A Gateway to Purposeful Leadership

In a space where data meets decision-making, Helena Ly embodies the next generation of business leaders who are both analytical and purpose-driven. A a current UNSW Business School student, studying a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Commerce, Helena brings a rare balance of technical precision and human insight to everything she does.

As a Women in Business Ambassador and active Director within several UNSW Business School-affiliated societies, Helena is deeply committed to creating opportunities for access, inclusion and career readiness across the student community. Her passion for bridging quantitative analysis with real-world strategy has also shaped her professional journey, spanning internships in risk advisory and equity research — experiences that reflect her drive to use data to inform meaningful business decisions.

Earlier this month, Helena took the stage as the guest student speaker at the Meet the CEO and Dean’s Reception, featuring Deanne Stewart, CEO of Aware Super, in conversation with David Gonski AC. Addressing an audience of alumni, industry partners and students, Helena reflected on the power of authentic leadership, lifelong learning and purpose-led careers. Themes that resonated strongly with the evening’s discussion on harnessing finance as a force for good.

Helena’s journey captures the essence of the Women in Business mission: empowering emerging leaders to combine analytical thinking with empathy, and to shape a future of business that is as inclusive as it is impactful.

In light of the invaluable advice, lessons and encouragement Helena spoke of in her speech, the UNSW Business School EDI team has republished with permission Helena's Student Ambassador Keynote speech.

It’s a privilege to be here today, to share a little bit about my journey and what’s made UNSW so special to me. My name’s Helena, and I’m a penultimate-year Actuarial Studies and Commerce student majoring in Finance and Computational Data Science.

My story with UNSW began back in 2021, during COVID, when I took part in the Girls in Business Program in Year 11. This outreach initiative aimed to introduce high school students to the many disciplines within the Business School. Even though it was fully online, I remember this was the very first time I directly engaged with academics and industry speakers in areas like finance and risk. This experience opened my eyes to the dynamic nature of business, and it helped me picture myself studying in an environment that values curiosity and collaboration beyond HSC.

Two years later, I officially enrolled at UNSW and I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Gateway Admission Scholarship, which played a significant role in helping me transition into university life. Gateway offered mentorship, community and a sense of belonging since Day 1. I met students from diverse backgrounds, each passionate about different areas of business, and it was this diversity that made my first year not only easier but far more memorable. What’s always stood out to me about UNSW is its commitment to inclusion and empowerment, a place that goes beyond teaching classroom knowledge to helping students discover their purpose.

Thinking back to my first year, I can definitely admit I wasn’t too confident in my degree selection. In fact, I went to the Nucleus, our student services centre, exactly 4 times within my first 5 weeks of uni to discuss switching degrees. Every one of my visits resulted in a different degree combination written on a scrap of piece of paper. On my 4th visit, I sat next to someone who told me they had already switched degrees 6 times, and I remember laughing and thinking, maybe I’m not so lost after all.

It was oddly comforting.

This was the moment that reminded me that UNSW is a place where exploration is encouraged, where it’s safe to make mistakes, change direction, and ultimately find what fits. This reassurance is what gave me the confidence to stay and build a journey uniquely mine.

It was this turning point that also led me to get involved beyond the classroom. I served as a director of several Business School societies, focusing on Finance, Banking and Economics.

Through those roles, I’ve connected with incredible peers and mentors who had already broken into the finance and consulting industries. I got to see firsthand how collaborative the UNSW ecosystem is, from case competitions to industry panels, where alumni shared their journeys from student societies to industry leadership positions.

This year, I’ve had the privilege of serving UNSW as a Women in Business Ambassador, one of the most meaningful roles I’ve held. Through this program, I got to take part in the same Girls in Business Camp that first connected me to UNSW. So it has truly been a full-circle moment, because I now get to stand on the other side and encourage other high school students to take that same leap into pursuing business as I once did, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue a career in banking and investment management, where I can apply strategic thinking with data-driven insights to support sustainable value creation. At the same time, I hope to continue my involvement with Women in Business and similar outreach programs so I can pay forward the mentorship and encouragement I once received, building a confident pipeline of future leaders.

So reflecting on my journey, from a first-year student sitting in the Nucleus debating degree options, to now standing here - speaking to a room of accomplished leaders and professionals,  I’ve learned that growth begins with curiosity and confidence, and that both flourish when you’re surrounded by a community that believes in potential before perfection. This is a principle that now guides how I learn, lead and show up.

Thank you all for letting me share my story.