FWA Graduate School Partnership: Finance Training Program

March 27, 2025

In Fall 2024, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) Graduate School Partnerships Committee, with support from BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program, sponsored a finance training program for over 175 Baruch College Zicklin School of Business graduate students. As part of the curriculum, students attended a financial markets overview lecture by KLD Training and completed courses in applied Excel and corporate valuation with Training the Street.


The Graduate School Partnerships Committee is proud to help fulfill the FWA’s mission to contribute to our communities and prepare the next generation of professionals through this multi-year initiative. As the financial services industry continues to go through technological and regulatory changes, the Committee hopes these young professionals will gain an edge as they enter the financial services industry with the additional technical skills and financial knowledge acquired from the training program.

 

In the excerpts below, a few participants share how the course helped their corporate valuation knowledge and express their gratitude to the FWA and BMO Capital Markets. Click here to view the complete Participants Testimonial booklet.

 

For more information about the FWA Graduate School Partnership, please contact committee chair Christine Li-Auyeung.

"Attending the Financial Services as a Business training was a transformative experience that provided me with a clearer understanding of how the financial services industry is structured and the diverse opportunities it offers. The training helped me see finance not just as a career path but as a dynamic and multifaceted field where I can leverage my skills and interests to grow. A highlight of the training was hearing from Karyn Dobin Giampaolo, an accomplished woman in finance. Her insights and experience were incredibly inspiring, particularly as someone who values representation and the importance of seeing women excel in leadership roles. Her story reinforced my belief that with dedication and the right opportunities, I can advance in a field that thrives on innovation and collaboration. Overall, the training served as a strong foundation in shaping my career goals. It not only deepened my knowledge of financial services but also helped me identify areas where I can contribute and grow. It reinforced my commitment to pursuing roles that align with my skills and passions while continuing to learn and develop as a finance professional."


Yecenia Ines
(MBA’26)

"The Excel course helped me gain a better understanding of what scenarios to use the shortcuts I learned in Excel for. Not only do I know how to be more efficient and productive in Excel, but I know the appropriate times to use the shortcuts and functions I learned. This is not something I was able to learn in my undergraduate degree since I was Pre-Medicine, and always felt Excel was impossible to learn. Now I’m feeling confident and practice with Excel every day. Thank you!"


Larissa Gould
(MBA’27)

"I appreciate the BMO equity through education program. The Training the Street courses were invaluable as I continue to strengthen my technical skills in Excel. This past semester, I was a team captain for the Neuberger Berman ESG Case competition. I applied several of the things I learned in the Training the Street courses, particularly the Corporate Valuation course, to build a case for why Neuberger Berman should invest in a company. I was able to develop a sensitivity analysis in excel to pair with our DCF valuation. These skills will continue to be valuable throughout my career, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have developed them through this program."


Katey Cox
(MBA’26)

"The Training the Street Applied Excel Workshop has been a key step in advancing my career in finance by sharpening my Excel skills and improving my efficiency in data analysis. I learned advanced techniques, and leveraging shortcuts to organize and analyze large datasets more effectively. The session also covered best practices for building professional templates and models, which enhanced my ability to present insights. These skills have increased the accuracy and speed of my analyses and boosted my confidence in tackling complex financial Excel tasks. By building a stronger technical foundation, this training has prepared me to take on greater responsibilities and contribute more effectively to my career in finance."


Rachel Slesnick
(MS’26)

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
During week 4 of the Wall Street Exchange Program , participants were engaged in a highly interactive session about career opportunities in Strategic Communications (StratComms), a field with which only 50 percent of the interns were familiar. Heather Wallach and Jordan Resnick from Joele Frank shared that, for those with a passion for storytelling and writing and with exceptional attention to detail, StratComms offers an opportunity to flex those skill muscles by helping firms manage crises, communicate clearly, and develop company narratives. While many firm relationships might begin with transactional engagements, they often evolve into long-term partnerships.  StratComms requires coordination and cross-communication with other partners that form a firm’s advisory circle, such as Investor Relations and Public Relations firms. This makes relationship-building and other interpersonal skills valuable attributes. While a degree or background in finance is not required, Jordan Resnick shared advice for those interested in entry level opportunities. She recommended following business news platforms to learn and stay current and writing a cover letter that expresses curiosity and interest in the field. The WSE Committee extends its gratitude to Joele Frank and its speakers for an insightful session and for their support of FWA and the Wall Street Exchange Program.

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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