Scholarships awarded by the FWSF are made possible through the generosity of FWSF sponsors and the proceeds from the Financial Woman of the Year Luncheon. Over $3 million in scholarship funds have been awarded to deserving students.
Click on the student's name to read her bio.
Golden Gate University
Delgermaa Batgaram is a graduate student at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, pursuing a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master’s in Business Management and a Bachelor’s in Banking Management from the National University of Mongolia. With over eight years in Mongolia’s banking sector, she has led key initiatives in private banking and corporate finance, securing $65 million in deposits within eight months.
She is passionate about leadership development, financial literacy, and mentoring women in finance. Through her studies, she aims to integrate finance and workplace psychology to drive inclusive leadership and employee engagement. After graduation, she plans to implement leadership programs in financial institutions, fostering career growth for women and building a more inclusive and sustainable financial industry.
Hult International Business School
Angela Pastorino is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Hult Business School in San Francisco. She holds a Bachelor’s in Economic Sciences from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, an MBA from Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Econômicas, and a Corporate Finance specialization from Ohio University. Angela has a strong background in corporate strategy, M&A, and private equity, with experience leading significant operations in Latin America. She serves as Vice President of Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) San Francisco, focusing on career growth and leadership in the Latin community. Angela was recognized in ABInbev’s Global Women Leadership Program and mentors through ABVCAP. Post-graduation, she aims to advance in venture capital and private equity, with a focus on impact investing and promoting diversity and inclusion within finance.
Santa Clara University
Stephanie Terrasas is a first-year MBA student at the Leavey School of Business where she also serves as Student Ambassador and Vice President of Alumni Relations for the Graduate Women in Business Club.
After teaching middle school mathematics for 15 years, Stephanie has begun her pivot into business by currently serving the Silicon Valley Mathematics Initiative as their Marketing and Membership Manager. Always having a passion for mathematics and numbers, Stephanie intends to declare a concentration in Finance along with her MBA. Stephanie's goals include working for a Bay Area accounting firm and ultimately progressing to an executive leadership position. Stephanie is constantly striving to be a positive role model and make her twelve-year-old daughter proud.
San Jose State
Claudia Alvarado is a third-year finance major at San Jose State University's Lucas College and Graduate School of Business. As a first-generation college student, she views education as a gateway to opportunities beyond traditional expectations. Inspired by her parents’ sacrifices, she is committed to pursuing a career in commercial real estate and wealth management, fields where first-generation representation remains limited.
Claudia has earned Dean’s High Honors every semester. She is a member of the Investment & Banking Club and co-president / founding member of the Spartan Real Estate Association, leading and executing the first real world case project. After graduation, she aspires to empower first-generation Hispanic women in the U.S. and Mexico through financial literacy and representation in finance.
Saint Mary’s College
Alexis Auerbach is a first-generation undergraduate student at Saint Mary’s College of California, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Ethnic Studies. She serves as a Peer Mentor for incoming transfer students and tutors in Financial Accounting. Additionally, Alexis is a member of the Gael Women in Business Club. She is passionate about practices that optimize efficiency and hopes to help other transfer students find the right path for themselves. Alexis aspires to integrate financial strategy with sustainability in public service, optimizing resource management in sectors like national parks and public works.
Saint Mary's College
Lizeth De La Cruz is an undergraduate at Saint Mary’s College of California, majoring in finance and accounting. She holds a Seal of Biliteracy and is recognized by the California State Legislature, Senate, and Congress. As a first-generation college student from a low-income immigrant family, Lizeth is dedicated to breaking generational barriers through education. She is involved in several campus organizations, including Gael Sisterhood, Gael Women in Business, and the Latinx Business Association, and serves as a resident advisor, helping first-year students transition to college life. Additionally, Lizeth interns in tax preparation at JHS in Danville. After graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree, become CPA certified, and open her own tax firm to continue supporting others through financial education.
University of California, Berkeley
Rachel Fewx is an undergraduate at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. She is studying Business Administration with a focus on accounting. She grew up right here in the Bay Area.
As a lover of nature, she is a member of the Cal Hiking and Outdoor Society (CHAOS). She is also an active participant in Scouting America. In fact, she is an honored member of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts. She has advanced her work experience with several jobs, including her current job at a CPA firm. Post graduation, Rachel plans to become a CPA. Her dream career is to become a forensic accountant for the SEC. She hopes to make a social impact through her future career.
Dominican University
Julisa Pena is a junior at Dominican University of California, majoring in business with a concentration in finance. Julisa grew up in Oceanside, California as an avid soccer player. As a student-athlete, she also balances a busy work schedule alongside numerous volunteer commitments, including Allen Sports Club and the Dominican Penguin Pantry. She is proud to have earned recognition on the Dean’s List to acknowledge her academic success. Julisa is committed to developing her skills in business and finance, seeking opportunities that allow her to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact, not just for herself, but for her community and future generations.
University of California, Berkeley
Evelyn Ramirez is an undergraduate student, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in City Planning at UC Berkeley. As a San Francisco native, she values urban diversity and is passionate about exploring intersections between individuals, corporations, and government systems. Her experiences in the private and public sectors, including roles at the Japanese Community Youth Council and Recreation & Parks Department, have fueled her desire to empower others. As a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) volunteer, she supports low-income communities through tax preparation and economic policy discussions. Evelyn has interned at Ernst & Young (EY) and aspires to become a CPA, advising individuals and small businesses across complex tax systems. She is committed to promoting financial equity and transparent practices, fostering generational wealth across the communities she serves.