Empowering Success: How the FWA Mentoring Program Transforms Lives

Michelle Reznik is a first-generation Ukrainian American, and graduating senior from Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, majoring in Finance. She feels honored to be selected as a mentee featured in this month’s FWA newsletter and looks forward to starting her career at BMO Capital Markets this summer.


According to Michelle, the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program has been exceptional, providing her with a mentor who could understand any problems she encountered and offer advice to help her become a better version of herself. Michelle is grateful for the program's support, which aided in her professional development, both within and outside of Baruch. She is also grateful for BMO Capital Market’s support through its Equity Through Education funding. She is a recipient of its scholarship funds and appreciates its commitment to Baruch students.


Michelle revealed that her mentor, Aidi Zheng, a BMO Director in Global Markets Corporate Banking, was extraordinary, providing her with the best advice and guidance she could ask for. That BMO connection was extremely helpful, providing an excellent means for Michelle to meet her mentor in person, even though they resided in different states. The two have built a great connection and have regular catch-up sessions and coffee chats virtually. She has built a BMO network including other Baruch graduates, FWA mentors and panelists at BMO’s annual meet and greet event.


Aidi has always supported Michelle's decisions and provided a fresh perspective on any matter, helping Michelle understand her circumstances and options better. By nudging her into finding her own way, Aidi helped Michelle better understand her goals and expectations of herself and how she could best achieve them.


Being a part of the mentoring program taught Michelle how impactful being surrounded by powerful women truly is. She has grown as a person and as a career professional through the mentoring program, and she wants to become a mentor to support future generations of students. Michelle has learned how valuable it is to be a part of a strong community and how a mentor could make a significant difference in one's personal and professional life.


Michelle urges other college students to find a mentor, communicate with their mentor once a connection is established, and make the most of the opportunity. Michelle said, “the FWA mentoring program has provided me with a life-long mentor and support system that will always be there for me.”


Inspired by Michelle’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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