Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Five Lessons from the Investment News Events: Women to Watch Awards and Women Advisor Summit
In the ever-dynamic exploration of leadership in the world of wealth management, the Center for Women in Financial Services’ collaboration with Investment News shines a spotlight on the powerful journey of women in financial services from leadership roles to influencing critical decisions to propelling better outcomes for clients and businesses alike. Here are five key lessons that the Center learned at the Investment News Women’s Events:
- Inclusivity Drives Effective Leadership: Embracing inclusivity in decision-making is a key factor in becoming a more effective leader, as demonstrated by the experiences and transformative decisions shared by the industry executive.
- The Power of Authenticity: Authenticity emerges as a potent platform in wealth management, fostering trust with clients, enabling diverse perspectives, and serving as a catalyst for business growth—highlighting the importance of being true to oneself in the industry.
- Strategic Model Selection for Growth: Success in wealth management involves recognizing and leveraging the unique strengths of different business models, whether as a broker-dealer, independent advisor, or RIA, offering opportunities for advisors to optimize their approach and potentially reshape their professional lives. Learn more about this from our Research.
- Collaboration for Future-Proofing: Fostering collaboration within the industry is identified as a strategy for future-proofing businesses, emphasizing the collective approach to staying ahead in the evolving financial services sector and meeting the changing needs of clients.
- Harnessing Unique Perspectives for Innovation: Women advisors and clients, with their distinct perspectives and approaches, are driving innovation in wealth management, suggesting the importance of identifying and capitalizing on unique opportunities for long-term success in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
As we reflect on these lessons, one thing becomes clear: The future of wealth management is bright, driven by the innovation, collaboration, and authenticity of women leaders who continue to redefine success in this dynamic industry. The Center for Women in Financial Services will continue to collaborate with organizations to foster inclusion for the industry at large.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Combining Forces: Stronger Together
The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the combining of leadership for the Center for Special Needs and the Center for Women in Financial Services. This exciting move follows the retirement of Hilary Fiorella, former executive director of the Center for Women in Financial Services. Moving forward, both centers will be led by Executive Director, Joellen Meckley.
“The Center for Women in Financial Services has made great strides over the past few years supporting the advancement of women in the industry. I am thrilled to join the team as we continue working toward a more equitable future together,”
Joellen Meckley, Executive Director.
The Center for Women in Financial Services appreciates your continued support as we undergo these exciting changes. We encourage you to take part in this journey moving forward, as we, along with the Center for Special Needs, work together to transform the landscape of financial services and create a more inclusive industry.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
USA Cares: Bringing Stability to Military Families in Crisis
Their services improve the quality of life for veterans and their families and reduce potential factors that can contribute to veteran suicide. These services act in support of their vision to create stability for military families in crisis.
USA Cares was launched through a grassroots partnership between WAVE-3 TV in Louisville, Kentucky, the Mid-South Division of Kroger Food Stores, and the Association of the United States Army Fort Knox Chapter. The organization was dubbed Kentuckiana Cares, with a goal to raise funds to help military families in financial crises through the sale of “Support Our Troops” yard signs. In October 2003, in response to the increasing number of requests for assistance, Kentuckiana Cares evolved into what is now USA Cares, a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization that has assisted thousands of veterans and military families facing hardships related to service.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as financial, legal, investment or other professional advice. Readers should consult with the relevant professionals for specific advice related to their situation.
We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, compensated or in any way officially connected with any other company, agency, or government agency in this article. All product, service and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Before making any decisions based on the information contained in this article, you are strongly advised to refer to alternative, independent sources of information to substantiate the basis for your decision. It is your sole responsibility to satisfy yourself prior to using the information in any way and to seek appropriate advice before taking or refraining from taking any action in reliance on any information contained in this article.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Military Center Executive Director Message to Supporters
As we approach the end of the year, I have reflected on many of the Center’s accomplishments including
- Scholarship opportunities and career services support for those in our military community in transition
- Community building through:
- Execution of multiple thought leadership webinars
- Implementation of a military resource group providing networking and career opportunities for our scholars
- Development of military consumer financial education programs through partnerships with military financial educational foundations
- Execution of the Ninth Annual Clambake and Soldier-Citizen Award Ceremony, honoring this year’s recipient former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen, USN (Ret.), and a Leadership Symposium led by Maury Stewart Lecture Marquee Speaker Colonel Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.), the first female U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot.
These successes are only possible with your dedication to supporting our mission of assisting active-duty, guard, reserve service members, veterans, and their spouses in transition.
A special thank you to our center founding partner and sponsor Penn Mutual and Advisory Council.
With your generous support, the Center will continue expanding our offerings and opportunities for those moving from military service into their next chapter in the civilian force, as well as assisting their spouses in their careers in financial services.
I wish you and your families happy holidays and ask that you keep those currently serving our country in your thoughts and prayers during the holiday season.
Very Respectfully,
Phil Easton
Executive Director, The American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Army Officer and Retired Veteran Thanks The Center
I want to extend the deepest feeling of gratitude for giving me this scholarship and the opportunity to learn from such an impactful organization. Everything I learn in this course will be put to work as I try to help more Active-Duty Military and Veteran families in their pursuit of financial security.
Giving back to the military community fills me with purpose and this opportunity will enhance my ability to provide families with better service as they pursue their goals.
Thank you!
Respectfully,
Jesse M. Underwood
Philanthropic Planning Insights
Dien Yuen Joins the Be Giving Podcast
Dien Yuen, former executive director of the American College Center for Philanthropy and Social Impact, was recently a guest on the Be Giving podcast hosted by Elizabeth Wong.
In this episode, Yuen joins Wong to share her expertise in the field, discussing topics such as the importance of philanthropy in wealth management, the value placed on philanthropy by The College and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) Program, and the unique experiences faced by advisors of color.
Hear about these topics and more in this informative and thought-provoking discussion as Yuen shares her experiences with The College.
Honoring Our Most Loyal Supporters
The American College of Financial Services is committed to delivering the highest quality education to the professionals entrusted with the public’s financial well-being. The yearly President’s Dinner serves to highlight what’s new and exciting at The College while recognizing the significant contributions of some of The College’s most generous supporters who help make it all possible. In addition, The College welcomed former president Larry Barton and took a moment to thank four board members in attendance whose terms will conclude at the end of the year.
Awards Presentation
Each year, the President’s Dinner includes a series of award presentations to recognize the contributions of several alums who have inspired us with their passion and commitment to helping The College achieve its mission.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Huebner Gold Medal:
- Phillip C. Richards, CLU®, RHU®
- Margaret I. Bradshaw, CLU® (posthumously)
In 1975, as The College approached its 50th anniversary, the Board of Trustees decided to honor those whose role in the development of the institution was of special significance. The Huebner Gold Medal, named for The College's founder, Solomon S. Huebner, is awarded to people who, through support and dedication to The College and its programs, have moved the institution forward in its mission.
Phil Richards is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the affiliated companies that comprise North Star Resource Group. North Star represents a fully integrated array of financial services and products for individuals and businesses of all sizes and has over 140,000 clients, with offices in 22 states and client assets under administration exceeding $10 billion. He is a 45-year arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, is a past chairman of the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota Board of Directors. He served on the Arizona Quality Council Board of Directors and on The American College of Financial Services’ Board of Trustees in Philadelphia for nine years. He was inducted into The College’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
The late Margaret Bradshaw was just the fourth woman in the United States to earn a Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation from The American College of Financial Services, just four years after The College was founded. She was the first woman agent ever in Rhode Island. She went on to teach insurance classes at Brown University, to classes frequently comprised entirely of men. When she began in the insurance field, she noticed that few agents had any appreciation for the CLU®, let alone the designation itself. She said, “The American College [was] instrumental in making insurance a profession.”
President's Award: Mary M. Wright, CAP®
Conferred by The College’s President and CEO, this award recognizes the leadership and generosity of benefactors and volunteers.
Mary Wright attended Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota, where she met and married Charles R. Wright, known to many at The College and elsewhere as Chuck. Together, they were leading donors to the American College Center for Women in Financial Services and helped to establish the State Farm Women’s Chair. Mary’s years of service through philanthropy led her to complete her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation so she could explore more ways of helping others engage in philanthropic work as well. Mary was honored to work with The College in not only funding, but in creating the scope and direction for the work that became the Wright Fellowship in the Center for Women in Financial Services.
Alumni Hall of Fame: Paul E. Vignone, CLU®, ChFC®, JD, LLM
The American College of Financial Services Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize graduates of The College's designation, certification, and degree programs who have made extraordinary contributions in time, treasure, effort, and energy to the institution, their community, and the financial services industry as a whole.
Paul Vignone is an estate and business planning consultant for The Gaber Group. He spent much of his career with Penn Mutual as a managing partner and then an executive consultant. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned many of Penn Mutual’s employee awards – including its most prestigious, the National Chairman’s Award. In addition, the General Agents’ and Managers’ Association has consistently recognized his contributions to the industry, including honoring him with its coveted First-in-Class Award and 13 Master Agency Awards.
Second Century Society: J. Scott Davison, ChFC®, CLU®
The Second Century Society recognizes The College's most generous benefactors who have made lifetime gifts achieving $1 million or more in philanthropic impact.
Scott Davison is the Chairman, President, and CEO of OneAmerica. He leads the nationwide network of companies and affiliates, which offer a wide variety of products including retirement, individual life insurance, annuities, asset-based long-term care solutions, and employee benefits. He was appointed president in 2013, CEO in 2014, and chairman of the board in 2017. Scott is a past chairman at Indiana University Health, the American Council of Life Insurers, and The American College of Financial Services. He currently serves on the board of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and Ascend Indiana, and as a co-chair of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming.
NextGen Financial Services Professional Award
The NextGen Financial Services Professional Award honors young professionals under the age of 40 who made a significant impact in the financial services industry and have shown outstanding performance and leadership in their careers, with a desire to give back to the community. This year’s winners were:
- Michael Acosta, CFP®, CSLP, ChFC®
- Kay Blunck, CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, AEP®, CRPC®
- Akeiva Ellis, MSFP, CPA/PFS, CFP®, ChSNC®
- Hannah Kantsroom, CAP®, MSW
- Padric Scott, AEP®, CFP®, CAP®, ChFC®, CLU®, WMCP®, CCFC
Venue
Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s beautiful museum district, the Barnes Foundation promotes the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. And like at The American College of Financial Services, education is at the heart of everything they do.
The Barnes’s core belief that art has a meaningful role to play in the service of improving society relates to The College’s belief that a more highly trained financial services profession, coupled with a more educated population, benefits society in a very real way by elevating the conversations being had around financial literacy and security.
Plus, as they are at The College, diversity and inclusion are integral to the Barnes Foundation’s excellence and success and play a necessary role in all their activities.
The President
President and Chief Executive Officer of The College George Nichols III, CAP® hosted the President’s Dinner and shared remarks throughout the evening. George recently celebrated five years at The College, a milestone that invited reflection on the transformative past half-decade at the institution. In his closing comments, he noted that it is not lost on him that he is the first Black president at The College, and that only in America could he go from being a poor Black boy in Kentucky to sharing his five-year anniversary with so many esteemed guests at the President’s Dinner. It was a fitting end to a wonderful night.
Independence in Practice: How a Florida Firm Powers Growth with Retirement Knowledge
Led by Cary Stamp, RICP®, CFP®, CDFA™, CAP®, AIF®, AEP®, a multi-time alum of The College’s programs including the RICP® and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation, this registered investment advisor (RIA) firm in West Palm Beach, FL, has experienced significant growth – and many of its advisors credit The College’s programs with propelling that growth.
Stamp says he believes so much in the power and value of continuing education and The College’s programs that he requires all new advisors at his firm to enroll in a College program, whether it’s the RICP®, The College’s CFP® Certification Education Program, or others. In addition, professionals at the firm say they believe foundational knowledge is no longer enough to guarantee success in a competitive business: they see The College’s programs as key to expanding their opportunities through focused, advanced, and specialized knowledge on specific areas of planning. This knowledge, in turn, allows them to have deeper client conversations and foster better planning outcomes.
For more on how The College and its programs can provide specialized knowledge for career success, visit our RIA Resource Center.
More From The College:
Get specialized retirement planning knowledge with our RICP® Program.
See our CFP® Certification Education Program.
Gain philanthropic and legacy planning knowledge with our CAP® Program.