Dina Caggiula, who spent the first 10 years of her life as a resident of Staten Island before her father’s job transferred the family to Collegeville, is a Department Head of Participant Strategy and Experience at Vanguard.

Caggiula’s first job was as a mother’s helper when she was 12 years old.

“By the time I was 14, I was nannying over the summers and after school a few days a week for neighbors,” she said. “From then on, I was always balancing work and school. Many of those families that I babysat for also became huge influences in my life and my first mentors.”

Caggiula earned both a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University.

“I have known Dina since she was a freshman at Saint Joseph’s University,” said Dr. Joseph DiAngelo, Dean of The Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University. “I have worked with her during her MBA experience and throughout her career at Vanguard. She serves on our Advisory Board for the Pedro Arrupe Center for Business Ethics, and she has served as a mentor to numerous undergraduate students. She is one of our most active and respected alumnae.”

Caggiula credits Heidi Stam, her former boss at Vanguard, with having the biggest impact on her career.

“When coming back from my first maternity leave, I took on a high-pressure, high-stakes role as Chief of Staff for Vanguard’s General Counsel,” said Caggiula. “It was a turning point in my career and one that I will forever cherish. Heidi had a huge impact on my career during that time. Not because of what she taught me about my job, but what she taught me about being a working mom. When I struggled with balance between home and work, she was there to guide me. When I worried about being a role model for my daughter, she encouraged me. When I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know how to prioritize, she provided clarity. And most of all, she led by example. She showed me that I could be a boss at work and an amazing mother at home without having to sacrifice on either front.”

Caggiula’s proudest professional achievement was helping to bring an advice offer to market for millions of Vanguard investors.

“One of the many reasons why I joined Vanguard was our mission to give investors the best chance for investment success,” she said. “For most of our clients, they feel confident that through Vanguard’s thought leadership and mutual funds, they can achieve their financial goals. But for many others, they are seeking professional guidance or management.

“In 2015, I was a part of the team that launched Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services offer. Then again, I was asked to extend that service to institutional participants for the first time this past year. Our PAS offer brings together the best of Vanguard’s investment options, a sophisticated technology solution and a personal advisor to help you navigate life’s largest milestones. It has been incredibly rewarding to hear the stories of so many Vanguard investors who benefited from this service and achieved their financial dreams – whether that was saving for their first home, a college education for their children, or a comfortable retirement.”

Caggiula’s favorite restaurant is Limoncello in West Chester.

“I come from a big Italian family and was born in Brooklyn, so I have been spoiled with excellent Italian food,” she said. “Limoncello is the best in the area! My family and I adore the food, wine, and atmosphere.”