Some students enter college unsure of where they are headed. Others, like Baruch College senior and Finance major Simran Hassan, arrive with ambition and quickly realize how much more there is to learn. For Simran, the finance world felt exciting but intimidating. Competitive. Fast paced. Male dominated. She knew she wanted a seat at the table, but finding her voice took time and support.
That support came through the Financial Women’s Association's Baruch College Mentoring Program, which Simran describes as one of the most meaningful experiences of her college career. Before joining, she admits the industry felt overwhelming. “Before joining the program, the finance industry and its obvious male dominated environment felt quite daunting to me,” she shared. “But through FWA, I discovered the network of incredible women that exists within Baruch and across the industry. The program, and especially my mentor, gave me the confidence to speak my mind and seek resources that will help me succeed.”
Simran put that confidence to work. She earned a place on the Dean’s List, became active in the Investment Management Group and Financial Leadership Program, and secured a highly competitive Investment Banking Summer Analyst role at Deutsche Bank. Each milestone built on the last, shaped by preparation, curiosity, and a willingness to ask questions early rather than wait for permission.
Central to that growth was her mentor, Mara MacDonald, Senior Director of Capital Markets and Treasury at Paramount, whose career spans leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank. Over time, their relationship grew into one grounded in trust and consistency.
“Mara has been an excellent mentor and truly a friend,” Simran said. “Even though she is incredibly busy, she always makes time for me. She remembers even the smallest things about my life and checks in on them. I am grateful because in her I gained not just a mentor, but someone who believes in me.”
When Simran began navigating the placement process for her Deutsche Bank internship, Mara offered practical guidance rooted in experience. She encouraged Simran to think ahead, build relationships early, and take ownership of her story. “Mara encouraged me to start networking for group placement earlier than the formal process,” Simran recalled. “Because of her advice, I secured a position on the team that was my first choice.”
For Mara, mentoring through FWA is about opening doors she once wished existed. “It is incredibly rewarding to be able to mentor talented, young women from Baruch interested in pursuing a career in finance,” she shared. “FWA provides a dynamic launchpad that I would have loved to be part of when I was studying in college. I feel lucky to now help level the playing field for young women that deserve top entry level positions in finance. Simran embodies the ideal student and mentee through her studies, drive, professionalism, and maturity.”
Beyond internships and resumes, Simran says the program shaped how she shows up. One of the most valuable lessons she learned was the importance of speaking up. “You could be the smartest person in the room, but if you do not speak, you go unheard,” she said. “Learning to voice my opinions with confidence will be instrumental in my future success.”
She also credits the program’s culture of generosity and leadership by example. “Every event and every conversation contributed to who I am today. Seeing different leadership styles, compassion, and the willingness to help has made me a better person and a better leader.”
Looking ahead, Simran already sees herself returning the favor. “I definitely see myself becoming a mentor down the line,” she shared. “My mentor has been my sounding board, someone I can vent to and laugh with. It would be my honor to give back to the program however I can.”
As the Financial Women’s Association celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026, Simran’s journey reflects the lasting impact of mentorship done well. Her story is not just about success in finance, but about belonging, confidence, and the power of women lifting one another as they move forward.
Simran Hassan is building her future with intention. And because of FWA, she is doing it with a community behind her.
Get Involved
Are you a professional ready to pay it forward? 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])
