Nikita Bijlani on Breaking Barriers and Embracing Growth Through the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program

The Financial Women's Association-Baruch College Mentoring Program has been forging powerful connections between driven students and seasoned financial professionals for decades. One of the program's featured mentees, Nikita Bijlani, a standout, exemplifies the program's true success.


Under the mentorship of Aidi Zheng, a Director of Global Markets Corporate Banking and Hedge Fund Credit Risk at BMO Capital Markets, a President's Circle Sponsor of FWA, Nikita Bijlani's career trajectory has undergone a remarkable transformation.


Nikita's journey, shaped by Aidi's guidance, has been truly impactful. In her own words, she reflects on the program's influence: "My experience with the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program has been very impactful on both me and my career. My mentor, Aidi, has been one of my biggest supporters... I learned to stand up for myself in ways I did not know how to before... The mentoring program pushed me to believe that I could do better and work harder at my goals to achieve them."


Motivated by the pursuit of excellence, Nikita's inspiration to join the program stemmed from her participation in the Rising Starr Sophomore Program at Baruch, a program that highlighted financial literacy and values in line with the FWA. Her mother's achievements in finance further motivated Nikita, so she sought guidance with the hopes of fostering her own potential and self-advocacy skills.


Aidi's mentorship provided Nikita with the motivation to strive for excellence, emphasizing continuous learning and networking for personal and professional growth. A crucial lesson from Aidi was overcoming the fear of asking questions, empowering Nikita to express her opinions confidently.


"A significant takeaway from Aidi was the skill to break the glass ceiling," notes Nikita. When faced with a challenging project outside her comfort zone, Aidi's unwavering support fueled Nikita's determination to excel, demonstrating that the sky is no longer the limit; it's just the beginning.


Entering her junior year with a predefined finance path, Nikita's horizons expanded under Aidi's guidance, prompting her to consider diverse career opportunities within the finance industry. As she envisions becoming a mentor herself, Nikita acknowledges the incredible impact of the FWA community, stressing the importance of giving back to the next generation.


Nikita Bijlani's story stands as a testament to the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program's ability to ignite ambition, dismantle barriers, and propel emerging professionals toward success. As she prepares for her internship at BMO Capital Markets next Summer, Nikita embodies the FWA's mission to empower women in finance and inspire future leaders to break boundaries and reach new heights.


Inspired by Nikita’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]).

Women’s History Month: Seventy Years of Change and the Women Who Refused to Wait

March 17, 2026
by Robert Brown Every March, Women’s History Month invites us to reflect on the women who challenged expectations, opened doors, and changed the course of industries that once excluded them. For the Financial Women’s Association, that reflection is personal. As the organization celebrates its 70th anniversary, the story of FWA mirrors the broader story of women’s progress in finance. What began in 1956 with eight determined women has grown into a global community that has helped generations of women enter, navigate, and lead in an industry that once shut them out. Those eight enterprising women did something quietly radical. They were working inside investment banks and financial institutions at a time when their talent was welcome, but their presence in leadership circles was not. The established associations of the day did not admit women. Access to the conversations, relationships, and influence that shaped the industry flowed through rooms they were not allowed to enter. So they built their own.

Building a Community in Florida

March 12, 2026
Something special is taking shape in Florida. Earlier this week, women from across the state gathered in Palm Beach Gardens as the FWA Florida Committee hosted its inaugural in-person event at DSM Capital Partners in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The program featured a forward-looking conversation on AI and technology in investing, followed by an interactive session on personal branding and executive presence led by FWA President Albana Theka and Florida Committee Co-Chair Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen. Connections began the evening before at a dinner that set the tone for a day filled with energy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. By the time sessions began, the room already felt like a community. That’s what the FWA does best. Special thanks to Florida Committee Co-Chairs Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen and Kari Desai, DSM Capital Partners for hosting, and all who joined. “Nothing beats the power of community and human connection. It was incredible to see women from across Florida come together for conversations that were insightful, energizing, and genuinely fun.” - Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen 

From Ideas to Impact: The Role of Commitment in Leadership: A Message from FWA President Albana Theka

February 26, 2026
One of the things I value most about the Financial Women’s Association is the creativity of our members. I hear so many thoughtful ideas. New programs. Fresh perspectives. Ways we can continue to grow and evolve as an organization. That energy is a gift and it tells me people care.  At the same time, one lesson I continue to learn as a leader is that ideas are only the beginning. What truly moves an organization forward is what happens next. Often, when an idea is shared, the natural follow-up is a simple question. Who would like to help take this forward? Sometimes there is immediate enthusiasm. Other times, there is hesitation. And that moment is important. It’s not about pressure. It’s about clarity. Many of us are balancing full careers, families, caregiving responsibilities, and personal goals. Capacity looks different for everyone and it changes over time. Being honest about what we can realistically commit to is part of good leadership. The most impactful ideas are the ones that come with a willingness to stay involved. That involvement doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means helping shape the vision, building momentum, and partnering with others to bring it to life. Organizations thrive when ideas are paired with ownership. When members feel empowered not just to contribute suggestions, but to help guide them toward execution. Even small steps of follow-through create momentum and trust. At FWA, we welcome ideas. We value curiosity and innovation. And we also believe that commitment, in whatever form is realistic for you, is what turns good ideas into meaningful impact. When vision and follow-through come together, everyone benefits. That’s how we continue to build a strong, supportive, and sustainable community.

UAE Boardroom Progress: Governance & Strategy

February 24, 2026
As the UAE continues to grow as a global financial & investment hub, women are increasingly helping shape decisions at the highest levels of business and governance.
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