Upper School Career Day 2022

Inthe high-stakes, male-dominated field of investment management, Deena Raja ’93 began her career dodging chairs tossed across the room and insults hurled her way. But her time at Harpeth Hall taught her how to be forceful and stand up for herself.

“My leadership skills really started here at Harpeth Hall,” said Ms. Raja, who in her role as a portfolio manager, now oversees $4.3 billion in fixed-income assets for a woman-owned firm.

“If it weren’t for my time here, I wouldn’t be able to be tough and be successful.”

Ms. Raja was one of more than 40 Harpeth Hall alumnae who had upper school students on the edge of their seats during the annual Career Day as the alumnae shared personal experiences about college pursuits, their journey through career paths, and the many lessons they learned along the way.

From stories about celebrating alongside immigrants as they became U.S. citizens to starting daily medical rounds by monitoring infants struggling to breathe, upper school students were exposed to the breadth and depth of the career opportunities that await them.