I help build powerful partnerships, purposeful portfolios, and the next generation of leaders. A real asset investor, mentor, philanthropist, and global adventurer devoted to reshaping the future of finance—with integrity, intention, and heart.
A born-and-raised Florida girl with grit in her bones and purpose in her heart, I built a life and career grounded in hard work, humility, and the belief that real leadership starts with service.
From the boardroom to bedtime stories, I bring the same intentionality to strategic growth as I do to raising three children and mentoring the next generation of women leaders. Whether I’m advising global investment managers or using my voice to champion change, I’m here to shift how we lead—in business, in life, and in legacy.
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d one day co-found a firm advising over half a trillion in client AUM. I didn’t have a roadmap for how to break into capital markets. But I did have a front-row seat to entrepreneurship—watching my dad work in real estate and my mom build her own financial advisory firm from scratch.
By age 10, I was working the front desk of our family hotel in Naples, Florida—learning how to lead, listen, and serve, even when things got tough.
And then life got very tough.
In 2005, I lost my brother when I was 21 years old. That loss reshaped everything—deepening my compassion, sharpening my perspective, and giving me a fire to live on purpose.
My path didn’t follow a straight line. I earned two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and a seat at the table in institutional investing during the worst financial crisis of our generation.
At just 26, I was reporting devastating portfolio losses to pension boards made up of teachers, firefighters, and retirees. That trial by fire taught me that fiduciary responsibility isn’t just a phrase—it’s a commitment with real consequences for real people.
Over time, I became known not just for strategy, but for how I build teams—with transparency, trust, and room for people to grow. I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs, especially women who’ve been overlooked or underestimated.
I believe we don’t just need more diverse leaders—we need more people willing to lead differently.
Today, Alliance works with some of the most respected names in real assets. But what I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built—a culture that honors real life, invites bold conversations, and leaves space for the honest, imperfect process of growth.
At home, I’m a mom of three. My children see it all—the setbacks, the growth, the behind-the-scenes. They see me juggle investor calls and baseball games, dance recitals and boardroom meetings, bedtime stories and big decisions. And that’s exactly how I want it. Because leadership isn’t a title—it’s how you show up, even when no one’s watching.
Alongside my work, I mentor young women entering finance, speak at industry events, and serve on the board of Wellfit Girls—helping teen girls build courage, confidence, and self-leadership through outdoor adventure and personal growth. I also partner closely with the American Heart Association and the Red Cross, supporting causes that have touched my life in deeply personal ways.
Giving back isn’t something I “add in”—it’s embedded in how I lead, live, and build. Service has always been the strategy.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life doesn’t ask you to be perfect. It asks you to be real—and to keep becoming.
It’s Who am I becoming?
I’m here to serve—with strategy, with heart, and with an unwavering belief in what’s possible when purpose leads the way. Everything I build—from my advisory work to my speaking platforms to the next generation I’m mentoring—is rooted in integrity, growth, and a commitment to lasting impact.
Whether you’re leading a firm, navigating change, building your voice, or redefining success on your own terms, my mission is to help you rise—with clarity, confidence, and connection. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to evolve. I’m here to walk with you, challenge you, and champion you—every step of the way.
Sincerely,
In a world where leadership is often mistaken for hierarchy, Heather proves that real influence is rooted in values. Whether mentoring young women in finance, showing her kids what resilience looks like, or guiding investment managers through moments of uncertainty, she brings clarity, compassion, and conviction to every room she enters. That’s why her clients trust her. That’s why her team follows her. And that’s why purpose—not position—is the foundation of her power.
© 2025 Heather Fernstrom Border. All rights reserved.
