2024 ACG NY Women of Leadership Series December Edition

Manuel Abecasis
US Economist - Goldman Investment Research
Goldman Sachs

Manuel Abecasis is a member of the US Economics team in Goldman Investment Research at Goldman Sachs. Before joining Goldman Sachs, Manuel conducted research in macroeconomics and industrial organization with Larry Summers and Alex MacKay and participated in research projects at the Bank of Portugal and Bridgewater Associates. Manuel graduated from Harvard University with highest honors in economics. He was named a John Harvard scholar and awarded the John H. Williams prize, given to the Harvard economics student with the best overall record.

Manuel will discuss the outlook for US economic growth, inflation, the labor market, and monetary policy in 2025, with a particular emphasis on the implications of the 2024 presidential election for the economy and markets.

Laura Ackerman
Vice President, Corporate Banking
Bank United

Laura Ackerman is a Vice President and Corporate Banker at BankUnited, where she focuses on serving the financial needs of middle-market companies. With expertise in private equity, real estate funds, and alternative investment vehicles, Laura delivers customized financial solutions to private equity firms, institutional investors, and high-growth enterprises. Her work encompasses capital structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and investment management. By collaborating closely with clients, Laura provides innovative financing strategies that enhance value creation, optimize financial structures, and support long-term business goals. Her approach marries industry insight with a dedication to fostering strong, enduring relationships, ensuring that every client benefits from personalized, results-driven solutions.

Prior to her appointment as Executive Director at Bottomless Closet, Ms. Norden worked at The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for 13 years, where she was Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and General Counsel in the Office of the President.  She helped found New Yorkers for Clean Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), a nonprofit dedicated to phasing out New York City carriage horses.  Prior to joining the ASPCA, Ms. Norden served as counsel to Madison Square Garden, where she collaborated with the management of the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and the New York Liberty on the Madison Square Garden Cheering for Children Foundation, raising funds for after-school programs for at-risk urban youth.  Ms. Norden is a member of the Tufts Alumni Council, a former member of the board and a current member of the Tufts Lawyers Association (TLA), the Tufts Non-Profit Group, the Tufts NYC Women's Networking Group and the Non-Profit Committee of the American Corporate Counsel Association, as well as a former member of the Committee on Non-Profit Organizations of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.  Ms. Norden received her Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University, where she was named to the Dean's List with a double major in American History and Spanish.  She has been an alumni interviewer for Tufts University for 20 years.  She earned her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School where she was on The Journal of Law and Policy and received numerous awards for academic achievement.  Ms. Norden was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000.