Baruch Mentoring

FWA Mentoring at Baruch College

In 2001, when the FWA decided to launch a college mentoring program, Baruch College was the obvious choice. Its large undergraduate business program and diverse students—many the first in their families to attend college—made it a perfect partner to fulfill the FWA’s mission. With more than 200 graduates, many at NYC’s major financial and accounting firms, the program gets stronger every year.

“The FWA has blessed me with a supportive network of powerful women, an incredible mentor whose footsteps I aspire to follow in, and opportunities I would have never been exposed to if it were not for this program. As a beneficiary of FWA/BMO Mentee Award, the program also served as a beautiful reminder to reciprocate investment in us so that we may contribute to the next generation’s success”

Salma Mohamed ’16

Program Overview

Women business and accounting majors with a 3.5 GPA and student leadership activities are eligible to apply. We typically have about 40 mentee-mentor pairs who work together for junior and senior years, and often remain friends for life.

The program’s core is one-to-one mentoring with an FWA member, plus six programs that complement classroom learning and the offerings of Baruch’s Starr Career Center. Mentees connect with FWA members at FWA events. With the generous support of BMO Capital Markets, the program also offers needs-based scholarships, study abroad support and women’s leadership conference participation.

We welcome new mentors who are FWA members with at least 8 years’ professional experience.

Why Mentor?

“Mentoring is such a life-enhancing experience,” says Betsy Werley, program chair. “I’ve mentored four students, and with each one, I’ve contributed to her success, learned from her 20-something perspective and been inspired by her very different life experience.

Our students represent the future of New York City – it’s a privilege to be involved in their lives. This program exemplifies the FWA’s commitment to developing future leaders in financial services.”

“My hopes are to see my mentee benefit/flourish from my many life experiences. I so look forward to sharing with her as well as the professional guidance it will provide,” Mentor Marline Alexander commented.

Join Our Success Story

For more information, contact Chair Betsy Werley at [email protected].

Baruch Class of 2022
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Celebrating Long Friendships

(r-l): mentee Noreen Henriquez '10, mentor Ellen Cahill
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Three Generations

(l-r): mentee Charlotte Yee '24, mentor/mentee Salome Makharadze '05, mentee Nayancie Matthews '22, mentor Francoise Jeanpierre
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How We Support Our Students

One-to-one mentoring
Needs-based scholarships
Study abroad funds
FWA connections for learning and networking
On-campus programs
Women's leadership conference

“I have truly grown so much through interacting with my mentor Amy and with the rest of the strong women in the cohort.”

Yuki Lau

“Entering a male-dominated field as a woman can be intimidating which is why I am so grateful for the sense of community and guidance the FWA provides. Having a great mentor in the same field has been a tremendous help as I always have someone I can trust to turn to with any career concerns.”

Gloria Ghita

“I will always be thankful to Erin for the support and guidance she has given me as I was navigating through my college career and to the FWA for not only matching me with an amazing mentor but also for always empowering students to be better versions of themselves.”

Tammy Ou

“Looking back as a graduating senior, I know I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my professional and academic goals without the help of FWA. I am eternally grateful for the support system that this program has provided for me."

Sarah Lu

Celebrating 20+ Years

Educating, Empowering and Enriching Young Professionals' Lives

In 2022, we proudly marked the 20th anniversary of the FWA/BMO Baruch Mentorship Program, which pairs high-achieving, mostly first-generation college juniors and senior with FWA mentors. In 2002, we launched the program with nine mentors supporting Baruch College business majors, including many first generation immigrants and first in their families to attend college.

Powered by BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education program

Since 2005, BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education program has provided transformative funding. More than 350 graduates, supported by 125+ FWA mentors, have participated since launch. We're especially proud that alums have become mentors, supporting the next generations of Baruch students.

The Baruch program is a critical means of fulfilling FWA’s mission to promote the professional development and advancement of all women through education, mentorship, scholarships, networking and alliances across the financial community.