In September, ten women students from Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business traveled to New York City with the Women in Financial Services (WIFS) Initiative. This trip provided them with a unique opportunity to connect with successful alumni and influential professionals in the finance industry while gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience.
The students—Liz Brown, Abigail Ledford, Tina Lin, Lauren Mercer, Grace Munsell, Diana Ojeda, Sophie Stohler, Meg Tunstill, Danielle Ward, and Jenny Yeshulas—had the chance to meet with alumni industry leaders from prestigious organizations, including TD Securities, Deloitte, Campbell Soup Company, and the Empire State Realty Trust. The group also participated in a networking event and panel on Emerging Markets, where they heard from speakers representing Mercer, Goldman Sachs, Ninety One, and The Pension Boards.
Emerging Markets Panel and Networking Event
One of the trip’s highlights was a panel discussion hosted by 100 Women in Finance, where speakers from leading firms shared their expertise on emerging markets. The panel provided students with a deep dive into the future of finance, particularly in emerging economies, and offered valuable insights into how financial strategies are evolving in these regions.
Prior to and following the panel, students participated in a networking event, which allowed them to connect with the speakers and other industry professionals. This was an invaluable opportunity to ask questions, gain further insights into career paths, and build relationships that could prove crucial for their future professional endeavors. The networking event also enabled students to expand their professional networks and connect with women who have successfully navigated the finance industry.
Lauren Mercer shared her perspective on the trip’s impact, stating, "This trip was an incredibly valuable experience, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to attend. At this stage of my college education, there’s a lot of pressure to know exactly what I want to do and how to get there. It can feel overwhelming when you're still trying to grasp what these industries truly involve and what it means to join them in the real world, beyond the classroom's theoretical perspective. Being able to meet with alumni and hear firsthand about their journeys was immensely helpful."
Visits with Alumnae VIPs
Appalachian State alumnae hosted the group at several leading firms, where students met with key professionals who shared their experiences working at top global institutions. The visit to TD Securities, hosted by alumna Alia Dahlan, offered a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s leading global investment banks. The visit and panel discussion gave students a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced finance world.
The group also met with alumnae Hannah Richardson and Caroline Alba, who work at Deloitte and The Campbell Soup Company, respectively. They shared insights on career growth, corporate culture, and navigating the industry. These meetings provided students with a wealth of knowledge and a stronger sense of the possibilities available in the finance field.
Diana Ojeda expressed her excitement about the trip: "This past week has been one of the most memorable times of my college experience thus far. As a woman in an industry that is mostly male-dominated, it was so impactful to be surrounded by so many women who inspire me to achieve my dreams and goals, specifically in the finance industry. Being able to travel to New York and meet amazing women in the industry, learning about their career paths, timelines, and advice, was something that truly changed my perspective."
Risk Management Case Study at the Empire State Building
Another unique aspect of the trip was the hands-on learning experience through a risk management case study focused on the Empire State Building. Students were hosted by alumnus John Hogg at the Empire State Building, where they were tasked with identifying potential risks to the iconic structure's REIT business and developing mitigation strategies based on real-world financial scenarios. The case study not only sharpened their analytical skills but also allowed them to engage with the building’s historical and contemporary significance in risk management.
Sophie Stohler, one of the participants, reflected on the impact of the trip: "I absolutely loved going to NYC, and I couldn’t have asked for better people to go on this trip with. I originally wanted to go on this trip to learn more about the industry and to find out if I actually wanted to pursue a career in finance. Coming out of this experience, I learned so much from App State alumni that I will be able to apply to my future goals. It was amazing to see so many women in a male-dominated field loving their jobs and succeeding."
Building Connections and Friendships
The trip also served as a platform for students to expand their professional networks. Abigail Ledford, another participant, shared, "This trip was one of the most valuable, inspirational, and memorable experiences I have ever been able to be a part of. Not only did I make valuable friendships with like-minded women striving for a common goal, but I learned so much as well. Hearing from other inspiring women who have already had a successful career was encouraging for me. As a young woman still unsure about my finance career, hearing from women in senior positions who flourished in their roles was reassuring."
The connections made throughout the trip—both with fellow students and industry professionals—helped to foster a sense of community and support among women aspiring to succeed in finance. The trip also deepened students' understanding of the diverse career paths within the finance industry and provided them with the tools and confidence to pursue their own aspirations.
Appalachian State’s Women in Financial Services Initiative: A Transformative Experience in New York City
