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 $3.5 million in scholarship funds have been awarded to deserving students.
Click on the student's name to read her bio.
Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley
Abbeir is an incoming MBA student at UC Berkeley Haas and a first-generation college graduate from the University of San Francisco, where she studied Psychology. She began her career at Room to Read and now serves as Manager of Global Business Operations, leading initiatives to improve fundraising performance and financial transparency across global teams. Her work sparked an interest in philanthropic investing and using financial strategy to drive impact. Through her MBA, she aims to advance education and expand opportunity, while encouraging more women from nontraditional backgrounds to pursue business education.
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Alyssa Karbel is a graduate student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, pursuing a General Management degree with plans to continue her career in investing. She graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins University in Economics, with minors in Accounting and Financial Management, and has passed all three CFA exams.
She began her career at Goldman Sachs and later joined Wellington Management, covering technology and industrials. Prior to the GSB, she interned at Pacific Lake, a lower middle market private equity firm. She now serves as CFO of the GSB Private Equity Club.
After graduation, Alyssa aims to return to private equity and build infrastructure to support female entrepreneurs. She is also actively involved in mentoring women through organizations such as Invest in Girls and Women in Management at Stanford.
Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business
Maribel Wenzinger is an MBA student at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, concentrating in Finance and Entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and focuses on financial analysis, strategy, and leadership.
She serves as Co-President of the Graduate Finance Association and as a Student Ambassador, fostering an inclusive community. Prior to her MBA, she worked in commercial lending and as a Treasury Analyst, building expertise in corporate finance and liquidity management.
Maribel is also active in financial literacy outreach with organizations such as Junior Achievement and ACE Charter Schools. After graduation, she plans to support women in leadership and drive impact in the financial services industry.
California State University, East Bay
Tam Nguyen is a Master of Science in Accounting student at California State University, East Bay, maintaining a 3.9 GPA and on track to be CPA-eligible by December 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business from San José State University, where she discovered her interest in accounting and analytical problem-solving.
Tam works as an Accounting Advisory Apprentice at BPM LLP, supporting financial reporting, month-end close, and compliance processes. She is an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, participated in Deloitte’s Best Practices Competition, and mentors students pursuing accounting careers.
She also served as a college radio DJ at 90.5 KSJS FM, developing strong communication skills through interviews and live broadcasts. Tam plans to build a career in public accounting while supporting the advancement of women in accounting and finance.
Saint Mary’s College of California
Aeli Sherpa, originally from Nepal, is pursuing a Master’s in Accounting at Saint Mary’s College of California. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Chemistry, from San José State University, where she developed an interest in financial leadership and impact-driven work.
As Treasurer of the Women’s Wellness Organization, she supported programs focused on women’s empowerment and well-being. She also served as Vice President of the Global Student Network and as a peer mentor for international students. At a dental clinic, she helped patients navigate treatment costs, translating complex financial information into clear guidance.
Aeli aims to build a career in accounting and finance that combines analytical rigor with service, helping individuals and communities make informed financial decisions.
University of San Francisco
Arianna Costello is an undergraduate student at the University of San Francisco pursuing a degree in Finance. Originally from Sarasota, Florida, she brings energy, discipline, and a competitive spirit—on the tennis court and in her academic and professional pursuits.
Arianna is an award-winning public speaker and a consistent Dean’s List recipient, recognized for both leadership and academic excellence. She is deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as President of Women in Finance, a peer tutor at the Speaking Center since her freshman year, a member of the Board of Trustees Finance Committee, and the student lead of USF’s AI Research and Policy Lab.
After graduation, Arianna plans to pursue a dual MBA/JD, with the goal of becoming a mergers and acquisitions lawyer.
Saint Mary’s College of California
Jasira Gay is a first-generation undergraduate student at Saint Mary’s College of California, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Data Science. Growing up with financial challenges shaped her commitment to helping others build financial confidence and make informed decisions.
She serves as an Honors Peer Mentor and tutors Accounting 100 students, while actively contributing to the Black Student Union, the student accounting society, and the Data Science Club. Through these roles, she supports financial literacy and community-focused initiatives.
Jasira has gained experience at a local tax firm and will complete an audit internship with Withum this summer. She plans to build a career in accounting and finance, breaking barriers for young Black professionals and mentoring women to achieve financial confidence and create impact in their communities.
University of San Francisco
Naledi is an undergraduate student at the University of San Francisco pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Business Analytics and Finance. She is one of 10 Black Scholars on campus, recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to service.
She is an active campus leader, serving as Treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers and VP of Communications for the Black Business Association. She began her leadership early in Topeka, Kansas, raising over $7,000 through the Bee The Blessing project to address food deserts.
Naledi has interned at the ESG Real Estate Laboratory, where she led work on the Modescore sustainability certification, and is involved in programs such as Girls Who Invest, the Greenwood Project, and MLT’s Financial Services Track. She aims to build a career at the intersection of finance, technology, and sustainability.