Tuula Jalasjaa: Advocacy, Empowerment and Global Perspectives
At Trafalgar Castle School, we are thrilled to see our alumnae shaping industries and communities across the globe. One such inspiring alumna is Tuula Jalasjaa, Class of 1997, whose journey from Trafalgar to a distinguished career in banking, wealth management, and financial education and empowerment is nothing short of remarkable.
Like many young graduates, Tuula left Trafalgar Castle School without a clear vision of her career path. She attended Western University, where she pursued an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. Following her graduation, she embarked on an exciting period of travel, exploring Australia and Southeast Asia before spending an additional year studying in the South of France followed by a semester in Sweden. This international exposure ignited her interest in global business and finance.
Recognizing her passion for international markets, Tuula pursued an International Masters of Business (IMBA) degree, a unique two-year program in Canada that combined business courses, both French business and conversational language proficiencies, and international work experience. This resulted in her working for a while in Martinique in the French West Indies, where she gained hands-on experience in Marketing, while working in the French language.
Eager to enter the finance industry, Tuula applied to Scotiabank, drawn to its reputation as Canada’s most international bank. Without a predefined career plan, she explored various opportunities in finance, eventually moving across different divisions within the organization. Her dedication and ambition led her to complete her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation to add to her MBA credentials.
By the age of 33, Tuula became a Vice President at Scotiabank, where she played an integral role in expanding strategic growth in Asia and Latin America. Later as she expanded her wealth management experience at Scotiabank, she was moved to take on the helm of Dundee Wealth, overseeing 4,000 financial advisors across Canada. After 25 years in the corporate world, Tuula decided to pivot her career to focus on empowering women in financial literacy.
Tuula founded The Women’s Collection, a non-profit organization dedicated to financial literacy for women. The initiative focuses on helping women understand investment portfolios and options, make informed investment decisions, and gain confidence in managing their financial futures. “There are no bad questions when it comes to inquiring about how to achieve your own financial wellness,” Tuula emphasizes. Her mission is to ensure that women feel empowered to take charge of their wealth, create legacies for their families, and understand the evolving financial landscape.
Through The Women’s Collection website, Tuula provides resources such as podcasts, articles and budgeting tools, offering a comprehensive financial education program tailored specifically for women. One of the biggest challenges she sees is that women often defer financial decision-making to their partners. Her goal is to change this narrative by equipping women with the knowledge they need to gain financial independence, confidence and security.
Today, Tuula serves as the Acting CEO for a bank and wealth management firm in the Cayman Islands, while also holding Board Director roles at WealthOne Bank in Canada, including acting as the Chair of the HR and Governance committee. She is passionate about alternative investment strategies, private equity, and the increasing role of women in wealth management.
Tuula continues to advocate for women in finance and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation. She believes in self-reflection and proactive career planning, encouraging young professionals to assess their interests, seek mentorship, and explore opportunities in the ever-evolving financial sector.
Reflecting on her time at Trafalgar Castle School, Tuula cherishes the lifelong friendships and sisterhood she built during her years there. She advises current students to stay informed about global events, understand the intersection of politics and finance, and never hesitate to ask questions about all the career options available. Her message to young women aspiring to enter the finance sector: “The financial industry has a huge demand for talented individuals, especially women. Whether in financial planning, portfolio management, or investment strategy, there are endless opportunities to make an impact,” added Tuula.
As Trafalgar launches its Alumnae Mentorship Program, Tuula emphasizes the importance of mentorship in career development. “A great mentor can guide, challenge, and advocate for you,” she notes, encouraging mentees to take ownership of their growth by coming prepared to every meeting with their objectives and focused agenda.
What’s next? Tuula remains deeply engaged in the corporate world, serving on boards and mentoring emerging leaders, but she is also exploring the possibility of pursuing a PhD in women and finance, continuing her lifelong journey of learning and impact.
Tuula’s parting financial wisdom, “Never underestimate the power of compounding. Start investing early, stay informed, and take control of your own financial future.”
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We are incredibly proud to feature Tuula Jalasjaa as part of our Alumnae Spotlight Series. Her career journey is a testament to the value of resilience, curiosity, and lifelong learning—qualities that Trafalgar Castle School continues to instill in its students today.