Empowering Futures: The FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program's Impact on Kynthia Lee

September 27, 2023

In a world where women continue to carve their paths in male-dominated industries, we’re pleased to share the inspiring story of Kynthia Lee, a mentee in the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program. Kynthia's journey through this program has not only shaped her personal and professional growth but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals.


Unveiling the Transformative Journey


Having moved from Hong Kong at the age of 8, Kynthia grew up in Queens, New York with her little sister and aunt. She eventually graduated from Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business in December 2022, majoring in finance, and double minoring in mathematics and advanced business analysis. 


When asked about her experience with the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program, Kynthia Lee reflects on how it ignited a fire within her. "FWA inspired me to stay motivated and persistent through interactions with my peers and my mentor. Both pushed me to aim high and reach professional goals that I had not imagined before. Seeing my mentor and her journey helped me face adversities in my own journey."


A Bold Decision to Seek Guidance


Kynthia's decision to join the mentoring program was born out of a clear need—the need for female representation in the financial industry. She sought a mentor who not only understood her struggles but could also guide her through the challenges of this male-dominated world. FWA, with its strong network of empowered women, reminded Kynthia that success was indeed attainable for women in the financial industry.


The Mentorship That Changed Everything


Kynthia's mentor, Christine Li-Auyeung, became her guiding light in the maze of the financial world. From the first conversation with Christine, the two women bonded over the many commonalities in their experiences and background, such as moving from Hong Kong and starting a career in the financial industry as women. Throughout the program, though both were busy in their own respective academic and professional lives, they made an effort to consistently stay in contact with each other during times of important decisions. Christine's unwavering support and wisdom were instrumental in Kynthia's career development. "My mentor Christine is always here to encourage me to take more steps forward. Her knowledge and guidance helped me find opportunities that others may not see. Through her, I was able to secure job opportunities and develop my skills and experience in the financial industry."


Setting and Achieving Career Goals


The FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program provided Kynthia with a blueprint for her career goals. It showcased previous mentees' achievements, demonstrating that success was attainable with determination and guidance. Christine's advice, in particular, proved invaluable during a challenging job market, leading Kynthia to her current full-time role as an investment analyst at Guggenheim Partners.


The Tools for Future Success


From her mentor, Kynthia acquired a treasure trove of skills and knowledge, which she believes will be instrumental in her future success. "Persistence, humility, and empathy are key soft-skills that my mentor encouraged me to develop. Persistence is important as it will help me stay in an unrelenting financial industry. Humility and empathy help me stay grounded and connect to others, which is important in an industry where everyone is only a few mutual connections away."


A Network that Shapes Careers


The vast network of FWA alumnae became a significant catalyst in shaping Kynthia's career path. She landed her fulltime internship through a connection with Maria Giraldo, an FWA-Baruch alum who’s now a mentor. This network, built on mentorship and empowerment, continues to fuel her ambitions.


Paying It Forward


As Kynthia progresses in her career, she envisions becoming a mentor herself. FWA has shown her the profound impact of mentorship, and how it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen fields. She believes that passing on this torch of knowledge and support is essential in helping the next generation of professionals navigate the complex landscape of their careers.


Kynthia Lee's journey through the FWA Baruch College Mentoring Program is a testament to the power of mentorship and the pivotal role it plays in shaping successful careers. Her story serves as an inspiration for others, highlighting the importance of mentoring relationships and emphasizing that, with the right guidance and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams in even the most challenging of industries. 



Inspired by Kynthia’s story? Ready to mentor a talented college student launching her business career? Contact Baruch College program lead Betsy Werley ([email protected]) or Seton Hall University program leads Donna Harris ([email protected]) or Lu Licciardello ([email protected]).

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 .

2026 FWA International Business Conference: Join Us in UAE!

August 19, 2025
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