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Breaking Barriers: The Dynamic Mentorship Journey of Liz Harper and Zoya Khan

May 30, 2024

As this academic year comes to a close, we recognize the power of mentoring through the inspiring relationship between our Financial Women's Association Seton Hall University Mentoring Program featured mentee, Zoya Khan, and her mentor, Liz Harper.


Liz Harper, Principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), has had an impressive journey in the finance industry. Starting her career in audit at KPMG and earning her CPA, Liz navigated various roles, from managing at a small firm to leading quality control at Sobel & Co., and now spearheading CLA’s New Jersey office’s Employee Benefit Plan audit group. Her experience and passion for mentoring have been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young professionals, including Zoya Khan.


Zoya Khan, an accounting major at the Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University (SHU), graduating in 2027 from a 5-year master’s program, exemplifies the drive and determination that Liz finds inspiring. “I first heard about the FWA through an email from Dean Strawser,” Zoya recalls. “I went to the FWA website to learn about the program and became even more interested.” Her journey into accounting began with a high school class that sparked her interest, despite no family background in the field.


From the beginning of their mentoring relationship, Liz has been a guiding force for Zoya. “Liz has been very attentive, kind, and helpful from the start. We talked about our general interests and more specifically about each aspect of accounting to see what would be best for me,” Zoya shares. This guidance has been pivotal in helping Zoya navigate the complexities of choosing between tax and audit internships.

One of the most significant outcomes of their relationship is Zoya’s upcoming audit internship at CLA in the summer of 2025. “I am excited to share that Zoya will be joining CLA as an audit intern,” Liz reveals. This opportunity is a testament to Zoya’s hard work and Liz’s dedicated mentorship. Liz emphasizes, “Success comes with hard work every day. Becoming a CPA was pivotal for me, and I believe Zoya has the same potential.”


Liz's influence extends beyond professional advice. Her personal insights into the finance industry have provided Zoya with valuable lessons. “I’ve learned from Liz that opportunities can come when you least expect them to, so you should always be prepared,” says Zoya. This lesson has been crucial as Zoya prepared for unexpected internship calls and deadlines.


Both Liz and Zoya highlight the mutual growth that comes from their mentoring relationship. Liz notes, “We meet regularly and talk about a wide range of topics, some of which I learn from as well. Each day I learn something new that impacts me personally or technically.” Zoya adds, “The mentoring program has shown me the benefits of making connections in the industry and learning from other people’s experiences.”


Liz, who has been a mentor since the FWA-Seton Hall University Mentoring Program’s inception, believes in the importance of mentorship and the power it has in helping women and the next generation. “Build a strong network, be proactive, and be confident,” she advises aspiring finance professionals, especially women. Her commitment to mentoring has not only shaped Zoya’s career but also set a benchmark for future leaders.


As Zoya looks ahead, her focus is clear. “After completing my degrees, I plan on focusing on the CPA exam. As a CPA herself, Liz has been very insightful about the process and tips for the exam.” Zoya’s dedication and the skills she has gained through the mentoring program position her well for a successful future in finance.


Zoya’s message to other aspiring finance professionals highlights the importance of mentoring programs like the FWA’s program at Seton Hall: “While building a career can be competitive, it is also important to support others. Liz has always been very nice, and I would like to help someone else in the future as well. It helps build a supportive community.”


The mentoring relationship between Liz Harper and Zoya Khan is a testament to the power of guidance, support, and shared growth. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded of the profound impact that mentorship can have on shaping the future of finance. Liz, we thank you for your unwavering commitment to your mentee and the SHU Program, and Zoya, we applaud your accomplishments and extend our best wishes for your ongoing career journey.


For those ready to mentor a promising college student navigating the business landscape, reach out to the program leads:

Baruch - Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or

Seton Hall - Donna Harris ([email protected]) or Lu Licciardello ([email protected])


Take the next step to become a mentor today!

FWA Member Darcy Ann Flanders, Founder of BaselineGroupNY, Honored with 2025 WBENC WBE Star Award

February 20, 2025
The prestigious recognition awards 14 woman-owned businesses across the country Darcy Ann Flanders, Founder and Chief Brand Strategist of BaselineGroupNY , has been named a 2025 WBENC WBE Star Award recipient , a national honor celebrating trailblazing women who lead with vision, innovation, and impact while supporting their corporate clients. Selected from a powerful network of certified woman-owned businesses, Flanders stands among 14 honorees nationwide representing WBEC Metro NY, the New York regional partner organization. The award recognizes Flanders as a successful business leader, pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for herself, her businesses, and her communities. As the visionary force behind the award-winning creative agency, BaselineGroupNY, Flanders has spent 28 years at the helm transforming brands through compelling stories using visual design. Under her leadership, strategy, and artistry come together to help clients like Capital One, Webster Bank, and Northwell Health cut through the noise with visually impactful creative solutions. For more than 30 years, Flanders has made a name for herself as a trusted leader and partner, combining her extensive expertise with a collaborative approach to help organizations achieve their goals through branding and design. "Receiving the WBENC WBE Star Award is an incredible honor," said Flanders. "At Baseline, we thrive on blending strategy, creativity, and agility to navigate the fast-paced needs of our clients. While we have deep expertise in financial creative services, we proudly serve a wide range of industries, including nonprofit, education, and various service-based sectors. We specialize in bridging the gap between large agencies and in-house teams, seamlessly integrating into existing structures or stepping in as a dedicated creative department for organizations that need targeted support.” Under Flanders’ leadership, Baseline has been a trusted partner in the creative industry since 1997, continuously adapting to the ever-changing landscape. Through the growth of the internet, financial crises, the rise of social media, and the challenges of COVID-19, Baseline weathered each storm—maintaining its reputation and retaining loyal clients who continue to work with them as they join new organizations. The agency has earned recognition from the Financial Communications Society, 2024 MUSE Awards, and 2023 Graphic Design USA. This latest honor from WBENC underscores not just Flanders creative expertise, but her ability to lead and thrive in the face of adversity. BaselineGroupNY looks forward to continuing to deliver the high level of excellence that the 2025 WBENC WBE Star Award espouses for their current and future corporate clients while continuing to influence the future of branding and design. 

Spotlight on FWA President Annette Stewart

January 30, 2025
Strategic planning and vision to advance women in financial services FWA President Annette Stewart’s accomplishments are impressive, to say the least. Not only is she a first-generation college graduate, but she’s also a lawyer and holds an MBA degree. She has nearly 18 years of experience on Wall Street, and still managed to strike the ideal work-life balance. In her most recent role, a senior director focusing on U.S. Business Acceleration and Integration at RBC, she worked remotely from her home in Memphis, TN and traveled to New York City for monthly meetings.  Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the FWA’s Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, talked with Annette about her career, her leadership journey at the FWA and how the organization has contributed to her success.

Registration Open for 2025 FWA International Business Conference

January 16, 2025
Join us in France!  We invite you to join us as a delegate for our upcoming FWA International Business Conference (IBC) , taking place in Paris from March 9–14, 2025 . As always, our IBCs are a great opportunity to learn in an international setting, build your professional career, and grow your network. In Paris you will: Engage with industry leaders and experts on topics such as energy, global markets, technology, women’s leadership, and sustainability Spend time at leading companies, including Skadden, RBC, Natixis, Banque Transatlantique, Crédit Mutuel, Groupe BPCE, and JP Morgan Participate in exclusive panels, workshops, and roundtables hosted by esteemed organizations like Université Paris Dauphine-PSL and JP Morgan’s ‘Women on the Move’ Immerse yourself in Parisian culture through curated evening events, networking dinners, and optional site visits. Click here to view a more detailed agenda (in formation). Conference Fees $1,500 Members* $2,000 Non-Members* *Includes a $500 deposit due by 1/31/2025 to secure your spot (non-refundable should you decide to cancel your registration). Full payment is due by 2/15/2025. Individuals are separately responsible for personal travel and accommodations. Suggestions and recommendations will be provided. Support is available from a travel consultant. Secure your spot today! Deposits are due by 1/31/2025. We look forward to being with you in Paris!

Spotlight on Operations Resource Committee Member Susan Migliaccio

January 9, 2025
Strong governance, risk, and controls expertise supports the FWA’s mission If you have a question about driving technological, financial and strategic transformation, Susan Migliaccio is your go-to expert. With over 20 years of experience, she has a proven track record of advising executives in complex organizations on intricate challenges across finance, operations and technology to achieve their goals. Her unique ability to solve problems from multiple functional perspectives provides valuable insights to her clients and teams. She is adept at building strong relationships with clients and bringing the right people together to achieve consensus and drive change.  Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, recently sat down with Susan to discuss how she has brought her expertise to various leadership roles within the FWA.
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