Charlotte Yee's Empowering Journey: FWA Baruch Mentoring Sparks Finance Leadership Momentum

February 5, 2024

In the dynamic realm of finance, Charlotte Yee stands as a formidable presence within the Financial Women's Association - Baruch College Mentoring Program, embodying the program's impact on aspiring young women in finance. Charlotte reflects on her journey, stating, "Being a mentee in the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program has been one of the best things to happen to me personally and professionally."


Fueled by the ambition to grow both personally and professionally during her sophomore years, Charlotte applied for the program, in pursuit of more than just acquiring knowledge – she was looking for a way to advance herself. Charlotte’s mentor, Salome Makharadze, is herself an alumna of the FWA Mentoring Program’s early years; Salome continues to credit her FWA mentor, Francoise Jeanpierre, with her early success. Charlotte found not just guidance but a force propelling her evolution. Salome shares her perspective, stating, "It's been incredibly rewarding to witness Charlotte's growth, both personally and professionally. Our shared experiences have created a strong bond, and I'm proud of the strides she has made."


"Salome has encouraged me to broaden my horizons in both my professional aspirations and personal life. She has inspired me to dream bigger with my career and accept new challenges."


The FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program served as the spark for Charlotte's career goals. Salome's counsel transformed Charlotte's approach to a summer internship at BMO Capital Markets in 2023, solidifying banking as a viable and fulfilling path. Charlotte reflects, "Before meeting Salome, all I knew about finance and the banking industry had come from my research online. Salome has encouraged me to broaden my horizons in both my professional aspirations and personal life. She has inspired me to dream bigger with my career and accept new challenges.”


Charlotte is pleased to be joining BMO Capital Markets as a fulltime analyst this summer, after her 2023 BMO Investment Banking Summer Analyst internship. She appreciates BMO’s commitment to Equity Through Education and the FWA, and its supportive culture. Charlotte has fast-forwarded her knowledge of finance with a multiple firms: she was a Growth Equity Immersion Program Participant at PeakSpan Capital in 2023, a Venture Capital Spring Analyst at SoundBoard Venture Fund, and she’s currently a Founders Fellow at Centerbridge Partners, L.P.


The program's impact transcends formal mentorship, weaving influence through various FWA Baruch events. Charlotte's interactions with informal mentors inspired her to seize control of her career, discern priorities, and fearlessly navigate the professional landscape.


As Charlotte envisions herself becoming a mentor, the program's influence on her perception of giving back becomes evident. Already applying to mentor high school students in the New York City area, Charlotte is poised to contribute to the growth and success of future generations, embodying the spirit of mentorship that has shaped her formidable journey.


While January was National Mentoring Month, Charlotte's narrative serves as a rallying call. Her journey is an anthem of empowerment within the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program.


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])


Join the league of mentors sculpting the future of finance and empowering the next wave of leaders.

Photo from the FWA-Baruch College Mentoring Program's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Pictured: (L-R) Charlotte Yee, Salome Makharadze, Nayancie Matthews , and Françoise Jeanpierre

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.

Public Power: Women Leading UAE Government & Diplomacy

February 17, 2026
When people think about leadership in the UAE, the public sector is not always the first in mind - yet it's a powerful example of women shaping the nation’s future.
More Posts