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Annette Palen is a Vice President at RBC Capital Markets, where she provides structuring, execution and research support to the Infrastructure East banking team. With over 9 years of experience, she has supported more than $16 billion in senior managed transactions for municipal and state issuers, including advising on multi-year capital planning, long-term financing strategies and optimal credit positioning.

2023 Mentor: Helen Pennock
2024 Mentor: Megan Kilgore

Anthia Ma is currently serving as Vice President at Frasca & Associates and brings five years of experience in the municipal finance industry. She supports a wide range of general municipal financings, including bond structuring, refunding analysis, pricing support, and long-term capital planning.

1. When did you first join the NEWPF Mentoring Program, and what made you sign up?

I joined the NEWPF Mentoring Program in 2023 after a colleague shared how valuable her mentoring experience had been. I was similarly looking to build genuine relationships with other women in public finance, particularly with someone who had already navigated challenges I’d face in the industry. 

2. What's one conversation or moment with your mentor that really stuck with you?

Rather than just one conversation or moment, what really stuck with me from both of my mentoring program experiences was my mentors' overall commitment to being present and available. They are each incredibly sought-after professionals with demanding schedules, yet they prioritized our regular conversations and created a space where I felt heard and supported. That consistency and dedication made me feel like I have champions in my corner and has given me the confidence to pursue my career in public finance.

3. What's one skill or mindset you've developed because of the program?

My mentors encouraged me to shift from simply taking on challenging work to being strategic about which challenges I pursue. They encouraged me to evaluate opportunities through the lens of my career goals—choosing work that builds specific capabilities and closes skill gaps—and that intentionality has helped me accelerate my professional growth.

4. How has the program helped you build confidence or a sense of belonging in public finance?

In addition to forming strong relationships with my mentors, being part of the program introduced me to people in the industry who I wouldn't have met otherwise. I now have a broader network of peers that I can turn to for advice and candid insight into the intricacies of our business.

5. In one sentence: what makes NEWPF mentoring special?

It connects you with mentors who care deeply about your success beyond your job title—they're invested in who you're becoming as a person, not just what you accomplish professionally.

1. What was one thing you hoped to gain when you first started—and did it surprise you? 

When I first started, I hoped to build a stronger professional network and get to know more people in the industry as a new analyst. I was pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the breadth of the connections I gained through the program.

2. What’s something your mentor helped you see differently about your career or yourself? 

My mentors helped me realize that career growth isn’t just about titles or promotions. They shifted my perspective on ownership: instead of waiting passively for tasks to be assigned, I learned to approach work proactively and think from my supervisor’s perspective. This mindset has transformed how I tackle my responsibilities.

3. Has the program influenced a career decision you made? If so, how? 

Absolutely. The program has reinforced my desire to continue in the public finance industry. Being inspired by so many incredible mentors and women making a real impact has given me a clear roadmap for my own career. Their examples motivate me to keep growing, contributing, and building a long-term future in this field.

4. What does being part of the NEWPF community mean to you? 

Being part of the NEWPF community means building a network that goes beyond surface-level connections. It offers access to honest, high-quality advice and opportunities to learn from people who genuinely want you to grow. Through standout programs like the mentoring sessions and high-quality educational events, relationships extend beyond work tasks and become more genuine, meaningful, and valuable.

5. What advice would you give someone considering joining the mentoring program for the first time? 

Be very thorough and honest about your expectations when filling out the mentoring survey. The NEWPF mentoring committee does an excellent job pairing mentees with the right mentor, and the more clearly you communicate what you’re looking for, the more likely you are to get a mentor who truly matches your goals.