Paving the Way Forward: Emma Sassouni’s Journey in Mentorship and Finance

November 7, 2024

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!

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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