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

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])

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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