Sonia Broni Finds Her Voice in a Room Full of Future Leaders

At Tufts University, Sonia Broni has already distinguished herself as a sharp thinker and a powerful communicator — earning recognition such as the MLK Jr. Student Voices Award and the Norton Writer’s Prize. She brings a rare blend of analytical skill and storytelling talent to her academic and leadership work.

Still, stepping into a finance‑focused environment can feel daunting, especially for students who haven’t yet seen many people who look like them in the industry. When Sonia arrived at the College Fast Track to Finance Conference, she expected a competitive atmosphere. What she found instead was something far more energizing.

Rather than the high‑pressure tone often associated with finance, Sonia experienced something supportive and uplifting.

The Finance 101 Roundtables quickly became a highlight. The fast‑paced rotations allowed her to speak with multiple professionals, each offering honest insights about their roles, their paths, and the realities of working in finance. These conversations were direct, practical, and surprisingly personal.

“Fifteen minutes, four rounds, four different professionals — super valuable,” Sonia shared. “I loved the dynamic of quick rotations.”

But what stood out most was the environment created by the women in the room. Rather than the high‑pressure tone often associated with finance, Sonia experienced something supportive and uplifting. Students and professionals alike were invested in helping one another grow.

“It wasn’t about competition,” she said. “We were all trying to make space for each other and lift each other up. That meant a lot to me.”

Her experience at Fast Track to Finance didn’t just expand her understanding of the industry — it helped her recognize that she belongs in the rooms she once viewed from the outside.”

The panel discussions added another layer of impact. Speakers shared strategies for improving pitches, strengthening networking habits, and approaching conversations with intention. Sonia walked away with practical tools she could apply immediately — not just in finance, but in any professional setting.

“The advice from the speakers could apply across industries,” she noted. “It helped me think about how I show up in conversations and how I can continue improving.”

By the end of the conference, Sonia felt more grounded in her path forward. She saw that finance isn’t a single track — it’s a wide landscape with room for different strengths, backgrounds, and perspectives. She also saw that her own voice, shaped by her writing, leadership, and academic work, has a place in that landscape.

Today, Sonia approaches her future with a stronger sense of direction and a deeper belief in what she can contribute. Her experience at Fast Track to Finance didn’t just expand her understanding of the industry — it helped her recognize that she belongs in the rooms she once viewed from the outside.

Her story illustrates exactly why corporate members invest in Forté programs: because when students are given access to real conversations, real role models, and real opportunities, they don’t just learn about finance — they begin to envision themselves in it.