SMU Stories: Heather Gilker

In this SMU Stories interview, we sit down with Heather Gilker, founder and principal of Tokalon Advisors LLC and Managing Director of Pickwick Capital, to discuss her influential career and the pivotal role SMU has played in her journey. Heather brings over 25 years of experience in investing, community engagement, and strategy, with a distinct focus on sustainability and impact investing. As Executive Director of the North Texas Chapter of the SWAN Impact Network, she dedicates her efforts to advancing early-stage investments that create meaningful social impact. Her work through Tokalon Advisors exemplifies her mission of fostering a robust impact investment ecosystem in DFW and Texas.
Heather's time at SMU’s Cox School of Business, where she now serves on the Advisory Board of the Alternative Asset Management Center, equipped her with the skills and network that have driven her successful career in finance and impact investing. From leading the Southwest development for Fidelity Family Office Services to serving as a judge for Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ Lone Star Prize, Heather continues to contribute to innovative initiatives and sustainability-focused strategies. In this conversation, we explore how her experiences at SMU shaped her path and continue to influence her work in building a better, more sustainable community.