Ngoc Can serves as Senior Director, Direct Investments at Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). In her current role, she helped lay the foundations for TMRS’ internal direct co-investment portfolio and participated in the underwriting of its commitments in private equity, private credit and direct investments. She sits on six limited partner advisory committees.
Previously, Ngoc served as Principal at Diamond Ventures, where she helped lead its direct investments portfolio buildout in private equity. She began her career in investment banking at Houlihan Lokey in Los Angeles.
Ngoc received her MBA in finance and her B.S. in finance and accounting from the University of Arizona and is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter-holder. Private Equity International named Ngoc one of the “40 under 40: Future Leaders of Private Equity” and Institutional Investor recognized her with their 2024 AlphaEdge: Alpha Generation – Private Equity Investing award.
Favorite investment quote:
Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up.”
– Charlie Munger
What should GPs know about you?
I still remember the day I opened that acceptance letter, a full scholarship to study at the University of Arizona. For a 18-year-old growing up in Vietnam, it was a life-changing opportunity that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t yet imagine. Those years taught me the true value of hard work and perseverance.
Now as I look back on that wide-eyed student I once was, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. I want to be an inspiration for those who are where I once stood – dreaming big but unsure of how to make those dreams a reality. Whether it’s advocating for scholarship opportunities or helping TMRS beneficiaries secure their financial futures, I am committed to paying forward the incredible gift I was given. Because I believe everyone deserves a shot at financial freedom and the chance to chase their dreams, just like I did.