October 2, 2025
Sign up for our newsletter to get updates, news, and insights!
“My passion for investing started during a project in my high school economics class,” Suddenly You Founder, Kathy Karlic, recently shared. We had to choose three stocks to track for the semester. Something just lit up inside me. When the project was over, I knew I’d found my calling in the finance and business world.”
As the first in her family to graduate from college – and one of the pioneering women at Babson College (4 years after it became co-ed!), Kathy has always known how to break through barriers. She earned dual undergrad degrees in finance and economics, followed by a master’s in accounting from the University of Hartford.
Professionally, she quickly became accustomed to being one of the very few women sitting in Wall Street boardrooms, leading elite investment teams and delivering complex financial solutions. Her capstone leadership role was serving as a Chief Investment Officer at GE Asset Management, where she oversaw more than $100 billion in assets. What kept Kathy truly grounded was raising three amazing kids alongside her husband, Peter, and starting a nonprofit.
“If I look back over the span of my 40-year career in the financial world, the thing that’s meant the most to me, and been a constant in my life, is mentoring the women around me.”
“You know the quote about ‘It’s not how high you go, but how many people you bring along with you?’ That’s me. It’s what I’ve always done. It’s in my heart.”
Immediately following graduation, Kathy started giving back and leading by example within the communities she loved. She served as an elected official on the Board of Finance for her small town in Connecticut, and later joined the Board of Trustees at Babson College and Daemen University to help shape the governance and future of women’s education and select new presidents at both institutions.
Philanthropy has always been a way of life for Kathy.
“I’ve been blessed through my career,” Kathy explained. “It feels only natural to share that with others. I’m a capitalist with heart.”
In 2010, Kathy created her own nonprofit, Words & Warmth, to provide handcrafted items to children and families in urgent need around the country.
Every fleece-tied blanket, knitted scarf, stuffed animal, and hat is homemade and brand new – a rare kindness providing dignity to those who desperately need to feel loved. Over 10,000 items have been provided to recipients in emergency foster care, women’s crisis centers, and homeless shelters around the country.
Beyond her work with Words & Warmth, Kathy frequently dedicates her time, talents, and resources to other non-profits. One organization especially dear to her heart is the Girl Scouts, which she first joined more than 50 years ago.
As a prior board member in Charlotte, and Finance Committee member in Raleigh, Kathy helps guide Girl Scout investments to strengthen the organization’s assets, and enjoys donating her time, resources, and knowledge to shape future female leaders for our world – yet another shining example of her unwavering dedication to mentoring the women around her, at every age.
For as long as she can remember, Kathy has been the go-to resource for friends and family when it comes to financial questions, big or small. It’s not just her impressive career that draws people in; it’s the way she teaches.
Kathy has a gift for breaking down even the most complex financial concepts in a way that’s clear and approachable. No question is too simple, and every conversation leaves listeners feeling empowered with ready-to-use knowledge that supports their financial well-being.
“I want to help MORE women rise so they can be superstars in their own lives,” Kathy underscored.
“I see Suddenly You as an opportunity to digitally mentor women I may never get to meet in person. I want to give them the support, knowledge and encouragement needed to independently manage their finances and achieve their financial goals not only for themselves, but for their future generations.”
A TRANSFORMATIVE TIME FOR WOMEN Something huge is coming. In some families, the shift has already begun. In others, no plans or conversations have even