The award recognizes the outstanding trailblazer in the wealth management and financial planning industry who has shown a meaningful commitment and impact on diversity in financial services.
Carina has dedicated her career to helping women and members of the LGBTQ+ community carve out a path for themselves in the financial planning industry. Over the past five years, Carina has facilitated educational opportunities, mentorship programs, and fostered a more diverse and empowered workforce. Carina’s dedication to advancing cultural and gender diversity is evident in her impactful contributions within the industry.
Carina founded Flourish™ Women and Wealth, an initiative that has educated 1,000+ diverse women on personal finance over a decade. Carina held regular events with 75-100 women in attendance from all ages. She also implemented impactful initiatives such as promoting female entrepreneurs and providing practical financial advice to help them achieve their goals.
In 2019, Carina founded The Diamond Women Graduate Leadership Experience (Diamond X). This program offers graduate-level women comprehensive training in professional, leadership, and communication skills. It includes personalized coaching, mentorship, networking opportunities, and career guidance. To date, Diamond X has welcomed 80 women from diverse backgrounds and majors worldwide.
In November 2023, Carina transitioned from a founding board member of Diversitas, which she helped start in 2017, to Director. Diversitas is run through the University of Akron and is dedicated to bringing more diversity, equity, and inclusion to the financial services industry. Every year, Diversitas hosts three Forums and a financial knowledge Symposium, bringing together leaders in wealth management with career influencers and students who are exploring the industry and profession. Since assuming this position, she has increased sponsorship by 30%, as well as increased participation and enriched content offerings. She is also the founder and CEO of Stella Secunda, a consulting firm that develops talent, creates successful transitions, and implements strategies that get results.
Read more about the award here.