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!