Wall Street Finance Alliance (formerly known as REFA Finance)
For hardworking, talented sophomores aspiring to careers in finance, the Wall Street Finance Alliance (WSFA) mentorship program provides an unparalleled opportunity to secure high-level internships that lead to coveted jobs. The WSFA program (formerly known as the REFA finance program) is designed to prepare GW students to interview in a competitive marketplace, match students with leading alumni for mentorship opportunities, and utilize high-level alumni to open doors at their companies and secure top jobs in the industry. Recent members of the WSFA finance program have landed (as interns and full-time employees) in the investment banking, sales and trading, and asset/wealth management divisions of premier financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Wells Fargo, TD Securities, Perella Weinberg Partners, Deutsche Bank, and Vista Equity Partners.
GW alumni and WSFA mentors are united in the goal of expanding the career possibilities of GW students today as well as creating a legacy of access to high-level job placement in finance. If you are interested in working in finance and want to learn more about WSFA and the opportunities the mentorship program offers, please email WSFA Program Manager Sarah Lee.
- What to Expect
Recruitment for the Wall Street Finance Alliance mentorship program is a commitment, but one that all of our mentors deem to be well worth the time and effort. As a prospective mentee in your sophomore year, you will be expected to set up brief informational chats with junior and senior WSFA mentors. There will be information sessions hosted at the onset of your first semester as a sophomore, where you will receive all the contact information necessary to do so, but do not wait for these sessions to begin if you feel prepared. Throughout this process, you will be expected to choose one of the following paths: Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, or Asset & Wealth Management. After speaking with mentors and putting in preparatory work, both individually and with peers, you will then apply within the first two months of the semester, and a select number of you will be invited to participate in our Superday which will consist of a series of technical, behavioral and case study interviews with current mentors and alumni. For those who are accepted, the program for the remainder of the year will consist of the following:
- Saturday Sessions
- One-on-one Mentoring Sessions
- Alumni Coffee Chats
- Trek to New York Office Headquarters
The mentors work to make sure our mentees are prepared and confident when applying and interviewing for summer internships at banks across the street. The senior leadership team and junior mentors structured the program to model the experiences and knowledge that we felt were integral for success when recruiting for and later working on Wall Street.
- Meet the Class of 2025
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Name: Damien Chafe
Grade: Senior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: Private Credit Summer Analyst at Prime Finance
Current Position: Incoming Investment Banking Analyst at Wells Fargo
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has introduced me to a network of students and alumni at GW who have had a profound impact on my professional career. The connections I have made with my peers, mentees, and mentors in REFA will last a lifetime.
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Name: Ojas Chitnis
Grade: Senior
Track: Sales and Trading / Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: Summer Analyst (FIC), Deutsche Bank (New York)
Current Position: Analyst (FIC, Flow Sales & Trading), Deutsche Bank (New York)
What I have gained from REFA: The mentorship and community I gained from REFA has been invaluable in supporting my industry placement, success in my internship, and sense of belonging in the School of Business. REFA has given me a platform to pursue a career at a high-level in my chosen field, while also having the opportunity to give back to future students. The alumni of the program have been crucial mentors for me and their warm welcome has been the foundation of the start of my career on Wall Street
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Name: Xander Cox
Grade: Senior
Track: Wealth Management (Senior Lead)
Junior Summer Internship: Summer PWM Analyst at Goldman Sachs (SF)
Current Position: PWM Analyst at Goldman Sachs (SF)
What I have gained from REFA: As someone who studies outside of the business school, REFA provided me with a much-needed tight-knit and supportive community that held me accountable to my career goals. The mentors and friends I have gained in the program are some of the most intelligent, hardworking individuals I have met in my time at GWU, and they share their wisdom and knowledge at every turn. I owe most I have accomplished in my career to the students and alumni I met through REFA, and I look forward to giving back as best I can.
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Name: Andrew Hasson
Grade: Senior
Track: Investment Banking (Senior Lead)
Junior Summer Internship: IB Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners, Industrials (Chicago)
Current Position: IB Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners, Industrials
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has been one of the most influential parts of my undergraduate experience as it helped me learn about the various career paths available to me in finance, along with a fantastic community of dedicated and intelligent people to help guide and teach me. The community and the personal development that comes with it is truly unique to REFA and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
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Name: Valerie Kim
Grade: Senior
Track: Investment Banking (Senior Lead)
Junior Summer Internship: Private Equity Analyst at Vista Equity Partners
Current Position: Private Equity Analyst at Vista Equity Partners
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has made a major impact on my undergraduate experience. It has helped me develop professionally and meet other GW students with a shared interest in finance. Its strong mentorship culture and alumni network has played a key role in preparing me for my professional career.
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Name: Ryan Mulrenan
Grade: Senior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: IB Analyst at Goldman Sachs, TMT
Current Position: IB Analyst at Goldman Sachs, TMT
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has been a major part of my undergraduate experience because it allowed me to find a community of motivated and like-minded individuals. This drove me in my internship search and professional development. I am extremely grateful for the supportive and positive environment of this organization.
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Name: Matan Rosenberg
Grade: Senior
Track: Sales and Trading
Junior Summer Internship: Global Markets (Fixed Income Sales & Trading) Summer Analyst at TD Securities (NYC)
Current Position: Global Markets (Fixed Income Sales & Trading) Analyst at TD Securities (NYC)
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has been a significant part of my undergraduate experience at GW both professionally and personally. Professionally, it gave me the mentors and resources needed to pursue a career in sales & trading. Personally, it gave me a community consisting of friends and mentors who I consider to be some of the most invaluable people I’ve met at GW. Without REFA, I would not have made it to where I am today, and I am excited for the opportunity to give back to the organization.
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Name: Jenna Ross
Grade: Senior
Track: Sales and Trading, Previously Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: Summer Analyst on JP Morgan’s Corporate Commodity Derivatives Team in New York City
Current Position: Sales and Trading Analyst on JP Morgan’s Corporate Commodity Derivatives Team in New York City
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has exposed me to a community of intelligent and hard-working individuals who continuously push me to reach new heights. They have helped me master everything from technical skills to a simple coffee chat. Surrounding myself with people who have a passion for the markets has pushed me to explore so many fascinating concepts, and simultaneously, I found a great group of friends!
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Name: Christina Shore
Grade: Senior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: IB Analyst at Wells Fargo, Financial Sponsors (NYC)
Current Position: IB Analyst at Wells Fargo, Financial Sponsors (NYC)
What I have gained from REFA: REFA prepared me to be a competitive candidate when interviewing at firms. Most importantly, it gave me a community of kind, intelligent, and driven individuals who supported me during my recruitment process and internship experience. REFA continues to be a network I can lean on as I navigate my full-time role, and I am looking forward to giving back to the organization.
- Meet the Class of 2026
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Name: Madison Bachmayer
Grade: Junior
Track: Sales & Trading
Junior Summer Internship: PGIM Investments, Sales Internship (Newark, NJ)
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Name: Conor Brown
Grade: Junior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: IB Summer Analyst at Deutsche Bank (New York)
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has given me invaluable support and resources that have greatly helped me throughout the recruiting process. They provided thorough guidance, preparing me for every step of networking and interviewing. Additionally, REFA allowed me to work alongside individuals who share similar goals and ambitions, creating an environment where I could learn and grow with others who are just as passionate.
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Name: Cole Hadar
Grade: Junior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: IB Summer Analyst at Jefferies, Automotive Aftermarket (Boston)
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has given me a community of intelligent, ambitious, and supportive individuals who are just as dedicated to and invested in my success as they are to their own. I attribute much of the success I’ve had so far in breaking into finance to the resources and mentorship REFA has made available to me, and I’m excited to give back to this community all that I can.
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Name: Joshua Hanft
Grade: Junior
Track: Sales & Trading
Junior Summer Internship: HSBC Markets and Securities Summer Intern (New York)
What I have gained from REFA: REFA provided me with the resources and network required for me to adequately prepare for the S&T recruiting process. Through REFA, I had mentors who gave me guidance, and who could answer any question that came to mind.
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Name: Shea Johnson
Grade: Junior/Senior
Track: Asset/Wealth Management
What I have gained from REFA: REFA has offered me an invaluable platform for personal growth. Through a support system of mentors and alumni, I've developed valuable skills, gained a strong sense of belonging at GW, and formed lifelong friendships
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Name: Indy Nair
Grade: Junior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: IB Summer Analyst at Goldman Sachs, Healthcare (New York)
What I have gained from REFA: I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I've received through REFA. The selflessness demonstrated by everyone in this organization, who dedicate their time to support one another, is truly remarkable.
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Name: Jayson Soleimany
Grade: Junior
Track: Sales & Trading
Junior Summer Internship: UBS Katz Wealth Management (New York)
What I have gained from REFA: REFA is the most influential experience I've had at GW. It has expanded my knowledge of the finance sector and provided me with access to valuable networking opportunities. Resources like interview preparation and mentorship have been key in helping me prepare for finance internships.
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Name: Jinsil Yearm
Grade: Junior
Track: Investment Banking
Junior Summer Internship: Private Equity Analyst at Vista Equity Partners
What I have gained from REFA: REFA allowed me to form genuine connections with the most supportive, smartest, hardworking individuals and mentors. This, in turn, pushed me to learn more about the industry, discover opportunities, and provide me with a community to lean on.
- WSFA Alumni Council Members
Suzanne Dannheim ('20)
Digital Assets, Goldman Sachs
REFA Council Co-chairStephen J. Brown ('18)
Vice President, Goldman Sachs
REFA Council Co-chairPhillip Brill-Edwards ('03)
Managing Director, J.P. MorganTaylor Brimberg ('18)
Vice President, Wells FargoAugie Burkhardt ('23)
Investment Banking Analyst, Wells FargoAlex Caffrey ('13)
Principal, Boundary CompaniesAndrew Ellis ('22)
Financial Planning (Virtual Engagement Associate), Morgan StanleyMauricio Izurieta ('01)
Managing Director, Bank of AmericaHannah Jackman ('21)
Investment Banking Associate, Goldman SachsAllison Latham ('13)
Director, UBSEric Muha ('22)
Analyst, J.P. Morgan Asset ManagementAlyssa Shen ('23)
Investment Banking Analyst, CitiEmily Wagner ('12)
Vice President & ESG Research Analyst, Calvert Research and ManagementJames "JP" Wilkinson ('14)
Vice President, Goldman Sachs Group- View Requirements & Apply Today
All applicants must submit a comprehensive application and complete two rounds of interviews with a selection committee comprised of current WSFA mentees, GW staff and leading alumni.
Once selected, students work closely with representatives of the Fowler Career Center and their mentors on resume/interview preparation and job prospecting. Each student will be assigned to former mentees and distinguished alumni for mentoring. They will be required to attend all WSFA mentorship program-sponsored events, participate in training sessions, engage in extensive interview prep, attend the NY WSFA Networking Trek (in person or virtually), and work diligently to obtain a summer internship.
