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

From Courtside to Connections: FWA’s Unforgettable Day at the Liberty Game

July 24, 2025
The roar of the crowd, a Liberty comeback win, and the connections sparked in the owner’s suite made July 13 a day that perfectly captured the spirit of the Financial Women’s Association. FWA members and friends gathered at Barclays Center not only to watch an exciting WNBA game but to celebrate community, inspiration, and collaboration. From courtside cheers to suite-side introductions, the atmosphere was electric as conversations sparked across every corner of the room. It was a chance to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones while enjoying world-class basketball. Moments That Mattered What made the day truly memorable was more than the final score. It was the opportunity to connect with leaders, colleagues, and friends in a unique setting. As Laura Smith Dunaief, FWA Wall Street Exchange Co-Chair, shared, “So much fun! Great networking and an exciting game!” Nina Batson, FWA Past President, summed it up perfectly, “Another great FWA event!” One first-time FWA attendee said, “It was my first FWA event and I left inspired and energized by the incredible women I met.” The event would not have been possible without the leadership of Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, the support of Robert Windrem of NetsDaily, Programming Committee Chair Patti Domm, FWA Executive Director and COO Alissa Desmarais, and the talented photographer Leya Yusupov who captured the day’s energy.

Joele Frank shares Strategic Communications Career Opportunities with Wall Street Exchange

July 22, 2025
During week 4 of the Wall Street Exchange Program , participants were engaged in a highly interactive session about career opportunities in Strategic Communications (StratComms), a field with which only 50 percent of the interns were familiar. Heather Wallach and Jordan Resnick from Joele Frank shared that, for those with a passion for storytelling and writing and with exceptional attention to detail, StratComms offers an opportunity to flex those skill muscles by helping firms manage crises, communicate clearly, and develop company narratives. While many firm relationships might begin with transactional engagements, they often evolve into long-term partnerships.  StratComms requires coordination and cross-communication with other partners that form a firm’s advisory circle, such as Investor Relations and Public Relations firms. This makes relationship-building and other interpersonal skills valuable attributes. While a degree or background in finance is not required, Jordan Resnick shared advice for those interested in entry level opportunities. She recommended following business news platforms to learn and stay current and writing a cover letter that expresses curiosity and interest in the field. The WSE Committee extends its gratitude to Joele Frank and its speakers for an insightful session and for their support of FWA and the Wall Street Exchange Program.

Voices From Red Bank: Two Nights of Connection

July 17, 2025
Our Tastes of New Jersey series continued earlier this month with two dinners at Monticello’s in Red Bank on July 9 and July 12. Both evenings reminded us why these gatherings matter: authentic conversations, shared stories, and the chance to connect beyond titles and LinkedIn headlines. As one attendee said: “Absolutely fantastic evening. Each of you have such interesting backgrounds and experiences. It was a pleasure.” – Maggie Kriebelt The discussions covered everything from work-life balance to travel and even astronomy, creating a space where members could learn from and inspire one another. “Such a nice evening. A pleasure dining with all of you.” – Debra Curran Many thanks to Past President Nina Batson for making these evenings possible: “What a fantastic time. Thanks to Nina for facilitating it.” – Susan Aufiero-Peters We are bringing this same energy to Summit tonight, with Clinton and Westfield coming up soon. Join us at the table...

FWA Leaders Visit the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates

July 16, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association had the great honor of visiting the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New York City. We were warmly welcomed by Her Excellency Amna Ali Hamad Bin Zaal Almheiri and her team, who graciously shared their time and insights on the UAE’s remarkable journey of economic development, visionary leadership, and global engagement. Our visit marks the beginning of preparations for the FWA’s 2026 International Business Conference , which we are thrilled to host in the UAE next April. We extend heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency and the Consulate for their generous support and to Elynore Moran for her seamless coordination and professionalism. Each year, the FWA’s International Business Conference explores a region where fundamental investment and business opportunities are emerging. Since 1978—when we were one of the first U.S. delegations to visit China after its reopening—FWA has brought delegates to more than 30 countries across six continents. In every destination, we meet with senior government officials and business leaders to gain firsthand insights into economic conditions and policy strategies that shape global finance. For nearly five decades, the IBC has empowered our members to deepen their understanding of international markets and bring that knowledge back to their careers, companies, and communities in the U.S. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to spotlight the UAE’s dynamic role in finance, technology, and global diplomacy—and to further cultivate cross-cultural dialogue and professional exchange.
More Posts