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

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!

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
Something special is taking shape in Florida. Earlier this week, women from across the state gathered in Palm Beach Gardens as the FWA Florida Committee hosted its inaugural in-person event at DSM Capital Partners in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The program featured a forward-looking conversation on AI and technology in investing, followed by an interactive session on personal branding and executive presence led by FWA President Albana Theka and Florida Committee Co-Chair Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen. Connections began the evening before at a dinner that set the tone for a day filled with energy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. By the time sessions began, the room already felt like a community. That’s what the FWA does best. Special thanks to Florida Committee Co-Chairs Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen and Kari Desai, DSM Capital Partners for hosting, and all who joined. “Nothing beats the power of community and human connection. It was incredible to see women from across Florida come together for conversations that were insightful, energizing, and genuinely fun.” - Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen 

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.

UAE Boardroom Progress: Governance & Strategy

February 24, 2026
As the UAE continues to grow as a global financial & investment hub, women are increasingly helping shape decisions at the highest levels of business and governance.
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