Nikita Bijlani on Breaking Barriers and Embracing Growth Through the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program

November 14, 2023

The Financial Women's Association-Baruch College Mentoring Program has been forging powerful connections between driven students and seasoned financial professionals for decades. One of the program's featured mentees, Nikita Bijlani, a standout, exemplifies the program's true success.


Under the mentorship of Aidi Zheng, a Director of Global Markets Corporate Banking and Hedge Fund Credit Risk at BMO Capital Markets, a President's Circle Sponsor of FWA, Nikita Bijlani's career trajectory has undergone a remarkable transformation.


Nikita's journey, shaped by Aidi's guidance, has been truly impactful. In her own words, she reflects on the program's influence: "My experience with the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program has been very impactful on both me and my career. My mentor, Aidi, has been one of my biggest supporters... I learned to stand up for myself in ways I did not know how to before... The mentoring program pushed me to believe that I could do better and work harder at my goals to achieve them."


Motivated by the pursuit of excellence, Nikita's inspiration to join the program stemmed from her participation in the Rising Starr Sophomore Program at Baruch, a program that highlighted financial literacy and values in line with the FWA. Her mother's achievements in finance further motivated Nikita, so she sought guidance with the hopes of fostering her own potential and self-advocacy skills.


Aidi's mentorship provided Nikita with the motivation to strive for excellence, emphasizing continuous learning and networking for personal and professional growth. A crucial lesson from Aidi was overcoming the fear of asking questions, empowering Nikita to express her opinions confidently.


"A significant takeaway from Aidi was the skill to break the glass ceiling," notes Nikita. When faced with a challenging project outside her comfort zone, Aidi's unwavering support fueled Nikita's determination to excel, demonstrating that the sky is no longer the limit; it's just the beginning.


Entering her junior year with a predefined finance path, Nikita's horizons expanded under Aidi's guidance, prompting her to consider diverse career opportunities within the finance industry. As she envisions becoming a mentor herself, Nikita acknowledges the incredible impact of the FWA community, stressing the importance of giving back to the next generation.


Nikita Bijlani's story stands as a testament to the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program's ability to ignite ambition, dismantle barriers, and propel emerging professionals toward success. As she prepares for her internship at BMO Capital Markets next Summer, Nikita embodies the FWA's mission to empower women in finance and inspire future leaders to break boundaries and reach new heights.


Inspired by Nikita’s story? Ready to mentor a talented college student launching her business career? Contact Baruch College program lead Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or Seton Hall University program leads Donna Harris ([email protected]) or Lu Licciardello ([email protected]).

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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