Building a sense of community within the financial services industry fosters an environment where advisors can embrace and learn from the unique perspectives and experiences of one another.In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, speaks with Vanessa N. Martinez, CEO and Co-Founder of Em-Powered Network, and Co-Founder of SER Latino Advisor Summit, about the importance of representation and creating a supportive community for Latinos in the industry. They mention the underrepresentation of women and Latinos in the industry and emphasize the need for firms to have a plan in place to change this lack of diversity and inclusion. They also discuss the importance of supporting employees in their career development and creating a sense of loyalty. They mention the upcoming SER Latino Advisor Summit and the tools and resources that will be provided to attendees.Vanessa discusses: The story of how she met Ana at an Excel meeting almost a year agoHer first money memory of wanting to get her first job at 14 years oldHer journey from studying abroad in Guatemala to joining the financial industryHow her experiences in Guatemala have helped the trajectory of her careerHow her and Dr. Patricia Villareal’s vision for the Em-Powered Network has evolvedHow developing the SER Latino Advisor Summit aligns with both her personal and professional valuesA sneak peek of what she and Dr. Patricia Villareal will talk about at the SER Latino Advisor SummitThe benefits of building community among other Latinos in the financial services space and what that means for retention and attraction of talent in the futureHow firms can attract and would benefit from attracting Latinos as talent, employees, stakeholders and clients.Some of the elements of the SER Latino Advisor Summit that she’s excited forHer event-planning tips for advisorsWhy creating space gives her a sense of freedomAnd moreResources:Global Excel SummitSER Latino Advisor SummitTable SolutionsLatino Leadership Institute Fellowship ProgramConnect with Jamie Hopkins and Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLCLinkedIn: Jamie HopkinsLinkedIn: Ana Trujillo LimónConnect with Vanessa N. Martinez:Em-Powered NetworkLinkedIn: Vanessa N. MartinezAbout our Guest: Vanessa N. Martinez, Founder and CEO of Em-Powered Network, leverages over 15 years of expertise in family wealth dynamics to provide actionable solutions. Her journey began managing international lumber sales in Guatemala while earning a BBA from the University of San Carlos. With an MBA in finance and FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses, she excelled at The Lerner Group at Hightower Advisors for nine years, co-authoring "Family Value at Risk." Vanessa's impact extends to leadership in her community and empowering women through Savvy Ladies. She's a devoted wife, proud mother to two daughters, and companion to Patches.

The world of financial planning has changed significantly, attracting a new generation of people who are beginning their journey along these paths. As this profession evolves, the coming together of academia and industry becomes more critical than ever.In this episode, Jamie Hopkins, Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions, and Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, speak with Dr. Martin Seay, Ph.D., CFP®, Department Head and Professor of  Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University.Together, they explore the evolution of financial planning and share valuable insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of supporting students from all walks of life and creating a clear career trajectory to succeed as a certified financial planner.Dr. Seay discusses: The evolution of the financial planning profession and how it is attracting younger individuals into the fieldHow financial planning has become a priority for firms and the increase in job opportunities for graduatesOrganizations like the FinServ Foundation and the CFP Board that are working to create opportunities for engagement between schools and firmsThe high burnout rates among financial advisors and the impact on the professionThe efforts to increase awareness and interest in the financial planning profession for high school students and parentsThe high retention rates among Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and the importance of firms supporting students in obtaining their CFP certificationThe challenges in supporting advisors to reach higher levels of success and the need for intentional structures and supportAnd more!Connect with Jamie Hopkins and Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLCLinkedIn: Jamie HopkinsLinkedIn: Ana Trujillo LimónConnect with Martin Seay:LinkedIn: Martin SeayMartin Seay: Kansas State UniversityAbout our Guest: Martin Seay, Ph.D., CFP®, is a Professor and Department Head of Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University, where he oversees the CFP Board registered undergraduate, graduate certificate, M.S., and Ph.D. programs. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the CFP Board of Standards, which is charged with overseeing the CFP® marks. He previously served as national president of the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) in 2020, the largest membership organization for CFP® professionals in the country.Dr. Seay's research focuses on borrowing decisions, how psychological characteristics shape financial behavior, and methodology in financial planning research. His work has been published in the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, Financial Services Review, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Financial Services Professionals, Journal of Financial Planning, and Journal of Financial Therapy among others.His research has been recognized by the 2014, 2017, and 2019 FPA Annual Conference Best Applied Research Paper Awards, the 2016 CFP Board of Standards' ACCI Financial Planning Award, and the 2016 Montgomery-Warschauer Award, which is awarded by the Journal of Financial Planning for the paper that provided the most outstanding contribution to the betterment of the profession in the previous year.