In an exciting development for the Gabelli School of Business, students will soon have the chance to engage in real-world portfolio management. This semester, a collaboration between the Gabelli Center for Global Security Analysis and the Fordham investment office has led to the creation of a $500,000 fund exclusively managed by the Fordham chapter of Smart Woman Securities (SWS). The initiative aims to empower undergraduate women with practical financial knowledge through seminars, mentorship, and professional exposure. Made possible by a generous donation from alumnus Mario Gabelli, this opportunity highlights the school's commitment to nurturing future leaders in finance.
Empowering Female Leaders in Finance
In the vibrant atmosphere of academic innovation, the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University is taking a significant step forward. During this academic term, the institution introduced a groundbreaking initiative: a $500,000 equity fund managed entirely by members of the SWS student organization. Established thanks to the visionary support of Mario Gabelli, this fund complements the existing Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) but focuses on undergraduate women within the SWS club. Unlike SMIF, which operates as a two-semester course, the new venture integrates directly into the activities of SWS, enhancing their mission of educating young women about finance.
This unique opportunity was celebrated at a networking event held in April at the Lincoln Center campus, where current students and alumni gathered to discuss its potential impact. Under the guidance of faculty advisors like Paul Johnson, the SWS leadership team is diligently preparing the necessary infrastructure for managing the fund. Their efforts include drafting detailed investment guidelines, selecting analysts and portfolio managers, and developing comprehensive training programs to ensure students are well-prepared to identify and present viable investment opportunities.
Raimy Little, the club’s CEO, expressed pride in launching this milestone project. While other chapters of SWS across the country also manage funds, the significance of this endeavor for Fordham's chapter cannot be overstated. Plans are underway to finalize the training curriculum over the summer, aiming to begin investing by year's end.
From a journalistic perspective, this initiative underscores the transformative power of education combined with real-world experience. By entrusting undergraduates with actual investment decisions, Fordham not only equips them with valuable skills but also challenges societal norms regarding gender roles in finance. Such programs inspire confidence and competence among young women, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated fields. It serves as a powerful reminder that fostering talent early can lead to extraordinary outcomes.