Happy New Year! I read earlier this month that January is a "month of Mondays" and I really get it. Those of us who were in the throngs of open enrollment deserve to take a breath, though! I'm going to do things a little differently this month share with you about two amazing women who have really inspired me with, both with where they have been and what they are doing now. As we kick off the new year, I'm very happy to share the news of Christina and Jean and how they are making a difference and leaving their footprint in our industry. Buckle up — and here's to a great year!
"I must admit, my biggest accomplishment has been believing in my own capabilities. Let me explain. I came to the States when I was 14 years old. I barely spoke the language, went to three different high schools and have been on my own since 18. I worked for the same institution for 20 years. I started as a teller and moved up the corporate ladder, eventually becoming a senior fiduciary advisor and vice president. In the evenings, I went to school to earn my BS degree, served on different boards, and obtained my CISP and CFP designation and volunteered in my community.
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About 15 months ago, I decided to leave my comfortable, well-paying job to pursue the unknown. My former colleagues and friends thought I had lost my mind, as I was joining a financial/insurance company that was fee- and commission-based. Not to mention, I was not able to bring any of my existing clients, so I was essentially starting all over again. During this time, I was named president for our Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) chapter and my focus became growing our chapter. I felt pulled in many directions. I worked long hours (and still do), but quickly learned to feel comfortable with the uncomfortable and to surround myself with like-minded individuals who want to become their best version. I was completely in awe when I was nominated for WIFS Women of the Year and more surprised to be named as one of the finalists. It was such an amazing experience and it made me realize the importance of celebrating the small wins along the way that help us achieve our ultimate goals. I would say my biggest accomplishment was taking the leap of faith, embarking into unknown territory, having the confidence I would figure things out and mindset to succeed regardless of the obstacles."
"This has been a very fulfilling year for me! I have been working in the financial services industry for 20 years and for the last few, I have been an active mentor to young women professionals. I chose to do this because I have a passion to help grow and develop the next generation of women leaders in the wealth management industry, and I have learned not all women were as fortunate as I was to be raised in a family with strong female role models who provided the support and guidance that helped shape my successful career. This past year, I took this passion a step further and created the Envestnet Institute on Campus Women in Wealth Mentorship Program. The one-year mentorship program pairs college women from across the country with a successful Women in Wealth influencer to help educate, encourage, inspire, mentor, and pursue and ultimately achieve a successful career in the wealth management industry. We have 20 young women in 2017–2018 class and are already in the process of recruiting mentors and mentees for the 2018–2019 class.
I have also created the WIFS Philadelphia Chapter's College Outreach Program. This program seeks to attract women to the insurance and financial services sector, mentor/assist them in the job search process, and continue supporting their ongoing development as their careers advance. Our chapter is scheduled to speak with young women at five colleges/universities in the Philadelphia Tri-County region in 2018.
It is a privilege to help shape the next generation of women leaders!"
As always, if you know of great women in the industry who are working hard to make this this industry great, send me an email introduction at [email protected] I'd love to connect! Hope to see some of you at CapCon for NAHU in February to help make an impact on our industry!
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