Networking in the Digital Age: Expert Panel Shares Insights with Wall Street Exchange

June 24, 2025

What does it take to network effectively in the digital age? During Week 2 of this summer’s Wall Street Exchange Program, Dan Yu, co-founder of FutureProof You, moderated an animated, expert panel on Networking Best Practices that addressed this topic. Panelists included Christina Li, Managing Director and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships at Goldman Sachs; Olivia Ross, Community Engagement Partner for Citizens Bank; and Elizabeth Virga, Director of Regulatory Enforcement for SMBC.


In addition to sharing their own compelling experiences, the panelists impressed the program interns with their candor and practical suggestions for building strong networks. Some of the many tips shared included listening with purpose to make informational interviews more constructive, focusing on building deeper relationships with connections, and emphasizing the value of asking others for feedback about yourself. These skills are even more important in the digital age.


Panelists also emphasized the importance of optimizing LinkedIn and cultivating their networks through social and other virtual platforms.


The session culminated in a collective sharing of helpful books, podcasts, websites, and other resources to continue to improve participants’ networking skills.


The WSE Committee extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to our moderator and panelists for a terrific session. We are also grateful to FWA President’s Circle sponsors Citizens Bank and SMBC, and to Goldman Sachs for their support of the Wall Street Exchange Program.

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 .

2026 FWA International Business Conference: Join Us in UAE!

August 19, 2025
We are excited to announce that the Financial Women’s Association is planning to host its next International Business Conference in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in April 2026. This one-week immersive conference will feature high-level meetings with financial leaders, global innovators, and cultural experiences. If you’d like to receive early updates and priority access as plans develop, please complete the short interest form below. Space will be limited.

Wall Street Exchange Celebrates Graduation

August 14, 2025
On July 29, the FWA’s 2025 Wall Street Exchange Program held its graduation ceremony. Over eight weeks this summer, 72 rising college seniors from 41 universities with summer internships in finance roles with 40 companies embarked on a journey of growth, learning, and connection. WSE is designed to empower the next generation of financial leaders with tools, insights, and relationships that will last far beyond the summer. Thank you to Wells Fargo Advisors for hosting an inspiring closing event — and to Brenda Titus who shared heartfelt and powerful advice to her 21-year-old self. Among the takeaways were reminders that it’s important to take risks and fail fast, to choose your circle wisely, that the greatest growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and that it’s important to find mentors, not idols. After Titus’ presentation, Gerri Bostick and Laura Smith Dunaief, WSE Co-chairs, and Albana Theka, FWA’s President, presented graduates with their program completion certificates. Congratulations to the 2025 graduates! We look forward to seeing you continue your journey with FWA and beyond. The future is brighter because of you. Special thanks to Wells Fargo Advisors for sponsoring this in-person celebration and to all of this summer’s speakers, who bring this program to life for the interns who represent financial services’ future. A huge thank you to this year's sponsors: AbleMarkets, Amazon Web Services, Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc, Citizens Bank, Goldman Sachs, Joele Frank, Knopeman Marks, MUFG, PwC, SMBC, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Thanks also to the WSE committee members and the FWA Office for their support.

FWA Summer 2025: Connection, Celebration, Community

August 11, 2025
Early August brought two standout networking events for women in finance hosted by the Financial Women's Association. One took place on the green, the other in Midtown NYC, and both highlighted the power of professional connection and community. On August 5, the FWA’s Long Island Committee hosted its 12 th Annual Golf Outing at Cold Spring Country Club, one of Long Island’s premier private courses. Members and guests joined for competitive and fun foursomes, a PGA-led golf clinic, and an evening of cocktails, dinner, raffles, and prizes. "It was a great group of people doing something fun together. I learned new things on the green and got some great professional advice on two pressing issues I am facing. That is the power of FWA events,” said Alissa Desmarais, FWA Executive Director & COO. FWA member Maria Maris added, “What a fun afternoon/evening this was! Already looking forward to the next one.” A special thank you to the Long Island Committee and our generous sponsors for making this women’s finance networking event a success.
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