The American College of Financial Services’ Next Gen Advisory Task Force stands as a beacon of innovation and forward thinking within the financial services industry. Comprising a diverse group of talented alumni and active students, this task force is dedicated to providing fresh perspectives and driving positive change within the profession. At its helm are a cohort of remarkable women alumni, whose leadership and dedication are shaping the future of the industry.

Purpose of the Next Gen Advisory Task Force

The Next Gen Advisory Task Force serves a crucial role in advancing the mission and vision of The College. Through initiatives like the Next Gen Award, The College’s podcasts, and industry events, the task force aims to provide a platform for the rising generation of professionals to thrive. By fostering transparency in career paths, conducting research, and promoting inclusion and belonging, the task force is attracting and retaining top talent.

Guiding Principles

The Next Gen Advisory Task Force is guided by a clear mission and vision, driving its efforts to enhance financial services through innovative ideas and diversity of thought. Its mission is to attract more next gen professionals to the industry, provide opportunities for learning and growth, and create environments that foster talent retention. With a vision focused on enhancing diversity and innovation, the task force is committed to driving positive change within the profession.

Women Alumni Leading the Way

Among the alumni serving on the task force are a group of talented and dedicated women, each bringing their unique expertise and perspectives to the table.

• Amber Stitt ACP, CHFC®, CLU®, GALLUP®
• Hannah Kanstroom, CAP®
• Katlyn Orton, RICP®
• Kay Blunck, CFP®, CHFC®, CAP®, CRPC®, AEP®
• LeTian Dong, CFP®, WMCP®, RICP®, CHFC®, RMA®
• Lindsey Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®
• Morgan Marlin, CRPS®, WMCP®
• Stephanie Hohenshell, RICP®, LACP®, LUTCF®

Join our standout women alumnae serving on the task force!

Supporting Women Champions

In addition to the alumni serving on the task force, The College is fortunate to have the support of women who champion its mission and values.

• Anna Kareis, APMA
• Alanah Phillips
• Chandress Williams, CPWA®
• Crystal Roseman
• Diana Cabrices
• Gloria S. Garcia Cisneros, CFP®
• Jackie Wilke
• Jessica Flynn
• Julie Ragatz, PhD
• Kristin Dorm
• Lea Landaverde
• Liv Gagnon
• Mariana Llamas
• Mariel Walker
• Nabia Jenkins-Johnston
• Nicole Casperson
• Paxon Stofcheck

These women are dedicated to supporting The College's initiatives and driving positive change within the profession.

Together, the women alumni and supporters are leading the charge towards a more inclusive, innovative, and vibrant future for the financial services industry. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence will inspire the next generation of professionals and shaping the future of the profession for years to come.

International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the strides made towards gender equality while highlighting the ongoing journey to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive society. The theme of “Inspire Inclusion” resonates deeply within the financial services industry, emphasizing the significance of diversity and empowerment in all facets of our work.

In the realm of financial services, inspiring inclusion means celebrating the diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions of women from all backgrounds. It means recognizing and valuing the unique experiences and insights they bring to the table, enriching our industry and driving innovation forward.

At the heart of inspiring inclusion lies a commitment to challenging stereotypes and dismantling barriers that hinder the progress of women in financial services. It involves creating environments where all women feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

As advocates for gender equality, it is incumbent upon us to not only celebrate the achievements of women but also to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable financial services industry. This entails implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of leadership, ensuring  women have equal opportunities for advancement and representation.

Moreover, inspiring inclusion requires us to amplify the voices of women from marginalized communities, recognizing their unique challenges and advocating for meaningful change. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging, we can create a more vibrant and resilient financial services industry that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience.

As we honor Women's History Month and International Women's Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to inspiring inclusion in financial services and beyond. Together, let us celebrate the diversity, resilience, and strength of women, recognizing that true progress towards gender equality is only possible when we embrace and uplift all women, without exception.

In 2023, the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs partnered with The American College of Financial Services’ Career Services Office and Nationwide’s Military Affiliated Resource Group, led by President, Director of Broker Dealer Licensing, and Advisory Council Member Melvin Smith, USMC (Vet.), to develop a Military Resource Group (MRG) strategy mission and vision:

Mission Statement: “Building Bridges to Success”

Our mission is to bridge the gap between transitioning military scholars who are pursuing careers in the financial services industry through awareness, education, professional development opportunities, and networking with and between esteemed financial services companies.

Vision Statement: 

We envision a future where the unique skills and experiences of our military scholars are recognized and harnessed, contributing to a more diverse, resilient, and innovative financial services sector. As a catalyst, we connect scholars with industry professionals, raise awareness for The College, and strengthen Military Resource Groups to shape the future of finance

On February 6th, the Center hosted its first virtual MRG Consortium Lunch and Learn collaborating with multiple financial services companies to discuss several topics key to the military and financial services communities, including:

• Military members transitioning into the financial services industry
• Best practices to foster and grow successful industry MRGs
• Methods to effectively support our military communities

The consortium will support the Center in organizing quarterly webinars to introduce Center scholars to the MRGs and provide educational and professional development opportunities at the 2024 Military Summit.

On January 17th, Admiral Michael Mullen, USN (Ret.), 2023 recipient of the Soldier-Citizen Award and Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs to discuss how he believes military members, veterans, and their spouses provide value to the financial services industry.

Admiral Mullen expressed his gratitude as the award recipient and how special the 2023 Clambake was: “One of the thrills was to see the number of people there who were in financial services who were either veterans themselves or who were employers bringing veterans into the space. This area is a particularly challenging one because it is not well-known to us in the military.”

Admiral Mullen discussed the challenges the military community faces when transitioning during his experience as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His experience led him and his staff to develop a paper called “A Sea of Goodwill,” which connects the goodwill of the American people to support those who serve as they transition through the pillars of education, employment, and health.

“The key for anyone in transition is you need to have a network. There are many things tied to a good transition, but to me that is key, recognizing how hard it is, going somewhere and connecting with those who have done it, and going somewhere you really want to go,” Mullen stated.

He recommended for those in transition to list what they do and do not want in their next career to help identify a purpose, find a company with leadership who supports hiring military members, veterans, and their spouses, and effectively communicate your myriad of skills.

Mullen stated “one of the hardest things is how do you create the right vocabulary for your skillset that would match the vocabulary in the civilian sector. We in the military, right down to the most junior person, bring skills that are really valued in the private sector.”

He emphasized that for those interested in transitioning into the financial services industry, education is key.

To financial service companies looking to hire military members, veterans, and their spouses, Mullen stated, “it is a really good bet for your company, you will find individuals who are proud and young, they are loyal, they are team-oriented, disciplined, selfless, they lead, they perform really well under pressure and in a crisis, they are responsible and accountable individuals, and they can handle change. If you want to hire someone who wants to make a difference in your outfit, go to our community. I have heard it from leaders who have hired vets, and it is one of the best things they have ever done.”

Watch the Full Webinar

In this webcast, Admiral Mullen will share his personal perspectives on the skills military members, veterans, and spouses can offer to companies, how these skills can be utilized to make a positive impact on a company’s workforce, and the characteristics held by military members, veterans, and their spouses hold which can aid the integrity and sustainability of their professions.

In the world of research and advocacy, dedicated individuals and organizations play a pivotal role in bringing meaningful change to society. At the Center for Women in Financial Services, we are honored to acknowledge the profound impact of a generous donor, Mary Wright, whose vision and philanthropy have paved the way for developing a successful research enterprise, one that has shone brightly in media mentions and professional circles.

The journey towards transformative change began with Wright’s generous contribution to establishing an impactful research project in late 2020. Her support allowed the Center to conduct vital research exploring the unique traits of successful financial advisors. This visionary donation set in motion a series of events that have enriched our understanding of what contributes to success as a financial advisor and provided ample evidence for industry partners to better understand the unique needs of female professionals in the industry. The research earned six industry trade publications placements within two weeks of the launch and has appeared in white papers as well as numerous professional presentations reaching thousands of industry professionals.

The initial funding of the Traits of Successful Advisors research project laid the foundation for the Center’s research initiatives and contributed to the future research agenda. With Wright’s ongoing financial support, we established a research fellow position at the Center for Women in Financial Services, the esteemed Wright Fellowship. This fellow will work with our Research Director to collect data studying Gen Z perceptions of careers in the financial industry, their work attitudes, and strategies to attract more Gen Z women to the industry. Our research will enhance our understanding of Gen Z's work attitudes and interest in financial services. The fellow will play a crucial role in publishing findings, developing industry presentations, and creating educational materials for the financial services sector in Spring of 2024. We are grateful for Wright’s commitment to the Center and the mission to advocate, educate, and support the success of women at all levels within the sector.

With Wright’s continued support, the Center for Women in Financial Services is well-positioned to continue advocating and educating the industry on the critical need for supporting women in finance at every level. Our mission to break barriers and empower women in this field would not have been possible without the unwavering generosity of our donor, Mary Wright, who has enabled us to bring about lasting change in the industry.

In conclusion, we extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary donor, Mary Wright, for her commitment to our cause and her invaluable contribution to the success of our research enterprise. We look forward to continuing our work, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive financial services sector, and making a lasting impact on the lives of women in this industry. Together, we can bring about positive change and inspire future generations to follow suit.

In a strategic move towards enhancing accessibility and amplifying impact, the Center for Women in Financial Services is gearing up for a shift from a singular Women Working in Wealth Summit & Awards Signature Event to a series of dynamic micro-events hosted at various locations across the nation. This evolution aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of The College: to elevate the profession's expertise through specialized financial knowledge and education.

Diverse Avenues, Richer Understanding: The New Landscape

The decision to migrate to smaller, targeted events reflects a commitment to championing professional diversity and transforming avenues of access to financial expertise. Recognizing the disparities in the services clients expect versus what they receive, The College is determined to bridge this gap. With participation in events such as the NAIFA Women’s Fly-In in Washington DC, FA Magazine’s Invest in Women in West Palm Beach, FL, and the IN Women Advisor Summit in Chicago, the aim is to foster a more inclusive representation within the financial services sector.

Opening Doors to Career Success: A Commitment to Diversity

At the heart of this transition is the goal to tackle advisor shortages and increase diverse representation within the industry. The micro-events, strategically located across the US, provide a platform to attract, recruit, and retain advisors from all backgrounds. By connecting with organizations like Women in Insurance in Financial Services (WIFS) and participating in initiatives like the CFP Board Diversity Summit in Washington DC, The College aims to create innovative programming that opens doors to career success for a broader spectrum of professionals.

Holistic Planning for Every Stage: A Focus on Retirement Education

Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive retirement planning, The College is prioritizing the deepening of retirement expertise among financial professionals. The micro-events offer a unique opportunity to disseminate vital retirement planning knowledge. This focus is not limited to a specific age group; it extends to every American seeking financial security. By participating in events like the Carson – Excell Represent, The College is actively contributing to a holistic approach to retirement planning at every age and stage of an individual's wealth-building journey.

Empowering Individuals, Transforming the Future

As The Center for Women in Financial Services aligns itself with The College's overarching vision, it sets the stage for empowering individuals and transforming the future of the financial services sector. By hosting micro-events in key locations and participating in diverse industry summits, The College is not just responding to changing needs but actively shaping a new era of financial specialists. The focus on education, diversity, and retirement planning reflects a commitment to bridging gaps, opening doors, and ultimately, empowering a more inclusive and knowledgeable financial community. The journey from one signature event to numerous micro-events marks a strategic leap towards a future where expertise is diverse, knowledge is inclusive, and financial strength is within reach for all Americans.