Roads to Success

On October 28th, over 90 students from Roads to Success (RTS)embarked on an eye-opening journey at Citibank’s headquarters, gaining insight into the vast world of finance and career opportunities within one of the industry’s leading organizations. This impactful experience gave our youth the chance to engage directly with finance professionals, inspiring some to consider new paths they hadn’t imagined before.

Sheila Duke, RTS CEO, captured the spirit of the day,stating,

Citibank’s commitment to opening doors for our youth is a pivotal step in shaping the roads to success for our future leaders.

Students from diverse high schools, including Gramercy Arts High School, Frederick Douglass Academy II Secondary School, the International High School at Union Square, Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts, and the Academy for Software Engineering, participated in the day’s activities. For many, it was their first time walking through the halls of a financial institution. The agenda was designed with hands-on learning at every turn, and their journey began with a tour of the renowned trading floor, giving them a close-up look at the heart of financial operations.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome and introductions,setting the stage for a unique “Careers Fireside Chat” with Citibank leaders. Lloyd Doaman, Executive Director of Carver Community Development, alongside Blair Washington and Colin Ryan, Directors in the Citi Diverse Financial Institutions Group, shared insights on diverse career paths in finance and beyond. This interactive session sparked curiosity among our youth, as they discovered how roles in finance can extend into marketing, HR, technology, and community development.

Throughout the day, RTS students actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and reflected on how the skills they’re building in school could one day apply to a workplace like Citibank. A midday break with pizza and refreshments gave everyone a chance to recharge and discuss what they’d learned so far.

The “Markets and Investments Workshop” provided a deep dive into financial literacy and investment fundamentals. Watching seasoned professionals at work on the trading floor left an indelible mark, with students noting how the dynamic, fast-paced environment was both intimidating and exhilarating.

"The trading floor was like nothing I’ve ever seen before," one student shared. "I didn’t think finance could be this exciting.”

For some students, language barriers initially posed a challenge. However, with the support of the RTS team, including Angelo Cabrera - Deputy Director of Education and Career Pathways, Tamara Willoughby - College Access & Pathways Program Coordinator, and Ashley Moguel - Program Director, every participant was able to navigate the day seamlessly.

Reflecting on the experience, RTS youth left Citibank with newfound perspectives and a better understanding of the skills and education required for a career in finance. The opportunity to meet and interact with finance professionals who shared their own career stories—and who may have once been in their shoes—empowered our students to see the endless possibilities ahead of them.