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

July 25, 2024

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!

Hermina “Nina” Batson: Fearless Leadership and a Lasting Legacy in Mentorship

October 2, 2025
What happens when a setback sparks a calling? For Hermina “Nina” Batson, walking away from electrical engineering wasn’t the end of her high school dream; it was the start of a fearless career in financial services—one built on integrity, courage, resilience, fortitude, determination, and a strong commitment to giving back. The daughter of Panamanian parents, Nina grew up on Long Island. At Hofstra University, she took steps to create opportunities for every student to feel included and have the chance to succeed. “Every student must have the opportunity to be successful, even if they don’t know how,” she says, a belief that continues to guide her. Long before Nina became a corporate leader, she taught financial literacy to underserved individuals in the communities she served, helping them understand the basics of money management and find pathways to independence. Mentoring, in one form or another, has always been part of her story.

New Report Calls for Systemic Change in Finance Workplaces - Driving Effectiveness, Innovation, and Profitability

September 4, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association (FWA) announces the release of a new white paper, The Post-Pandemic Return Among Women in Finance , authored by cultural anthropologist Dr. Melissa Suzanne Fisher. Commissioned by the FWA, the report examines how return-to-office policies and shifting workplace norms continue to shape careers in the financial services industry and outlines practical steps firms can take to build more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Based on pandemic and post-pandemic research, the report offers an analysis of challenges that remain highly relevant today: balancing work and family responsibilities, supporting employee well-being, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder career success. Drawing on interdisciplinary social sciences and firsthand accounts, the report highlights persistent cultural and structural barriers that limit progress across the industry. The report highlights that while the pandemic's remote work experiments offered employees new ways to balance work and personal life, the push for a full-time return to the office threatens this progress. Key recommendations highlighted in the report include: Responsibility of caregiving and work/life balance should be shared across the organization, rather than leaving individuals to manage these challenges alone. Firms should focus on addressing bias and discrimination embedded in their systems, not just changing individual attitudes. New models of mentoring and support are needed to reflect evolving work environments (such as hybrid work) and changing employee needs. Dr. Fisher, author of Wall Street Women , and a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, as well as a Senior Advisor at CFAR Consulting and Coaching Services, argues that supporting employees in balancing work, family, and personal needs is not only the right thing to do - it also drives innovation, effectiveness, and long-term profitability. The Financial Women’s Association has championed the advancement of women across the financial industry for nearly 70 years. This report adds to that tradition by offering actionable strategies firms can adopt to create more welcoming, supportive, and equitable workplaces so all employees can thrive. 

Member2Member Applications Open - Apply for Mentorship Today

September 2, 2025
The FWA Member2Member mentoring program helps advance the FWA mission of accelerating leadership and success of women in the financial community. The program pairs experienced FWA members with those eager to build leadership skills and advance their careers. We're pleased to announce that the next cohort of the Member2Member program will run from November 2025 through April 2026. Applications are open now, and the deadline to apply is Monday, October 6, 2025 .* Our goal is to create meaningful mentor and mentee partnerships where pairs work together to identify strengths, uncover opportunities, and empower the mentee. We also encourage networking and reverse mentoring among members of the cohort. Interested in participating? Learn more here! *The Member2Member program is only open to FWA members. Not currently a member? Join or renew today!

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 .
More Posts