FWA Mentee Samantha Liu Named Baruch Class of 2024 Valedictorian

June 12, 2024

The Financial Women's Association congratulates Samantha Liu, mentee in the FWA - Baruch College mentoring program, on being named Valedictorian for Baruch's Class of 2024!

Samantha embodies FWA’s mission of advancing women in finance. She’s excelled academically, led in community service, and will join Visa Inc. after graduation.

Kathy Garramone, Samantha's mentor, said, "I'm proud to be part of Samantha's success story. She's embraced all that Baruch has to offer and contributed so much to the community."

Read more about her inspiring story and achievements in the CUNY news announcement, here: Baruch College Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian for Class of 2024. The Queens Chronicle also ran a terrific profile, calling Liu "the pride of Sunnyside." Check out the full piece and watch her wonderful commencement address.

Announcing the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award: Betsy Werley

October 1, 2026
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Betsy Werley for her contributions to the FWA community. Betsy will receive the 2026 FWA Mentorship Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Betsy and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.

Announcing the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award: Joan Shapiro Green

September 30, 2026
As we mark FWA’s 70th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Joan Shapiro Green for her contributions to the FWA community. Joan will receive the 2026 FWA Leadership Impact Award at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala . Please join us on October 8 as we honor Joan and the legacy of leadership and mentorship that has shaped FWA for the past seventy years.

Announcing Our 2026 Financial Services Woman of the Year

September 29, 2026
The FWA is pleased to share that Caroline Gundeck will be honored as the 2026 Financial Services Woman of the Year at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. Caroline Gundeck is a Managing Director and Head of Client and Field Engagement for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. In her role, Caroline is responsible for strategically connecting Financial Advisors and their clients and prospects to all key areas of the Firm to showcase the strength and depth of the Firm’s vast resources. She proactively focuses on UHNW clients’ needs across all segments and identifies customized and comprehensive solutions to deepen client relationships.

Announcing Our 2026 Private Sector Woman of the Year

September 21, 2026
The FWA is pleased to share that Stephanie Ruhle will be honored as the 2026 Private Sector Woman of the Year at the FWA's 70th Anniversary Gala on October 8, 2026. Stephanie Ruhle is the host of MS NOW’s Money Power Politics with Stephanie Ruhle and serves as MS NOW’s Senior Business Analyst, appearing across all linear, digital, and social platforms. Ruhle is known for her business acumen, hard-hitting style, original reporting, and for bringing humanity to her news coverage. She is also the co-host of the live, weekly Q&A show, “ Velshi & Ruhle: Full Disclosure ,” part of the MS NOW Membership. Ruhle has interviewed leaders in politics, business, entertainment, and sports ranging from President Biden to Stephen Curry, from Jamie Dimon to Jamie Lee Curtis. As a Wall Street veteran, she is known for bringing her business acumen and hard-hitting style to high-profile interviews, for her original reporting, and for bringing humanity into her news coverage.
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