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 Annual Summit Recap: Disrupting Wall Street

October 24, 2025
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Financial Women's Association's Annual Summit: Disrupting Wall Street highlighted how disruption is touching every aspect of our industry - from our cities and workplaces to the global economy. From Kathryn Wylde's call to rebuild public-private partnerships to Rick Rieder's global outlook, we were reminded that we're living through a new kind of industrial revolution. Every session pushed us to think bigger. We began with a powerful keynote from Kathryn Wylde who reminded us of the urgent need to revive public–private partnerships, particularly amid uncertainty in our own city. Conversations in following panels turned to the adoption of AI within individual firms, and considered how it is changing how we work on a day-to-day basis, fundamental aspects of our organizational structures and how they operate, and wider macro implications of advances in technology which will foundationally impact employment and education. Many speakers addressed the fact that we will need to learn to manage the masses of data at our disposal and the various implications of its usage. We are seeing the rise of the sophisticated retail investor in the markets, and increased discussions about the role of private credit markets. Here in NYC, we are known as the hub for Fintech and second only to Silicon Valley in venture capital. There is a revolution going on here too from increased investment in helping people to build financial resiliency or the disruption of the ecosystem to bring more capital to female or mixed gender led businesses. The enormity of the upcoming wealth transfer to women will only exacerbate this change. Yet amid all the talk of advances in technology and continued innovation, one key message came through clearly: the human component remains front and center. Leaders shared the value they place in collaboration and networking, and numerous speakers emphasized the concept of trust, whether it is between private and public partnerships, the ability of leaders to support their employees as AI is adopted within their firms, the relationships with regulators, or the acceleration of Fintech. Culture and behavior are also key; many of our speakers talked about experimentation, democratization, and staying curious. They reminded us not to be afraid of change and to seek out others to learn from. While some of these things may at times feel daunting, it can also be a time of exhilaration. We at the FWA are excited to be a part of your journey through all of this - supporting our members as they navigate and shape the future of finance. Thank you to our incredible host, Amazon Web Services (AWS), our Summit Sponsors Korn Ferry, Trianz, Concierto, and N-iX, our Promotional Partners Al NYC, TechWalk NYC, and This Week in Fintech, and our event organizers, the FWA Annual Summit and Fintech Committees. To every speaker, attendee, and committee member who helped make the day unforgettable, thank you for showing up ready to learn, share, and make an impact.

Registration is Open for the 2026 FWA International Business Conference in the United Arab Emirates

October 9, 2025
We invite you to join us as a delegate for our upcoming International Business Conference (IBC) , which will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on April 19-24, 2026 . This event will provide members with career-enhancing insights and create a unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders abroad. Join us to: Explore new developments in finance, investment, and sustainability in the UAE Develop an understanding of the UAE’s role in global markets and sovereign wealth investment Gain insights into innovation, fintech, and energy transition Engage in discussions about best practices in corporate governance, diversity, and leadership Build your professional network through direct access to regional and global business leaders Click here to learn more!

Hermina “Nina” Batson: Fearless Leadership and a Lasting Legacy in Mentorship

October 2, 2025
What happens when a setback sparks a calling? For Hermina “Nina” Batson, walking away from electrical engineering wasn’t the end of her high school dream; it was the start of a fearless career in financial services—one built on integrity, courage, resilience, fortitude, determination, and a strong commitment to giving back. The daughter of Panamanian parents, Nina grew up on Long Island. At Hofstra University, she took steps to create opportunities for every student to feel included and have the chance to succeed. “Every student must have the opportunity to be successful, even if they don’t know how,” she says, a belief that continues to guide her. Long before Nina became a corporate leader, she taught financial literacy to underserved individuals in the communities she served, helping them understand the basics of money management and find pathways to independence. Mentoring, in one form or another, has always been part of her story.

New Report Calls for Systemic Change in Finance Workplaces - Driving Effectiveness, Innovation, and Profitability

September 4, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association (FWA) announces the release of a new white paper, The Post-Pandemic Return Among Women in Finance , authored by cultural anthropologist Dr. Melissa Suzanne Fisher. Commissioned by the FWA, the report examines how return-to-office policies and shifting workplace norms continue to shape careers in the financial services industry and outlines practical steps firms can take to build more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Based on pandemic and post-pandemic research, the report offers an analysis of challenges that remain highly relevant today: balancing work and family responsibilities, supporting employee well-being, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder career success. Drawing on interdisciplinary social sciences and firsthand accounts, the report highlights persistent cultural and structural barriers that limit progress across the industry. The report highlights that while the pandemic's remote work experiments offered employees new ways to balance work and personal life, the push for a full-time return to the office threatens this progress. Key recommendations highlighted in the report include: Responsibility of caregiving and work/life balance should be shared across the organization, rather than leaving individuals to manage these challenges alone. Firms should focus on addressing bias and discrimination embedded in their systems, not just changing individual attitudes. New models of mentoring and support are needed to reflect evolving work environments (such as hybrid work) and changing employee needs. Dr. Fisher, author of Wall Street Women , and a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, as well as a Senior Advisor at CFAR Consulting and Coaching Services, argues that supporting employees in balancing work, family, and personal needs is not only the right thing to do - it also drives innovation, effectiveness, and long-term profitability. The Financial Women’s Association has championed the advancement of women across the financial industry for nearly 70 years. This report adds to that tradition by offering actionable strategies firms can adopt to create more welcoming, supportive, and equitable workplaces so all employees can thrive. 
More Posts