Bentley University’s Trading Room has welcomed new leadership this semester with the appointment of Kathy Fogel as its director, marking a new chapter for one of the university’s most hands-on learning spaces for finance students.
The Bentley Trading Room offers students direct access to professional-grade financial platforms such as Bloomberg, FactSet and Capital IQ—tools typically reserved for analysts at top financial institutions.
Supported by a team of 18 student analysts, the Trading Room allows students to analyze live market data, conduct equity research and apply classroom concepts to real-world financial scenarios.
“My role is to make sure students feel confident using these tools and understand how powerful they really are,” Fogel said. “Many professionals don’t encounter platforms like Bloomberg until their first job. At Bentley, students are getting that exposure much earlier.”
Fogel brings a background that blends academia, entrepreneurship and finance. Before joining Bentley, she taught finance at multiple universities and founded her own company, gaining experience in venture capital and the fintech ecosystem. She said Bentley’s focus on business, technology and innovation made the position a natural fit.
“What drew me to Bentley was the emphasis on preparing students for what actually happens in the market,” Fogel said. “This is not theory for theory’s sake, it’s about giving students skills they can immediately apply.”
During her first year as director, Fogel said her priority is increasing student engagement with the Trading Room and expanding its role as a bridge between coursework and industry. She also hopes to grow Bentley’s fintech presence as artificial intelligence and data-driven finance continue to reshape the field.
“The Trading Room should be a launchpad,” she said. “Students should walk out feeling prepared, capable and ambitious.”
Students have already begun noticing changes under the new leadership. Emily Rodriguez, a junior finance major, said Fogel’s industry perspective has added a new dimension to the experience.
“She connects what we’re learning directly to how professionals use these tools,” Rodriguez said. “It makes the Trading Room feel less intimidating and more like a space where you’re preparing for your future career.”
Beyond technical training, the Trading Room also serves as a professional development hub, hosting guest speakers including traders, investors and entrepreneurs. Fogel said her message to students is simple: take advantage of the opportunity.
“This space exists for you,” she said. “If you’re curious and willing to learn, there’s no limit to what you can do here.”