Meet Zoe Winfield: The 19-Year-Old Private Equity Prodigy Taking Law, Fashion, and Social Media by Storm

I never really thought of myself as someone who would be featured in a magazine, let alone it being about me fully. But here I am, 19 years old, balancing law and economics at Cornell University while juggling meetings with private equity firms, cross-country flights between Yonkers and Calabasas, and a growing social media presence. It sounds like a lot—because it is—but I’ve found a way to turn the chaos into something beautiful.

Growing up in Ridge Hill, a quiet corner of Yonkers, I used to sit on the balcony of my family’s apartment and watch the sun melt into the skyline. That view taught me everything about timing, patience, and perspective. It’s also where I found peace amid the pace of my double life. Now, even when I’m back in Calabasas surrounded by palm trees and luxury meetings, I still look for the same kind of light that Yonkers gave me. It reminds me of home.

At Cornell, things are anything but quiet. Law and economics are demanding majors, especially when you’re also attached to a handful of private equity firms. I’ve been fortunate—grinding through internships, diving deep into market trends, and saying “yes” to opportunities that most people my age wouldn’t even know existed. That kind of hustle helped me accumulate a net worth of $320,000 before I even turned 20. It’s surreal. I still smile when I look at the numbers, but I also know the work it took to get there.

High school was its own journey. I graduated at the top of my class, a goal I chased with the same tenacity I now bring to boardrooms and bank statements. But I wasn’t all books and numbers. I played golf competitively—something that shocked people at first. I found peace on the green, just me, the club, and the swing. It also gave me the chance to meet and play alongside people I once only looked up to. That version of Zoe—the one shaking hands with icons and being taken seriously—was the first glimpse of the woman I was becoming.

Recently, I decided to do something I always hesitated to try: put myself out there publicly. Social media felt like a risk. But I created a TikTok page—@ummzoeisthatu—and leaned into fashion and beauty content. It started out as a private space, something just for me and a few close friends. But it didn’t stay that way for long. The aesthetic, the candid takes, the subtle flexes—it all resonated with people. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a student or a finance girl. I was a voice.

Fashion has always been a part of who I am. I love tailored jackets, silk skirts, oversized sunglasses—anything that says “boss” before I even open my mouth. I grew up watching Vogue runway highlights online, pulling inspiration from icons who weren’t afraid to mix business with beauty. I want my presence, both online and off, to reflect that energy. I’m not here to fit into a box. I’m here to design my own.

The question I get asked the most is: “How do you do it all?” And the answer is—I don’t do it all perfectly. I have sleepless nights. I cancel plans. I question myself constantly. But I’ve learned to protect my peace, delegate where I can, and move with intention. Whether it’s negotiating a partnership or planning an outfit, everything I do has a strategy behind it.

Traveling back and forth between Calabasas and New York is probably the hardest part of my schedule. One minute I’m in meetings with VCs, the next I’m in class taking notes on constitutional law. The time zones, the jet lag—it gets to me. But I’ve also built a life I genuinely love. I work hard, yes, but I also laugh hard, dress up, dance in the mirror, and take breaks when I need them.

I think what surprises people most is that I’m still just 19. People assume I have a team of assistants or that I’ve been handed some silver spoon. But the truth is, I built this from the ground up. Every networking call, every email, every post—I’ve done it myself. And I’m just getting started.

So what’s next for me? Honestly, I don’t know—and that’s what excites me most. I might launch a brand, maybe dive deeper into venture capital, or even host a podcast for girls who want to do it all. But one thing is certain: I’m not slowing down. Not now, not ever.