This is the inaugural year of the scholarship program, an unparalleled educational experience focused on transforming the way you approach wealth management through applied knowledge exclusively offered by The College in collaboration with Ameritas and WIFS. 

“At The American College of Financial Services, we’re committed to supporting women in their aspirations for success in the financial services profession through education, research, and awareness. This scholarship program aligns perfectly with our mission to attract and develop more women in the industry,” said Hilary Fiorella, Executive Director of The American College Center for Women in Financial Services. “Our partnership with industry leaders like Ameritas and WIFS allows us to provide our applied investment management knowledge to two dozen female financial professionals, who will in turn, provide comprehensive wealth management practice to their clients.” 

The College received nearly 50 applications for the newly created scholarship program, with 24 applications accepted, three of which will be mentors who will take part in the WMCP® program and were chosen by WIFS to lead three cohort groups. 

Winners of the 2021 scholarship program represent a diverse group of women, with 42 percent Black, 45 percent Caucasian, and 13 percent Hispanic/Latina participation. The range of tenure breaks down between early career, mid-career, and more tenured/experienced. (See full list of winners below.) 

“This scholarship is a creative and powerful way for us to bring together the strength of three influential organizations,” said Heather Nagengast, Vice President of Wealth Management and Investment Services at Ameritas. “Ameritas has long-standing relationships with both WIFS and The College. Funding this scholarship through our Pike Chair Endowment, we are doing something deeply impactful to grow our next generation of women in this great industry.” 

Ameritas has sponsored $75,000 to support the 24 WMCP® scholarship recipients and mentors in 2021. Starting in 2022, the company will contribute $25,000 for eight WMCP® scholarships each year. Funds for this new program were provided by the Larry R. Pike Chair in Insurance and Investments endowment, established by The College and Ameritas. Complimentary WIFS membership will also be provided by Ameritas. 

“WIFS is proud to partner with The American College of Financial Services and Ameritas on this exciting new scholarship opportunity for women in the profession," said Carrie D. Sayre, WIFS National President. “Our mentoring program continues to be one of the most highly-popular and well-attended programs we offer, and it is gratifying to help other women advance in their careers with this education program.” 

The scholarship program is available to those identifying as female who work in the financial services industry, are interested in earning the WMCP® designation and expanding their advanced financial planning skills, and are not being reimbursed with employer-sponsored education benefits. Ameritas employees are not eligible. 

2021 WMCP® Scholarship for the Advancement of Women in Financial Services Scholarship Recipients 

*2021 program mentors 

• Christy Aleckson, Single Point Financial Advisors, Inc. 
• Brenda Catugno, BPC, LLC 
• Alexandra Cepeda, Boundless Financial Consulting 
• Joanna Craney, 1847 Financial 
• Karen Darby, Jacobi Capital Management, LLC 
• Joan Gilles, Financial Planning Partners LLC 
• Carolyn Humphrey, Horner Townsend & Kent 
• Elyse Jurman, Diversified Financial Solutions, Inc. 
• Sophie Lancaster, Heritage Wealth Management 
• Patrisha Lee, Self Employed 
• Morgan Marlin, Cetera Advisors 
• Emily Miller, UCL Financial Group, LLC 
• Aywanna Monroe, Self Employed 
• April Murdaugh, National Life Group 
• Tracy Payne, Baltimore Life Companies 
• Ashlee Rehbein, Family First Life 
• Patricia Schutt-Aine, One South Florida Wealth Advisors, LLC 
• Karlene Sears 
• Davina Sims, Linda Mitchell State Farm Insurance 
• Diana Smith, Cetera Advisors LLC 
• Crystal Sudbury, Baacke Insurance & Financial Services 
• Kimberly Turner, Retirement Planning Doctors 
• Jodi Vawdrey, Jodi Vawdrey DBA OakBridge Asset & Tax Management 
• Clarissa Williams, Capital Financial Group/MassMutual Financial Group 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

ABOUT WIFS 

Founded in 1936, Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) is an association of financial services professionals working together to Attract, Develop and Advance women in an underrepresented profession. No other financial services organization provides programming designed for women, by women. WIFS is devoted to advancing career opportunities, providing professional development, and representing women's interests in a male-dominated industry. Through attraction, retention, and a unique focus on mentoring and networking, WIFS is the largest women’s association empowering women in the finance and insurance professions to succeed. For more information, visit wifsnational.org. 

ABOUT AMERITAS 

Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; retirement plans; investments; asset management; and public finance. Securities offered through affiliate Ameritas Investment Company LLC (AIC), member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through the business name of Ameritas Advisory Services. AIC is not affiliated with any third-party entity mentioned herein. For more information, visit Ameritas.com.

The mission of CAAFP is to advance and foster professional relationships and development among African Americans working in the industry. 

#CAAFP2021 will be held virtually on August 10-11, and this year focuses on Four Steps Forward, a bold plan from The College’s Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to foster upward mobility and wealth building in Black America. Racial injustice and inequality have continued for decades, but everyone is saying that this time feels different. The financial services industry has the opportunity – and the obligation – to make sure it really is different by coming together to create sustainable, generational change in Black communities across America. 

The two-day event features inspiring and thought-provoking keynote addresses led by change agents from a variety of backgrounds and industry experts delivering timely and engaging breakout sessions, including: 

Master of Ceremonies: Mike James, Head of Individual Solutions and President, NFP Life Solutions 

Keynote Speakers: 

• Tiffany Aliche, Author and Founder of “The Budgetnista” 
• Maggie Anderson, JD, MBA, Author, CEO and Founder of The Empowerment Experiment 
• Chris Gardner, Author, Entrepreneur, award-winning Film Producer, Philanthropist, and CEO of HappYness 
• Pamela Jolly, EdD, Author, CEO, and Founder of Torch Enterprises 
• Wes Moore, Author, Combat Veteran, and former CEO of Robin Hood 
• Ramesh Srinivasan, Author and Professor at UCLA 

Entertainment: 

• Spoken Word: Ras Asan, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BREAUX Capital 
• Musical Entertainment: Rob Base, Recording Artist 
• Inspirational Message: Caroline Clarke, Author 
• Comedy Break: Dwayne Perkins, Comedian, Podcaster, and Actor 

“The CAAFP celebrates the history and accomplishments of African Americans in the financial services profession, empowers professional development, and facilitates learning to help professionals on their journey to success,” says George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “Society’s commitment to fostering change can sometimes be fleeting, but we have a responsibility to make sure we don’t miss this opportunity to build solutions that live past the moment. Join us for this landmark event as we take Four Steps Forward to promote upward mobility and wealth-building in Black America and be part of a network of your fellow financial services professionals dedicated to creating lasting change.” 

Financial professionals are entrusted with the public’s financial well-being and play a significant role in helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security. The CAAFP was designed to help advance participants’ careers and deepen their expertise to better serve their clients of all backgrounds in need of guidance and financial security.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

This is the first major gift The College has received in support and celebration of The College’s commitment to promoting economic justice with collective, community-focused solutions that last. It will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative and programs to reach underserved communities and increase their opportunities for economic mobility, as well as educate and empower Black financial professionals as they start and grow their careers. 

“The College is tremendously grateful to Guardian Life for their generous support and the opportunity to collaborate with others seeking to write a new narrative in history around economic equity and social justice,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “This critical investment will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to make a measurable impact in our collective effort to close the racial wealth gap and uplift underserved communities.” 

Guardian Life’s financial support is critical seed funding to expand the Center’s financial education programs for Black women, bolster the Center’s scholarship programs for HBCU and early-career financial professionals, and implement a new approach to study groups for Black financial professionals. Beyond the financial commitment, Guardian Life financial professionals will have the opportunities to play an active role in serving as financial education trainers, mentors, and sponsors within their communities and businesses. For their leadership, Guardian Life will be recognized as a Founder’s Circle donor to the Center. 

“At Guardian, we help communities thrive and we invest in creating more equity and access in underserved communities," said Andrew McMahon, Chief Executive Officer and President at Guardian Life. "We take pride in sharing our know-how to help individuals build the essential life skills needed to manage their own finances, plan for their financial futures and share the opportunities available in new and fulfilling career options within financial services.” 

Guardian Life’s important investment in the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality underlines their focus on supporting their clients and their families at a time they need care the most; hiring and developing talent that can have a positive change in their communities, and giving back to the people they serve.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

This major gift, announced at the 15th annual Conference for African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), is one of the first The College has received in support and celebration of The College’s commitment to close the racial wealth gap with lasting, collective community-focused solutions. For their leadership, Northwestern Mutual will be recognized as a Founder’s Circle donor. 

“We are tremendously grateful to Northwestern Mutual for their generous contribution which will allow us to take huge strides towards measurable impact in our collective effort to partner with underserved communities and promote economic justice,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “These critical investments our industry leaders are making will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to collaborate with others seeking to write a new narrative in history around economic equity.” 

As part of Northwestern Mutual’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, their financial support will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative and programs to reach underserved communities and increase their opportunities for economic mobility, as well as educate and empower Black financial professionals as they start and grow their careers. This critical seed funding will help to expand the Center’s financial education programs for Black women, bolster the Center’s scholarship programs for HBCU and early-career financial professionals, and implement a new approach to study groups for Black financial professionals. 

“We are proud to be a partner of The American College and, through this investment in the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality, work together to advance our common goals of addressing the racial wealth gap and accelerating the success of Black/African American financial professionals,” said Tim Gerend, executive vice president, chief distribution officer, and a member of Northwestern Mutual’s Sustained Action for Racial Equity (SARE) task force. “Northwestern Mutual has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and this investment reflects our belief that, by partnering with The American College, we can leverage our efforts and achieve a greater impact in our efforts to drive financial inclusion and Black/African American prosperity.” 

In August 2021, Northwestern Mutual announced a new $100-million impact investing fund to deliver on the company's commitment to addressing inequality and the racial wealth gap in the U.S. The fund, which will direct investments to Black communities nationally and locally in the Milwaukee area, will focus on three key opportunities: physical and social infrastructure, access to capital for individuals and businesses, and healthy sustainable neighborhoods and communities. The fund is an outcome of the company's SARE task force, which launched in 2020 and focuses on making a bold, real, and long-term impact that drives equity and inclusion in Black communities.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL 

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With $308.8 billion in total assets, $31.1 billion in revenues, and $2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.75 million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages more than $200 billion of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual ranks 90 on the 2021 FORTUNE 500 and is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2021. 

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

These major gifts, announced at the 15th annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), are some of the first The College has received in support of The College’s commitment to closing the racial wealth gap with lasting collective, community-focused solutions. For its leadership, New York Life will be recognized as a Founder’s Circle donor and the New York Life Foundation will be recognized as a Partnership Circle donor to the Center. 

“The generous support of New York Life and the New York Life Foundation is a seed of opportunity to take huge strides towards measurable impact in our collective effort to promote economic justice and uplift underserved communities,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “We are tremendously grateful for these critical investments that will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to collaborate with others seeking to write a new narrative in history around economic equity and social justice.” 

New York Life and the New York Life Foundation’s financial support will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative and programs to reach underserved communities and increase their opportunities for economic mobility, as well as educate and empower Black financial professionals as they start and grow their careers. This seed funding is critical to expanding the Center’s financial education programs for Black women, bolstering the Center’s scholarship programs for HBCU and early-career financial professionals, and implementing a new approach to study groups for Black financial professionals. 

“Growing and developing a diverse and educated force of financial professionals who mirror the diversity of our communities is aligned with New York Life’s mission of providing financial security and peace of mind to our customers, “ said New York Life Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ted Mathas. “We are proud to partner with The College to help provide access and education to financial professionals of color so that more families in America have a chance to build financial security and economic mobility.” 

New York Life’s contributions align with the company’s initiatives to close the racial wealth gap, which includes the company’s $1 billion impact investment initiative. As part of this initiative, New York Life is partnering with diverse asset managers, federally chartered community development financial institutions, and other mission-driven organizations to invest in underserved and undercapitalized communities over the next three years with a focus on supporting small businesses, affordable housing, and community development. Overall, New York Life has a longstanding record of supporting organizations that support the Black community. During the last 20 years, the company has provided more than $28 million to such organizations. 

Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation invests in programs that benefit young people, focused on educational enhancement and childhood bereavement support. In particular, it recognizes the systemic inequities in the educational system. Since 2014, the New York Life Foundation has dedicated over $63 million in grants and programs to support education for middle school youth students and since its founding in 1979, it has made nearly $380 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

¹Based on revenue as reported by “Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual),” Fortune magazine, 6/1/2021. For methodology, please see http://fortune.com/fortune500/. 

²As reported by “Fortune 2021 World’s Most Admired Companies ranking within Insurance (Life and Health),” Fortune magazine, 2/1/2021. For methodology, please see https://fortune.com/franchise-list-page/methodology-worlds-most-admired-companies-2021/.

The research found that engagement of the Black community within the financial services industry is largely transactional – not advisory – and that Black women are less aware of the different types of relationships they can have with financial advisors and institutions, an especially concerning finding given Black women play a prominent earning and financial decision-making role in Black households and communities. 

The Trust Study, comprised of 3,500 middle-income Black women, found that they experience discrimination and difficulty accessing wealth-building tools, with ‘lack of trust’ as the second most cited reason why this group is not accessing financial services. 

These findings are part of the inaugural iteration of the Black Women, Trust, and the Financial Services Industry Study from the American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality (CEEE). The research sought to understand Black women’s unique financial, social, and emotional insights concerning their wealth journey, its linked impact on their families and communities, and what Black women want and need from the financial services industry to succeed financially. 

“Black women are aspiring for financial stability for themselves, but at the same time they want to use their economic power to build a better future for their families and their communities,” said Karim Hill, executive director of the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality. “The financial services industry has an opportunity to increase awareness of what is possible for Black women and their wealth with trusted advisory services, products, professionals, and investments in advisor diversity and Black-owned financial institutions. The industry must begin providing trusted advice uniquely tailored to Black women who desire to better navigate the world we are living in.” 

Need for More Culturally Relevant Research and Analysis Essential to Uncover Opportunities for Change 

This Trust Study provides a reintroduction to Black women through their own words, in a narrative exploration with statistical significance, and explores new thinking around better serving Black women, their households, and their communities concerning their wealth wants and needs. According to this research, providing information about the questions to ask about savings, investing, and transferring wealth is an easy way to build trust and better relationships with Black women. 

The research underscored three cultural norms critical to Black women’s financial decision-making and relationships with the financial services industry. Among the emerging themes: 

Importance of trust in decision-making 

• 60% of respondents expressed difficulty in finding financial professionals or advisors who they trust 
• ‘Lack of trust’ was the second most cited reason after ‘too expensive’ for why this group is not accessing financial services 

Priority of community / family rather than a focus on ‘rugged individualism’ 

• 62.5% of respondents in higher-income households stated it was important to build wealth for the community 
• 58% believe Black institutions can provide the tools to serve their needs 

Value of interpersonal community and relationships Black women trust financial services professionals to a greater degree (~10% more) than financial services organizations – reiterating the importance of trust and personal relationships Black women (58%) are more likely to report that racial identity affects how they are treated by financial services professionals than gender 

“This research validates how our Four Steps Forward approach charts a collective pathway for impact that goes beyond the transaction, beyond savings and debt products, to deliver culturally relevant messages embedded in deep, personal advisory relationships across a Black woman’s wealth journey,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “Black women are gatekeepers of their families and communities, and many serve as the primary breadwinner and financial decision-maker of their households. The College is committed to evidence-based, data-driven indicators – like this inaugural Trust Study – that serve as an inquiry of what Black women need to succeed financially and an invitation to be part of an industry-wide solution.” 

The Trust Study highlights why a cultural lens must be used when investing in ways to accelerate the economic strength of Black women, a key customer segment that needs increased awareness and support from the financial services industry. 

Among other key takeaways from the research: 

• Emergency savings, retirement funds, and credit scores are top priorities for Black women – as well as major sources of concern 
• Racial identity is significant for Black women in both their financial decision-making and their financial services institutions
•  Black women do trust financial services, but they are more trusting of Black-owned institutions 

“The research underscores that industry engagement of the Black community is largely transactional, not advisory. What really works are long-term advisor relationships that lead to wealth creation across generations,” said Dr. Pamela Jolly, Senior Strategist, The American College of Financial Services. 

“We must identify ways to better connect Black women with advisory relationships,” Jolly continued. "That starts with establishing an understanding of who Black women are before selling to them, connecting products and services to Black women’s values, highlighting Black professionals’ role in the industry as trusted brokers, and building a diverse network of formal and informal channels to connect Black women to their desired wealth outcomes.” 

The financial services industry has an opportunity to move beyond a transactional relationship with Black women to one that provides planning with product support – not product as an insular solution. By creating greater access to applied financial knowledge and community solutions, The College strives to narrow the wealth gap and benefit society through generational financial literacy that empowers and educates. The financial services industry can complement these efforts with products and services specifically designed to help Black families create and sustain wealth-building practices. 

STUDY METHODOLOGY 

Information for this study was gathered between July and September 2021. The quantitative study of 3,500 Black women explored the central reasons for and places of Black women’s trust and distrust of the financial services industry. These findings informed a qualitative study in which The College spoke with respondents to gain deeper insights into the needs, wants, and aspirations of Black women. The median income of survey respondents was $60,000. The study goes beyond basic financial characteristics to look at the role of cultural beliefs, racial identities, and linked fate in financial decision-making. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the study creates a holistic picture of Black women as financial consumers and decision-makers. 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

Announced at the 15th annual Conference for African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), this significant gift is one of the first The College received in support and celebration of our commitment to close the racial wealth gap with lasting, collective, community-focused solutions. For its leadership, the Pacific Life Foundation will be recognized as a Founder’s Circle donor. 

“The critical support of the Pacific Life Foundation and other industry leaders will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to collaborate with those seeking to change our history’s narrative around economic equity,” said George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “We are tremendously grateful to the Pacific Life Foundation for this generous investment toward measurable impact in our collective efforts to partner with underserved communities and promote economic justice.” 

This important seed grant from the Pacific Life Foundation will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative and programs to reach underserved communities and increase their opportunities for economic mobility. The funding will help the Center educate and empower Black financial professionals as they start and grow their careers. The Pacific Life Foundation’s commitment will help to expand the Center’s financial education programs for Black women, bolster the Center’s scholarship programs for Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and early-career financial professionals, and implement a new approach to study groups for Black financial professionals. 

“Addressing the racial wealth gap and creating economic mobility starts with uplifting underserved communities and committing to lasting community-focused solutions,” said Jim Morris, chairman, president and CEO, Pacific Life and chairman of the Pacific Life Foundation. “The education and empowerment of Black financial professionals and the Black community is of paramount importance to the financial services industry’s future and growth. We’re proud to partner with the American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality in support of its efforts as it writes a new narrative around economic equity." 

Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation are committed to ensuring an inclusive workplace and strengthening the communities where its employees live and work. The Pacific Life Foundation has a long history of focusing its giving on uplifting communities and investing in programs and organizations whose specific mission is to empower and provide stability to underrepresented individuals and families, with more than $2 million in annual funding and support toward these efforts. 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

ABOUT PACIFIC LIFE AND THE PACIFIC LIFE FOUNDATION 

For more than 150 years, Pacific Life has helped millions of individuals and families with their financial needs through a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients and has been named one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit PacificLife.com. 

The Pacific Life Foundation (the Foundation) was established in 1984. Together with Pacific Life, the Foundation has contributed $131 million to community and national nonprofit organizations. Grants are made to organizations that address a broad spectrum of social needs. 

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2021 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2021 FORTUNE 500® list.

In attendance will also be notable guests Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, as the keynote speaker and Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners as the closing speaker. Attendees will honor the recipients of the inaugural Women Working in Wealth Awards, created to recognize inspirational women who strive to advance other women in financial services. Prior to the conference opening, guests will take part in a walk on Wall Street and the agenda includes two workshops focused on advancing the cause and careers of women in financial services. 

The Center for Women in Financial Services is committed to advancing women in financial services through research, education, and awareness. Part of their work to #BreaktheBias includes dismantling myths about women and providing tools and resources to women and their allies to create a more inclusive industry. 

“We’re excited to provide engaging content, thought leadership, and connection at our inaugural Women Working in Wealth Summit on International Women's Day,” says Hilary Fiorella, Executive Director of The American College Center for Women in Financial Services. “Women working in financial services face unique challenges that are easier to overcome with support from other women. The Center for Women in Financial Services is honored to continue its mission of supporting female financial professionals with access to a supportive community and educational opportunities through The American College of Financial Services.” 

The one-day, in-person event includes networking, shared professional wisdom, and a celebration to honor the recipients of the first annual Women Working in Wealth Awards. Guests will hear from female financial industry thought leaders including: 

Keynote Address – "Women Working in Wealth: How to Break the Bias" 

• Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, a tech-first financial company, built by women for women and one of the fastest growing digital investment platforms. Before launching Ellevest, Krawcheck built a successful career on Wall Street, including roles as CEO of Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, US Trust, Citi Private Bank, Sanford C. Bernstein and CFO for Citigroup 

Closing Speaker – "Charging Ahead with Care and Courage" 

• Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, social entrepreneur, and nationally recognized financial expert. Rainey Braxton is passionate about amplifying diversity, inclusion, equality and belonging in FinServ 

Workshop Speaker 

• Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™, President and CEO of Francis Financial, a fee-only boutique wealth management, financial planning and divorce financial planning firm dedicated to providing ongoing comprehensive advice for successful individuals, couples, and women in transition such as divorce or widowhood 

Event registration closes on March 1, 2022, or until our limited quantity runs out.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

This significant gift will serve as the foundation for the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality’s new programs to recruit and train Black advisors. For its leadership, Securian Financial will be recognized as a Lead Funding Sponsor of the Center. 

“The American College of Financial Services is grateful for the financial commitment from Securian Financial, which will allow the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to build upon existing programs and create new resources to recruit and retain more Black financial professionals,” said George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “The critical support of Securian Financial and other industry leaders, with a strong commitment to close the racial wealth gap with lasting, collective community-focused solutions, allows us to collaborate with those seeking to change our history’s narrative around economic equity.”

Securian Financial’s important commitment will help with the expansion of the Center’s Four Steps Forward initiative, including expanding a scholarship program to prepare more Black Americans for careers in financial services and the implementation of a new approach to study group and mentorship programs to recruit, train, and retain more Black financial professionals. 

“Securian Financial is committed to diversifying our company and the industries in which we do business, and this initiative will further our efforts,” said Dexter Davis, Securian Financial chief diversity officer and second vice president for talent development. “The financial advisor profession is not currently reflective of America, especially with Black Americans. Recruiting and developing more Black financial advisors will better the industry and society as a whole—bringing more people currently underrepresented and underserved into this important market.” 

Securian Financial has been a long-time sponsor of the Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), and through their commitment they have renewed their sponsorship through 2026 and will support the build out of the CAAFP Community Network. The CAAFP is the largest conference of African American financial professionals, and will hold its 16th annual conference in Washington, D.C. from August 8-10, 2022. 

“The investments made by Securian go beyond financial. The company’s commitment includes important thought leadership that will amplify the impact of the Center’s recruiting and training programs,” says Steve Grourke, CAP®, CFRE, Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations at The American College of Financial Services. “The College and Securian Financial worked collaboratively to construct our relationship to ensure our efforts will have a tangible and lasting impact on Black financial professionals and Black communities across the country.” 

Since launching the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality in August 2020, over $10.5 million in corporate, foundation, and individual commitments have been made to support Four Steps Forward—the Center’s signature initiative to promote upward mobility and wealth building in Black communities. This funding has helped build the Center’s capacity and launch important programs, including: 

• Black Women, Trust, and the Financial Services Industry Study – The Center’s first research project focused on a critical community—Black women. The study paints a holistic picture of Black women’s perception of financial services and money, their wants, needs, and their role in the household and the community. 
• Know Yourself, Grow Your Wealth – A first-of-its-kind financial education program from The College delivered to the HBCU community. 
• Black Executive Leadership Program – An executive-level cohort program designed for the financial services industry, to cultivate and empower Black leaders and executive sponsors in financial services.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

ABOUT SECURIAN FINANCIAL 

At Securian Financial, we’re here for family. And we’re here because of it. We’re guided by our purpose: helping customers build secure tomorrows. Since 1880, we’ve been building a uniquely diversified company that has outlasted economic ups and downs while staying true to our customers. We’re committed to the markets we serve, providing insurance, investment and retirement solutions that give families the confidence to focus on what’s truly valuable: banking memories with those who matter most. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., Securian Financial is a Fortune 500 company¹ and one of the nation’s largest life insurers. Securian Financial Services, a subsidiary of Securian Financial, is a broker-dealer and registered investment advisory firm offering a full range of financial services through a network of independent, locally owned firms and 1,100 affiliated financial professionals. 

¹2021 Fortune 500 Companies List, June 2021. Based on 2020 total reported GAAP revenue. The rankings are limited to publicly traded companies, farmer-owned cooperatives and mutual insurers headquartered in the United States. 

Securian Financial is the marketing name for Securian Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries. Insurance products are issued by its subsidiary insurance companies, including Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company, a New York authorized insurer. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

The grand homecoming of the Annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP), hosted by The American College of Financial Services—the nation’s largest accredited, non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services, will be held in Washington, D.C. August 8—10, 2022. 

This marks the 16th year of The College hosting the CAAFP, featuring inspiring and thought-provoking sessions led by change agents and industry experts delivering timely and engaging information, continuing education credit, entertainment, and more. 

The three-day event makes a celebratory return to an in-person gathering following 2020 and 2021’s highly successful all-virtual conferences. The year’s conference will focus on our dynamic and powerful community; advancing strategies for economic empowerment across generations; and strengthening impact and transformational change with the theme of “Homecoming: Empowering Our Legacy.” 

There will be a wide range of sessions covering a variety of personal and professional development topics with a focus on narrowing the wealth gap in African American communities. Guests will hear from thought leaders from a variety of backgrounds, including Morgan Stanley Senior Client Advisor Carla Harris; Fidelity Charitable President Jacob Pruitt; and NBA-superstar Dwight Howard. Sessions will tie back to four main themes: Connecting with colleagues and friends in the tradition of homecoming; Building industry knowledge and career insights; Strengthening and engaging intergenerational networks; and Advancing the groundbreaking initiatives of the American College’s Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality. 

"The Conference of African American Financial Professionals started as an educational experiment over fifteen years ago and is now the largest gathering of its kind, within financial services, with a mission to advance, connect and empower African Americans working in the profession," says George Nichols III, President, and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. "As the nation's leading financial services educator, we look forward to gathering with this outstanding community and introducing innovative programs to empower future generations of Black financial professionals." 

The CAAFP helps uplift Black professionals and promote the advancement of all underserved and underrepresented communities through education and empowerment as we seek to narrow the wealth gap and create sustainable, generational change.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.