by Angela Bauza
Jennifer Ablan has made a name for herself in the world of financial journalism and credits much of her professional success to her roots in Hawaii.
Her journey from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she served as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the student newspaper Ka Leo, to the bustling streets of New York City, is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and adaptability.
Ablan’s upbringing in Hawaii profoundly influenced her worldview and professional ethos.
“Growing up in Hawaii is a special experience. It is a true melting pot,” she reflects.
The state’s diverse cultural landscape instilled in her the importance of respecting different views and perspectives, a lesson that proved invaluable in her career.
Despite perceptions of Hawaii as merely a tourist destination, Ablan emphasizes that hard work, creativity, and competitiveness are ingrained in its people.
“Because Hawaii is seen as a tourist state, I think there is a perception that we are not complex or ambitious or creative or competitive. That could be further from the truth,” says Ablan.
Her time at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and as EIC of Ka Leo provided a foundation of problem-solving skills and perseverance.
“I learned how to solve problems with the limited technology and staff. We never had Zoom meetings, iPhones, or texting. Everything was very much basic and tougher, quite frankly,” she recounts.
These experiences prepared her for the challenges of New York City, where she had to navigate complex issues and diverse populations.
Breaking Barriers in Financial Journalism as a Filipino American
Choosing journalism was a departure from the traditional paths expected of Filipino Americans, often steered towards the medical field.
Ablan, however, was determined to carve her own path.
“I come from a family of doctors, nurses, and nerds. My siblings have careers in the science field, organic chemistry, and biology. But I knew I wanted to be a serious journalist,” she explains.
Despite her parents’ high expectations, they still supported her ambitions, believing that excellence in any field would lead to success.
Ablan’s decision to move to New York City was driven by a desire to make a mark in journalism, a field she felt was underrepresented by Filipinos.
“I also felt that Filipinos deserve a place in journalism and storytelling. I took a huge risk, but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t do it,” Ablan shares.
Transitioning from covering student life and academic policies to the intricacies of Wall Street required significant self-education and adaptation.
Ablan’s fascination with finance began with a personal commitment to understanding the behavior of money and its impact on the world.
“I taught myself finance, business, the equity, and bond markets,” she recalls.
Her entry into financial journalism at Dow Jones and Barron’s marked the beginning of her deep dive into an industry that was then still growing its journalistic presence.
Navigating a predominantly male industry, Ablan faced numerous challenges. However, she viewed these obstacles as opportunities to prove her tenacity.
“I carry that with a badge of honor because only hard work can make that happen,” she asserts.
Her approach was to not be afraid to ask questions about anything she didn’t understand and really immerse herself in the subject matter.
“You garner respect if you know what you are talking about, so I made it my commitment to learn everything that I could,” she explains.
The Impact of Financial Journalism
Covering high-stakes stories and holding the powerful accountable have been some of the most rewarding aspects of Ablan’s career.
Over two decades, she has interviewed and reported on billionaires like Warren Buffett and Bill Gross.
These experiences have taught her the importance of balance and integrity in journalism.
She says: “The most rewarding aspect of each role that I’ve taken on involves grit. To get to the big stories, you have to do the marginal stories. Everything matters.”
Ablan believes that financial journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of the economy.
“Money moves the world—in business, politics, medicine, in everything!” she declares.
Her commitment to accurate and insightful reporting emphasizes the importance of understanding economic data, which, without emotion, tells the real story.
Empowering Future Generations
Outside of journalism, Ablan is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion as she strives to enhance representation in Corporate America.
For young women aspiring to enter journalism or finance, she shares a piece of advice: “Learn and read everything that you can and that is available to you.”
She also emphasizes the importance of taking risks and not living in fear, qualities she attributes to her Filipino upbringing.
“Young women need to embrace what our Filipino mothers are teaching us—there’s nothing quite like it,” she shares.
Ablan’s journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, self-belief, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
From the diverse shores of Hawaii to the financial epicenter of New York City, her story inspires aspiring journalists and professionals across the globe.
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