From Mentee to Mentor: How One Relationship Sparked a Chain Reaction of Empowerment

May 7, 2025

When Ananya Putta switched her major from biology to finance, she wasn’t just changing a field of study, she was stepping into the unknown. Like many first-generation college students navigating their academic and career choices, she was searching for clarity, confidence, and a sense of direction.


Through the FWA's Seton Hall Mentoring Program, Ananya was matched with Karen Kerby, a Partner at Prager Metis CPAs and member of the Financial Women’s Association for just over two years. What began as a formal mentorship quickly blossomed into something much deeper: a lasting, empowering relationship built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and authentic support.

“Karen is more than a mentor—she’s a guiding light,” said Ananya. “She helped me see a future I wasn’t sure I belonged in, and she gave me the tools to move toward it with confidence.”


Karen, reflecting on their journey, noted how personal the experience was for her too. “I was a shy, uncertain young woman when I began my career. I know what it feels like to not have all the answers. I wanted to be the kind of mentor I wish I had—someone who listens, encourages, and reminds you of your worth.”


Together, they tackled mock interviews, résumé reviews, networking strategies, and those hard-to-name challenges like imposter syndrome and self-doubt. As Ananya advanced, Karen remained a steady presence, offering not just guidance, but belief.

That mentorship didn’t end with graduation. Today, Ananya is thriving at a major financial firm, carrying forward the lessons Karen instilled. Perhaps the most powerful result? She’s preparing to become a mentor herself.


“Karen inspired me to give back,” Ananya shared. “I want to be there for someone like she was for me—especially young women who might not see many people who look like them in finance.”


Ananya’s journey reflects the very heart of the FWA-Seton Hall Mentoring Program, which connects undergraduate students from Seton Hall University, many of whom are first-generation college attendees, women of color, or from underrepresented communities—with professionals in finance and business. These structured, one-on-one relationships often grow into years-long bonds that open doors, build confidence, and offer a sense of belonging in industries where many young people feel unseen.


“At its core, the FWA’s mentoring programs are about access and belief,” said Olga Barskaya, Director of the FWA-Baruch College Mentoring Program. “We connect students with people who can help them navigate their futures—not just with advice, but with meaningful, ongoing support. And those relationships often evolve into lifelong connections.”


At a time when some organizations are pulling back from mentoring, inclusion efforts, and professional development for underrepresented groups, the FWA continues to double down. Since its founding, the FWA has been committed to investing in the next generation of leaders, especially women in finance, business, and STEM.


And as Ananya and Karen’s story shows, mentorship doesn’t just support one career—it ignites a chain reaction.

Get Involved


Are you a professional ready to pay it forward? Or a student seeking guidance? Join us. Learn more about our Mentoring Programs and empower the next generation of women leaders. Connect with our program leads to get started:



Baruch - Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or

Seton Hall - Laura Travers ([email protected]) or Laura Bourgeois ([email protected])

Hermina “Nina” Batson: Fearless Leadership and a Lasting Legacy in Mentorship

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New Report Calls for Systemic Change in Finance Workplaces - Driving Effectiveness, Innovation, and Profitability

September 4, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association (FWA) announces the release of a new white paper, The Post-Pandemic Return Among Women in Finance , authored by cultural anthropologist Dr. Melissa Suzanne Fisher. Commissioned by the FWA, the report examines how return-to-office policies and shifting workplace norms continue to shape careers in the financial services industry and outlines practical steps firms can take to build more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Based on pandemic and post-pandemic research, the report offers an analysis of challenges that remain highly relevant today: balancing work and family responsibilities, supporting employee well-being, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder career success. Drawing on interdisciplinary social sciences and firsthand accounts, the report highlights persistent cultural and structural barriers that limit progress across the industry. The report highlights that while the pandemic's remote work experiments offered employees new ways to balance work and personal life, the push for a full-time return to the office threatens this progress. Key recommendations highlighted in the report include: Responsibility of caregiving and work/life balance should be shared across the organization, rather than leaving individuals to manage these challenges alone. Firms should focus on addressing bias and discrimination embedded in their systems, not just changing individual attitudes. New models of mentoring and support are needed to reflect evolving work environments (such as hybrid work) and changing employee needs. Dr. Fisher, author of Wall Street Women , and a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, as well as a Senior Advisor at CFAR Consulting and Coaching Services, argues that supporting employees in balancing work, family, and personal needs is not only the right thing to do - it also drives innovation, effectiveness, and long-term profitability. The Financial Women’s Association has championed the advancement of women across the financial industry for nearly 70 years. This report adds to that tradition by offering actionable strategies firms can adopt to create more welcoming, supportive, and equitable workplaces so all employees can thrive. 

Member2Member Applications Open - Apply for Mentorship Today

September 2, 2025
The FWA Member2Member mentoring program helps advance the FWA mission of accelerating leadership and success of women in the financial community. The program pairs experienced FWA members with those eager to build leadership skills and advance their careers. We're pleased to announce that the next cohort of the Member2Member program will run from November 2025 through April 2026. Applications are open now, and the deadline to apply is Monday, October 6, 2025 .* Our goal is to create meaningful mentor and mentee partnerships where pairs work together to identify strengths, uncover opportunities, and empower the mentee. We also encourage networking and reverse mentoring among members of the cohort. Interested in participating? Learn more here! *The Member2Member program is only open to FWA members. Not currently a member? Join or renew today!

Stories From School: Moments that Matter

August 21, 2025
Last night, FWA board member Katrin Dambrot hosted Stories from School , an evening of connection and community in support of the FWA Mentorship and Scholarship Program at Seton Hall University . The theme of the evening was moments that matter. Guests shared personal accounts of mentors and experiences that shaped their college years and early careers—powerful reminders of how guidance and opportunity can change lives. Thanks to our generous supporters, we’ve raised $17,000 toward our $25,000 goal! To help us continue supporting the next generation of leaders, make a gift here .
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