The Fondsfrauen mourn the loss of Michaela Krahwinkel, who passed away in December 2024 after a brief but serious illness. Michaela was enthusiastic about the idea of Fondsfrauen from the very beginning and actively supported and shaped the movement as a member of the advisory board from day one.
Head of Performance Analysis
Until March 2022, Michaela Krahwinkel was the Head of Performance Analysis at Union Investment, where she meticulously analyzed the performance of the company’s internal fund managers. In her interview with Fondsfrauen, she described herself as "a numbers person!"
In spring 2022, Michaela shifted her professional focus within Union Investment to become a Diversity & Inclusion Advisor in the Corporate HR department. This role was also close to her heart – it allowed her to passionately advocate for greater diversity in the financial sector. Michaela was deeply committed to social causes, never hesitating to speak her mind. She addressed issues she noticedwith kindness but also with determination.
Role Model of the Year
Her unwavering dedication earned her numerous nominations from the industry as Role Model of the Year. In 2020, she won the Fondsfrauen-Award Role Model of the Year, which she proudly accepted.
Michaela never fully retired. Even after her "retirement," she remained active in the industry, mentoring young colleagues and contributing to Working Group Senior Professionals where she helped develop and promote ideas for professionals aged 55+.
Most recently, on September 24, 2024, Michaela participated in a panel discussion during our Digital Lunch Talk on the topic "Working Instead of Retiring – Tips and Challenges for Continuing Work Beyond Retirement." -Despite already feeling unwell at that time, she said, "I'll do it," dressed professionally, applied her makeup with care, looked radiant as always, and skillfully guided the discussion.
Approachable, Loyal, and Cheerful
Michaela was such an approachable, loyal, and cheerful person! Yet her sharp analytical mind missed nothing – she truly was a "numbers person." She also took immense joy in the work she did. In an interview with Fondsfrauen, she once said, "I love my job! I want to keep developing things here."
She also knew how to celebrate: how much Michaela enjoyed a successful Fondsfrauen Gipfel she had helped organize, and how fun it was to attend the Fondsfrauen Oktoberfest with her, dressed in a Dirndl!
It would surely be in Michaela's spirit for us to share two pieces of advice from her, taken from our conversations and interviews:
- "From my life experience, I tell all young women: Always do what brings you joy and trust yourself to do it. In the end, there’s always a solution."
- "Self-confidence is an issue for young women. Always tell yourself: 'I want this, and I can do this!'"
Ela, we will remember you in the best possible way and thank you for your sincere and wonderful dedication! Your commitment and joyfulness will be deeply missed!
Anke Dembowski is a financial journalist and author of various investment fund-related and other financial books. She is also a co-founder of the "Fondsfrauen" network.