Meet Our Mentee - Electra Economopoulos

May 4, 2023

Electra Economopoulos, a recent graduate of Baruch College with a BBA in Marketing Management, had a fulfilling experience as a mentee in the FWA mentoring program. Her FWA mentor, Kim Hanson, played a crucial role in her personal and professional development, providing her with guidance and support in navigating college and finding opportunities that align with her future.


Kim, who is the Head of B2B Thought Leadership Content at BMO Capital Markets and has over 20 years of experience in the industry, offered Electra an internship opportunity on her team. This opportunity allowed Electra to gain valuable experience and expand her network.


Electra was also able to interact with Kim in both a professional and personal setting, often enjoying lunch or dinner with colleagues or attending various conferences and events. Kim also served as a role model, so Electra could visualize the skills she needs to achieve her professional goals. According to Electra, “Working with Kim fast-forwarded my career plans. My BMO work experience and her career advice transformed me from a college marketing major to a professional.”


One experience in the FWA mentoring program that made Electra feel empowered, inspired, and motivated was the annual Conversations with FWA Pacesetters event hosted by FWA at Baruch. Electra enjoyed hearing from the women making strides towards their career goals and ambitions, while also learning about the companies they work at. Each panelist shared both inspiring and impactful work that they do, and career advice.


Electra is eager to advance her career, personal development, and professional relationships while also lifting up other young professionals. The exceptional programming offered to the entire cohort of mentees helped her start the journey of completing those advancements. Electra's experience in the FWA mentoring program and her mentor's support led to her success in her career, and she is grateful for the opportunity.


Inspired by Electra’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.
More Posts