Bryant University is hosting a Women in Finance forum sponsored by Envestnet Institute On Campus on November 11 to help educate and introduce women in high school or attending Bryant to a career in finance. The half-day of programming will educate women on the breadth of opportunity available in the field and within finance programs at Bryant.
The wide world of finance
There are enormous opportunities for women in the finance field, says one of the forum’s lead organizers, Mara Derderian, M.B.A., Director of Financial Planning studies and Lecturer of Finance. The purpose of the event is to help introduce young women to the finance field, she says.
“We have an amazing lineup of Bryant alumnae who are excited to come back and speak to our attendees.”
The program will provide an overview of the many career pathways that comprise the finance field and the skills needed for success while dispelling misconceptions, all within a comfortable environment for exploring and asking questions. Attendees can experience first-hand Bryant’s close-knit, friendly community, which includes many alumnae finding success in the finance field – several of whom are panelists and speakers at the event.
“We have an amazing lineup of Bryant alumnae who are excited to come back and speak to our attendees. Their willingness and ability to share their knowledge is an indication of how confident they were entering the industry, and how supportive they are of the next generation of young professionals interested in finance,” says Derderian. “We’re very excited to host this event.”
“We have innovative programs of study in finance that expose students to exceptional programming earlier in their academic career. We incorporate the ability to get a range of licenses and certifications into our programs.”
Keynoting the event during a luncheon will be alumna Eileen Hayes ’07, a Vice President at Envestnet, Inc, who will deliver the final presentation of the day.
Earlier advising for greater impact
Since the term finance can be construed in a variety of ways, says Derderian, these sessions serve to define in more detail what a career in finance entails. For example, by differentiating between financial planning and corporate finance, the program can help attendees gain an understanding of these two very different career paths.
Attendees will also be able to gain an understanding of the kinds of finance and financial services programs of study offered at Bryant, represented by the four tracks listed in the program: financial planning, investment management, banking and corporate finance.
“Understanding finance at an earlier age sets you up for success in many ways.”
“We have innovative programs of study in finance that expose students to exceptional programming earlier in their academic career. We incorporate the ability to get a range of licenses and certifications into our programs, and by educating students about them, they're better suited to choose internships and designations that are going to be most impactful, and to network with people that are going to help them more,” says Derderian. “Understanding finance at an earlier age sets you up for success in many ways.”
Planned schedule, tracks and panelists
The tentative schedule is provided below:
9am - 10am: Opening Session and breakfast
10am - 12pm: Breakout Sessions:
Corporate Finance
The field of corporate finance helps you quantify and evaluate financial dimension. Corporate finance can be broken into two areas. (Read more)
Molly Funk ’16 Sr. Financial Analyst, Fidelity Investments
Denae Pisano ’18 Consultant, Slalom
Kaitlyn Dickey ’21 Portfolio Analyst, BNY Mellon
Commercial Banking
Working at a commercial bank, you can help with a bank’s investment strategy and help provide loans for your local community. (Read more)
Jessica Maio ’16 Associate Bank Examiner, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Sophia Romano ’20 Business Process Analyst, TD Bank
Maria Fontana ‘ 12 Sr. Treasury Analyst, VP, Citizens Bank
Caitlin Wray ’17 Corporate Reporting Manager, Officer, Citizens Bank
Investment Management
The investments track at Bryant prepares students for jobs in investment management firms who manage portfolios for clients. (Read more)
Olivia Lomuscio ’17 Product Manager, Fidelity Investments
Sarah DeSantis ’21 Global Market Analyst, Citizen’s Bank
Adriana Grugnale ’18 Client Reporting Data Specialist, MFS Investment Management
Victoria Albanese ’18 Investment Specialist, Merrill Edge
Eva Nesline ’20 Global Markets Foreign Exchange Analyst II, Citizens Bank
Financial Planning
Personal financial planners have the expertise and experience to deliver solutions tailored to their customers' needs, avoid costly errors, and mitigate risk, as well as offer a suite of services and products aligned with clients' current and future goals. (Read more)
Savannah Miles ’19 CFP® Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Kimberly Flynn ’19 Financial Planning Assistant, Thrivepoint Financial
Nicole Lithway ’18 Financial Planning Consultant, Fidelity Investments
12pm - 1pm: Keynote Speaker Eileen Hayes ’07 (Lunch will be served)
Alumna Eileen Hayes '07 will join us for a Keynote address while a buffet lunch is served. Eileen received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bryant University and served in roles such as President of Student Senate and Chair of Regional Alumni Council in New York and Massachusetts. Eileen is currently responsible for deepening relationships with asset managers across the Envestnet suite of services, and ensuring managers have the tools, training and knowledge they need to be successful distributors throughout the Envestnet ecosystem. Her role includes identifying best-in-class managers for Envestnet’s platform, facilitating strategic engagement with asset managers and advocating industry best practices. Prior to joining Envestnet, Eileen spent 4 years at U.S. Boston Capital Corp focusing on institutional Distribution and also helping Business Development positions at Contravisory Investment Management and Advisors Asset Management.
1:30pm on: Campus Tours and Admissions Information Session available
