"This year's nominees are positively impacting the industry and represent the problem solvers, innovators and disrupters in the profession, and we are pleased to recognize and honor their achievements," Siracuse added.
Finalists for each category were selected by a panel of industry leaders with a track record of supporting women and other diverse communities. Those not in attendance can follow conference happenings, including the award winners, on Twitter at @CarsonGroupLLC or by following #ExcellRepresent.
The awards recognize achievement in five areas, and finalists include:
Community Influence Award
The honor highlights a woman using her platform or area of expertise to give back to her community in a meaningful way that generates a lasting impact on that community.
- Kamila Elliott, CFP, founder and CEO, Collective Wealth Partners, CFP Board chair
- Stacy Francis, CFP, CDFA, president and CEO, Francis Financial and founder, Savvy Ladies
- Sheryl Hickerson, founder and chief engagement officer, Females and Finance
Industry Transformer Award
The recognition shines a spotlight on a woman driving transformation and innovation in wealth management and someone bringing real change for the overall betterment of the industry at large or those we serve.
- Hannah Moore, CFP, founder and CEO, Amplified Planning
- Kristi Martin Rodriguez, senior vice president, Nationwide Retirement Institute
- Dana Wilson, founder and CEO, Changing How Individuals Prosper (CHIP)
Rising Star Award
This award recognizes a woman, with five years or fewer in the industry, who is already making a difference in wealth management or to her clients. This emerging leader shows ongoing dedication by contributing to the profession through industry volunteerism or by sharing her views and best practices on a variety of key topics.
- Liv Gagnon, co-founder, Choir
- Lindsey Lewis, MBA, ChFC, CFP, director and chair, the American College Center for Women in Financial Services
- Anna N'Jie-Konte, MBA, CFP, founder and financial advisor, Dare to Dream Financial Planning
Mentor of the Year Award
This honor is open to men and women who have acted as both mentors and allies to many women in the wealth management industry. This honoree has actively supported women through career advice in growing their practices, navigating through their organizations, and getting paid fairly, or for creating a culture of empowerment at their firm that empowers women to advance and bring their full selves to work.
- Melanie Hasty-Grant, founder and senior wealth Advisor, Waterstone Private Wealth Management
- Jamie Hopkins, managing partner of wealth solutions, Carson Group
- Kay Lynn Mayhue, CFP, AEP, RFC, president, Merit Financial Advisors
Career of Excellence Award
This recognition highlights a woman who has been in the financial advice profession for at least 20 years and who has demonstrated success and leadership in her career, along with a proven ability to affect change in the industry. The honoree will have served as a mentor/role model and advocate for other women and has used her influence to champion discussion and solutions around diversity and inclusion.
- Carina Diamond, chief growth officer, Dakota Wealth Management
- Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP, founder and CEO, Lazetta & Associates and co-CEO, 2050 Wealth Partners
- Margaret Starner, CFP, senior vice president, financial planner, The Starner Group of Raymond James
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