Empowering Futures: The FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program's Impact on Kynthia Lee

September 27, 2023

In a world where women continue to carve their paths in male-dominated industries, we’re pleased to share the inspiring story of Kynthia Lee, a mentee in the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program. Kynthia's journey through this program has not only shaped her personal and professional growth but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals.


Unveiling the Transformative Journey


Having moved from Hong Kong at the age of 8, Kynthia grew up in Queens, New York with her little sister and aunt. She eventually graduated from Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business in December 2022, majoring in finance, and double minoring in mathematics and advanced business analysis. 


When asked about her experience with the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program, Kynthia Lee reflects on how it ignited a fire within her. "FWA inspired me to stay motivated and persistent through interactions with my peers and my mentor. Both pushed me to aim high and reach professional goals that I had not imagined before. Seeing my mentor and her journey helped me face adversities in my own journey."


A Bold Decision to Seek Guidance


Kynthia's decision to join the mentoring program was born out of a clear need—the need for female representation in the financial industry. She sought a mentor who not only understood her struggles but could also guide her through the challenges of this male-dominated world. FWA, with its strong network of empowered women, reminded Kynthia that success was indeed attainable for women in the financial industry.


The Mentorship That Changed Everything


Kynthia's mentor, Christine Li-Auyeung, became her guiding light in the maze of the financial world. From the first conversation with Christine, the two women bonded over the many commonalities in their experiences and background, such as moving from Hong Kong and starting a career in the financial industry as women. Throughout the program, though both were busy in their own respective academic and professional lives, they made an effort to consistently stay in contact with each other during times of important decisions. Christine's unwavering support and wisdom were instrumental in Kynthia's career development. "My mentor Christine is always here to encourage me to take more steps forward. Her knowledge and guidance helped me find opportunities that others may not see. Through her, I was able to secure job opportunities and develop my skills and experience in the financial industry."


Setting and Achieving Career Goals


The FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program provided Kynthia with a blueprint for her career goals. It showcased previous mentees' achievements, demonstrating that success was attainable with determination and guidance. Christine's advice, in particular, proved invaluable during a challenging job market, leading Kynthia to her current full-time role as an investment analyst at Guggenheim Partners.


The Tools for Future Success


From her mentor, Kynthia acquired a treasure trove of skills and knowledge, which she believes will be instrumental in her future success. "Persistence, humility, and empathy are key soft-skills that my mentor encouraged me to develop. Persistence is important as it will help me stay in an unrelenting financial industry. Humility and empathy help me stay grounded and connect to others, which is important in an industry where everyone is only a few mutual connections away."


A Network that Shapes Careers


The vast network of FWA alumnae became a significant catalyst in shaping Kynthia's career path. She landed her fulltime internship through a connection with Maria Giraldo, an FWA-Baruch alum who’s now a mentor. This network, built on mentorship and empowerment, continues to fuel her ambitions.


Paying It Forward


As Kynthia progresses in her career, she envisions becoming a mentor herself. FWA has shown her the profound impact of mentorship, and how it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen fields. She believes that passing on this torch of knowledge and support is essential in helping the next generation of professionals navigate the complex landscape of their careers.


Kynthia Lee's journey through the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program is a testament to the power of mentorship and the pivotal role it plays in shaping successful careers. Her story serves as an inspiration for others, highlighting the importance of mentoring relationships and emphasizing that, with the right guidance and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams in even the most challenging of industries. 



Inspired by Kynthia’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]).

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.

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