Credit voices: Charlotte Vargoz
Charlotte’s love for finance and her dedication to driving positive change are at the heart of her career as a credit professional. Growing up in France shaped her perspective, particularly her passion for creating opportunities for others. “I was fortunate to have access to free education, free healthcare, and opportunities to study and work abroad —privileges that many people in other parts of the world do not enjoy,” she reflects. This awareness inspired her to merge her passion for social impact with the power of finance.
“My work with Women of the World Endowment was pivotal,” she shares. It was there that she realized the power of capital to foster positive change, particularly in advancing gender equality through strategic investments. Now immersed in sustainable finance, Charlotte channels her expertise into advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while supporting initiatives that promote a more sustainable economy. “Directing resources to initiatives that align with my values continues to be deeply fulfilling,” she says.
Her career in ESG analysis has also offered intellectual challenges that Charlotte embraces. The process of evaluating companies’ environmental, social, and governance factors involves creating thoughtful impact assessments. “The depth of analysis that ESG requires is complex and rewarding. I love the challenge of turning subjective sustainability factors into tangible insights,” she notes.
Career highlights
Charlotte’s career began with a strong foundation in problem-solving through design-thinking consultancy work in New York. She later joined Women of the World Endowment as part of the founding team, helping to develop its investment strategy and cement its mission of advancing gender equality.
Eager to expand her expertise in sustainability, Charlotte joined Fitch in 2022 as an ESG analyst for Sustainable Fitch. “I was the first North American employee on my team,” she recalls. This role gave her the unique opportunity to develop scoring methodologies across diverse industries, from food and beverage to gaming and entertainment.
Charlotte quickly advanced in her career, becoming a senior analyst in her second year and then an Associate Director in 2024. "My progression has been fueled by the diversity in my roles—analyst, reviewer, and now manager," she explains. Each position has allowed her to refine critical skills, lead impactful projects, and oversee both team operations and client engagements.
“As an ESG analyst, I assess and score the impact of companies on the environment, society, and the effectiveness of their governance on their leveraged finance. I serve as a sector specialist across multiple industries, spearheading sector updates and research initiatives. This involves collaborating cross-functionally within Sustainable Fitch to enhance methodologies and refine sector-specific approaches, ensuring accurate and up-to-date insights for investors and stakeholders.
“In my role as a reviewer, I focus on ensuring the accuracy and consistency of our assessments, providing helpful feedback to enable the next generation of analysts to develop, and delivering high quality outputs.
“Each day brings new challenges and learning experiences, making the role truly fulfilling. The opportunity to drive sustainable finance forward while continuously expanding my skill set is what makes this position so significant to me.”
Advice for aspiring credit professionals
For those entering the field, Charlotte has practical and empowering advice. “Go for it! Don’t hesitate to pursue opportunities that truly interest you, even if you feel underqualified,” she advises. Charlotte believes that women often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every requirement but emphasizes the importance of pushing past self-doubt.
“Your willingness to learn and your perspective as a fresh voice in the financial sector are incredibly valuable,” she says.
For aspiring analysts, she highlights key skills like analytical rigor, critical thinking, adaptability, and communication. “All of these skills are essential for developing innovative products and strategies that align with the transition towards a more sustainable economy,” she adds.
“Understanding complex data is important, but so is communicating those insights effectively.”
Career highlights
Charlotte is particularly proud of her role in driving sustainability and DEI initiatives, both professionally and personally. One of her standout achievements was being recognized as Fitch’s 2025 Rising Star for the Women's Bond Club (WBC), a prestigious organization promoting women’s leadership in finance. “This honor not only acknowledges my work but amplifies the importance of sustainability and diversity in the sector,” she reflects.
She remains committed to leveraging her platform to promote gender equality, sustainability, and diverse leadership across the financial industry. “These roles have allowed me to work towards a more inclusive workplace by driving strategic initiatives that promote diversity in our office,” she shares.
Final reflections
Charlotte’s career exemplifies the powerful intersection of finance, sustainability, and social impact. She has consistently leveraged her expertise and values to leave a tangible impact on the financial sector and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of purposeful leadership and the enduring value of aligning professional success with personal convictions.