Empowering Success: How the FWA Mentoring Program Transforms Lives

June 15, 2023

Michelle Reznik is a first-generation Ukrainian American, and graduating senior from Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, majoring in Finance. She feels honored to be selected as a mentee featured in this month’s FWA newsletter and looks forward to starting her career at BMO Capital Markets this summer.


According to Michelle, the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program has been exceptional, providing her with a mentor who could understand any problems she encountered and offer advice to help her become a better version of herself. Michelle is grateful for the program's support, which aided in her professional development, both within and outside of Baruch. She is also grateful for BMO Capital Market’s support through its Equity Through Education funding. She is a recipient of its scholarship funds and appreciates its commitment to Baruch students.


Michelle revealed that her mentor, Aidi Zheng, a BMO Director in Global Markets Corporate Banking, was extraordinary, providing her with the best advice and guidance she could ask for. That BMO connection was extremely helpful, providing an excellent means for Michelle to meet her mentor in person, even though they resided in different states. The two have built a great connection and have regular catch-up sessions and coffee chats virtually. She has built a BMO network including other Baruch graduates, FWA mentors and panelists at BMO’s annual meet and greet event.


Aidi has always supported Michelle's decisions and provided a fresh perspective on any matter, helping Michelle understand her circumstances and options better. By nudging her into finding her own way, Aidi helped Michelle better understand her goals and expectations of herself and how she could best achieve them.


Being a part of the mentoring program taught Michelle how impactful being surrounded by powerful women truly is. She has grown as a person and as a career professional through the mentoring program, and she wants to become a mentor to support future generations of students. Michelle has learned how valuable it is to be a part of a strong community and how a mentor could make a significant difference in one's personal and professional life.


Michelle urges other college students to find a mentor, communicate with their mentor once a connection is established, and make the most of the opportunity. Michelle said, “the FWA mentoring program has provided me with a life-long mentor and support system that will always be there for me.”


Inspired by Michelle’s story? Ready to mentor a talented college student launching her business career? Contact Baruch College program lead Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or Seton Hall University program leads Donna Harris ([email protected]) or Lu Licciardello ( [email protected]).

FWA Graduate School Partnership: Finance Training Program

March 27, 2025
In Fall 2024, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) Graduate School Partnerships Committee, with support from BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program, sponsored a finance training program for over 175 Baruch College Zicklin School of Business graduate students. As part of the curriculum, students attended a financial markets overview lecture by KLD Training and completed courses in applied Excel and corporate valuation with Training the Street. The Graduate School Partnerships Committee is proud to help fulfill the FWA’s mission to contribute to our communities and prepare the next generation of professionals through this multi-year initiative. As the financial services industry continues to go through technological and regulatory changes, the Committee hopes these young professionals will gain an edge as they enter the financial services industry with the additional technical skills and financial knowledge acquired from the training program. In the excerpts below, a few participants share how the course helped their corporate valuation knowledge and express their gratitude to the FWA and BMO Capital Markets. Click here to view the complete Participants Testimonial booklet . For more information about the FWA Graduate School Partnership, please contact committee chair Christine Li-Auyeung .

FWA Immediate Past President Hermina "Nina" Batson Featured in Equities.com

March 20, 2025
We're proud to celebrate our immediate past President, Hermina "Nina" Batson's recognition in Equities.com ! Her career resilience, leadership during the pandemic, and unwavering commitment to provide access, inclusion, and diversity continue to inspire. Read more here: Nina Batson: A trailblazing Black woman on Wall Street - Equities.com

Greetings From France!

March 13, 2025
This past week, we had the privilege of celebrating International Women's Day and kicking off our International Business Conference here in France. We began with a warm welcome dinner on Sunday night, followed by a series of events at businesses across central Paris. We have taken a deep dive into France’s technological advancements, energy sector, markets, and economic leadership. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity presented by the FWA International Business Conference, which has brought together delegates from around the world since 1978. It has been an absolute pleasure to experience France in such a unique and enriching way. As we approach the conclusion of this conference and prepare to head back home, I will carry with me the unforgettable experiences and knowledge gained here. La vie est belle!  Best, Annette Stewart FWA President 2023 - 2025

Spotlight on Kelsey Halloran, FWA Secretary

February 27, 2025
Supporting corporate governance through top-notch administration People who enjoy solving puzzles and problems are often detail-oriented, observant, organized, patient and analytical. These traits enable them to approach complex challenges methodically and effectively. For Kelsey Halloran, these qualities have been key to her success as a forensic accountant at a leading global advisory firm and have made her a prime choice for secretary of the FWA.  Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the FWA’s Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, talked with Kelsey about her career and the role the FWA has played in developing her leadership skills and shaping her professional growth.
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