Columbia finance lecturer Eleni Vrana blends teaching, mentorship and industry experience

Eleni Vrana, a Columbia University lecturer and former finance leader, is using her corporate background to train graduate students in corporate finance while volunteering and mentoring outside the classroom. Her story highlights the growing role of practitioner-educators in preparing future business leaders.

Why it matters: - Vrana’s career shows how real-world finance experience can strengthen classroom teaching and student preparation. - Her focus on mentoring, volunteering and women’s advancement extends her impact beyond Columbia University. - Her work reflects a broader demand for educators who can connect theory to practical financial decision-making.

What happened: - Eleni Vrana is a Lecturer at Columbia University in the City of New York, where she teaches graduate students corporate finance at the School of Professional Studies. - Vrana has more than a decade of teaching experience. - She is currently focused primarily on teaching and volunteering. - Vrana volunteers with Read Ahead, which helps elementary school students build a love of reading. - She has applied to mentor international students in George Washington University’s MBA program.

The details: - Vrana spent 11 years at Sotheby’s in New York City. - At Sotheby’s, she held multiple leadership roles and helped manage financial operations for major auctions. - Vrana served as one of the account managers overseeing financial activities tied to high-value transactions. - She later joined Columbia University’s Finance Department and spent 16 years in various leadership roles. - During much of that period, Vrana also taught at Columbia while holding her administrative role. - Vrana earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of San Francisco. - She holds an M.B.A. from The George Washington University. - Vrana also earned a Master’s Business Certificate in Finance and Management from Columbia University. - Her background combines academic credentials with decades of finance and institutional leadership experience. - Vrana is preparing to publish a co-authored book about women’s success and happiness. - The book focuses on balancing family, work, personal growth and purpose. - Vrana says the book is meant to encourage women to believe in their abilities and pursue education.

Between the lines: - Vrana’s career path suggests a deliberate shift from corporate finance to teaching and service. - Her emphasis on faith, family and mentorship frames finance education as part of a wider personal mission. - Her experience as an international student appears to shape her interest in supporting others facing academic and professional transitions. - The profile positions practitioner-led teaching as a model for developing future finance professionals with both technical skills and context.

What's next: - Vrana plans to keep teaching, volunteering and mentoring students and young professionals. - She expects to continue helping women and students recognize their potential and pursue their goals. - Her upcoming book will extend her message on success, purpose and balance. - Her Columbia role and mentorship work are likely to remain the center of her professional life.

The bottom line: - Vrana’s career combines finance expertise, academic leadership and service. - Her impact comes from translating industry experience into guidance for the next generation.