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]).

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
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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.
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