your own. It’s hard to conceptualize what is an investment manager, who are we, what does a money manager do? Who are our clients and this whole web of connections between financial advisors and platform broker-dealers. All of that was something I had to learn, and my manager was very embracing.
FUN FACT: Once while playing golf with my husband, I saw a bear and quickly decided I was OK losing the bet we had on the game.
What’s something you wish more women entering finance knew?
I wish they had an ownership of that they belong in this industry. I think women — their insights and their thoughts are important and valuable. And there are people on the other side that are willing to encourage you, guide you and direct you and mentor you. Women need to remember to stay focused on their opportunities and raise their hand for things that might be a little uncomfortable because I think a lot of growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Outside of work, what activities bring you joy?
I like to spend time with my family, which are my kids — they keep me busy. Whether I’m being their Uber or cooking, it’s still a joy. I’ve actually become a little bit more adventurous because of my kids. Things that I probably would have not done, they want to try it. We have family in the East Coast, so we go back to New York at least once a year, and we really appreciate L.A.
This information is being provided by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC (“KAR”) for illustrative purposes only. Information contained in this material is not intended by KAR to be interpreted as investment advice, a recommendation or solicitation to purchase securities, or a recommendation of a particular course of action and has not been updated since the date of the material, and KAR does not undertake to update the information presented should it change. This information is based on KAR’s opinions at the time of the recording of this material and are subject to change based on market activity. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. KAR makes no warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of the information contained herein.