When Emma Sassouni joined the Financial Women's Association - Baruch College Mentoring Program, she found a supportive space that accelerated her personal and professional growth. Graduating this past May, Emma reflects on her journey in the program and her mentorship with Ellen Auster, whose guidance left a lasting impact.
“I am so thankful for the FWA mentoring program!” Emma shared. “Working with Ellen was so special, as we worked on personal and professional growth in a one-on-one setting.” For Emma, the relationship wasn’t just about career guidance – it became a space of trust, motivation, and self-discovery. “Every conversation felt therapeutic,” she explained. “Ellen is not only knowledgeable in her field but also offers life-changing advice. I often ask myself, ‘What Would Ellen Do?’”
Emma will begin her career at EY Parthenon in business consulting but plans to stay open to future opportunities. “Something I really appreciated from both my mentor and the FWA panel discussions is that our paths don’t have to be so linear,” Emma noted. “We create our own paths and can achieve so much in that light.”
Emma first discovered the FWA program through Olga Barskaya, Director of the FWA Mentoring Program at Baruch College. From her sophomore year on, the program offered Emma both encouragement and clarity in navigating a corporate world that was initially unfamiliar. “As an underclassman in accounting, I really didn’t know what to expect. None of my family members had ever worked in a corporate environment, so having a mentor seemed like a win-win scenario.”
With Ellen’s guidance, Emma developed a “toolbox of knowledge” that she believes will serve her well as she grows her career. “The toolbox includes so much,” she said. “We learned about saboteurs – something Ellen has presented at FWA events – and how to address them. Ellen also taught me the importance of thinking and feeling through major decisions.” Ellen’s mentorship helped her feel more equipped to navigate the complexities of her career while remaining open to new possibilities.
Ellen’s perspective on mentoring has only deepened over her years in the program. “It has been an honor to participate as a mentor in the FWA Baruch mentoring program over the past seven years,” she said. “Having Emma as a mentee has been an absolute joy. Every moment with her was an opportunity to experience her intellect, curiosity, compassion, optimism, and her energy to live life to its fullest. Emma is one of those special people who lights up the room, and I am confident she will make the most of her experience at EY.”
Emma’s story is a powerful reminder of why mentorship matters—especially for young women entering finance, where career guidance can open doors that education alone may not. Mentoring programs like the one at Baruch and Seton Hall bring seasoned professionals together with students, creating opportunities for future women leaders and building a stronger, more inclusive industry.
If you’ve ever considered becoming a mentor, programs like the FWA’s Baruch College Mentoring Program offer a chance to help talented students like Emma reach their potential. By giving your time and expertise, you can make a meaningful difference—shaping both a mentee’s future and the future of finance.
For those ready to mentor a promising college student navigating the business landscape, reach out to the program leads:
Baruch - Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or
Seton Hall - Laura Travers ([email protected]) or Laura Bourgeois ([email protected])
Take the next step to become a mentor today!
