The Power of Mentoring: A Spotlight on SHU’s Nalani Rios and FWA Mentor Stephanie Hauge

Mentorship is a powerful force that can often shape careers, inspire personal growth, and create lasting impacts. Within the Financial Women's Association’s Seton Hall University Mentoring Program, the relationship between mentee Nalani Rios and mentor Stephanie Hauge exemplifies the profound benefits of such connections. Their journey together highlights the importance of mentorship in nurturing future leaders in finance and beyond.

 

Stephanie Hauge: A Seasoned Leader and Dedicated Mentor

 

Stephanie, though officially retired, remains active as the Principal of The Non-Profit Helper consultancy. Her distinguished career in accounting and finance spans pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telecommunications, culminating in senior leadership roles before transitioning to the non-profit sector. A Past President of the FWA (2009-10), Stephanie has been an FWA mentor since 2010, inspired by the programs' tangible impact. She currently serves on FWA's Development Committee and co-chairs the FWA NJ Committee, further demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the organization.

 

"I was inspired by the commitment of long-time FWA members and the impact that the mentoring programs were making," says Stephanie. Her extensive experience and passion for mentoring young women before they begin their careers have made her a treasure to the FWA-Seton Hall University Mentoring Program.

 

Nalani Rios: An Emerging Leader in Marketing

 

Nalani, a marketing major at Seton Hall set to graduate in December, joined the FWA mentoring program to connect with successful women and learn from their experiences. "I was drawn to the idea of a community dedicated to supporting and uplifting women in their career journeys," Nalani shares. Her enthusiasm for marketing, especially in digital and social media, has driven her to excel in various academic and extracurricular pursuits.

 

One notable achievement is Nalani’s participation in the Hult Prize Global Summit in Boston in June 2024. The competition, known as the world's largest student social entrepreneurship event, saw Nalani and her team present their innovative sustainable packaging solution, Naturefill Replenish. Competing against some of the brightest minds globally, this experience underscored Nalani's commitment to blending innovation with environmental consciousness.

The Mentoring Relationship: Mutual Growth and Shared Insights

 

Stephanie and Nalani's mentoring relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth. Stephanie has provided Nalani with the tools and affirmation needed to navigate her career path. "Through affirmation and practical skill sets, Stephanie has given me the space to embrace discomfort to grow," Nalani explains. This guidance has been instrumental in helping Nalani develop confidence and resilience in high-pressure situations.

 

Stephanie also emphasizes the importance of persistence, a lesson Nalani holds dear. "Stephanie’s story has been an inspiring example of the determination and persistence I will continue to nourish throughout my career," Nalani says. This resilience is crucial, especially in the face of gender-based challenges that women often encounter in the finance industry.

 

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations


Nalani envisions leveraging emerging technologies and consumer insights to create impactful marketing campaigns. With Stephanie's support, she aims to refine her resume, improve her interview skills, and showcase her leadership abilities. "My mentor has played a crucial role in shaping this vision by providing guidance on industry trends and sharing real-world experiences," Nalani notes.

 

Stephanie’s belief in the power of visibility and contribution is a cornerstone of her advice to aspiring finance professionals. "Do not be intimidated by the fact that even in your finance classes you may be a minority. Be visible and make a contribution to your team," she advises. This encouragement aligns with her broader vision for the FWA mentoring program, which offers mentees exposure to a variety of successful women in different finance-related careers.

 

The Future of Women in Finance: The Role of Mentorship

 

Stephanie and Nalani illustrate the power of mentorship in shaping future leaders. Their relationship, forged through the FWA, showcases how experienced professionals can inspire, guide, and pay it forward to the next generation. This relationship not only fuels Nalani's career aspirations but also underscores the vital role of mentoring in empowering women in finance. By fostering knowledge-sharing, confidence, and network-building, such programs prepare women to lead with resilience and innovation, creating a lasting impact on the industry. On behalf of the FWA, Stephanie, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your enduring commitment to the SHU Program. Nalani, your successes are an inspiration, and we know the future that lies ahead for you is bright.

 

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 - Donna Harris ([email protected]) or Lu Licciardello ([email protected])

 

Take the next step to become a mentor today!

Women’s History Month: Seventy Years of Change and the Women Who Refused to Wait

March 17, 2026
by Robert Brown Every March, Women’s History Month invites us to reflect on the women who challenged expectations, opened doors, and changed the course of industries that once excluded them. For the Financial Women’s Association, that reflection is personal. As the organization celebrates its 70th anniversary, the story of FWA mirrors the broader story of women’s progress in finance. What began in 1956 with eight determined women has grown into a global community that has helped generations of women enter, navigate, and lead in an industry that once shut them out. Those eight enterprising women did something quietly radical. They were working inside investment banks and financial institutions at a time when their talent was welcome, but their presence in leadership circles was not. The established associations of the day did not admit women. Access to the conversations, relationships, and influence that shaped the industry flowed through rooms they were not allowed to enter. So they built their own.

Building a Community in Florida

March 12, 2026
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From Ideas to Impact: The Role of Commitment in Leadership: A Message from FWA President Albana Theka

February 26, 2026
One of the things I value most about the Financial Women’s Association is the creativity of our members. I hear so many thoughtful ideas. New programs. Fresh perspectives. Ways we can continue to grow and evolve as an organization. That energy is a gift and it tells me people care.  At the same time, one lesson I continue to learn as a leader is that ideas are only the beginning. What truly moves an organization forward is what happens next. Often, when an idea is shared, the natural follow-up is a simple question. Who would like to help take this forward? Sometimes there is immediate enthusiasm. Other times, there is hesitation. And that moment is important. It’s not about pressure. It’s about clarity. Many of us are balancing full careers, families, caregiving responsibilities, and personal goals. Capacity looks different for everyone and it changes over time. Being honest about what we can realistically commit to is part of good leadership. The most impactful ideas are the ones that come with a willingness to stay involved. That involvement doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means helping shape the vision, building momentum, and partnering with others to bring it to life. Organizations thrive when ideas are paired with ownership. When members feel empowered not just to contribute suggestions, but to help guide them toward execution. Even small steps of follow-through create momentum and trust. At FWA, we welcome ideas. We value curiosity and innovation. And we also believe that commitment, in whatever form is realistic for you, is what turns good ideas into meaningful impact. When vision and follow-through come together, everyone benefits. That’s how we continue to build a strong, supportive, and sustainable community.

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