FARE FORWARD
•
(DCIIA)
• The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)
• The
FARE Staff
Institute (IRI)
• Nicole Ridley , Executive Director/Head of Operations
• Morgan Williams-Glasser , Sr. Program Manager
FARE Board of Directors
• Kristi Rodriguez , Nationwide
• Aiyisha Adams , Osaic
• Shani Armon , Insured Retirement Institute (IRI)
• Rhonda Burns , Nationwide
• Regina Curry, Franklin Templeton
• Donald Ellenberger , Federated Hermes
• Clarence Knox , ASK Solutions
• Shareen Luze , RBC Wealth Management
• Kizmet Moore , NFP, An AON Company
FARE Momentum & Mission
Kicking the Year Off Strong
As FARE headed into 2025, we focused on our momentum and our mission—increasing innovation and growth in financial services through intentional, actionable, and measurable solutions. This quarter, those solutions saw us making new partnerships, attending conferences, and celebrating major career milestones with our student ambassadors.
Our mission was front and center at the Bank Insurance and Securities Association (BISA) 2025 Annual Conference, where I had the privilege of attending alongside two of FARE’s student ambassadors—the only students present at the conference. Imani Washington , a senior at Delaware State University, and Jasmine Pierce , a senior at Virginia State University, took full advantage of the experience. Together, we networked and workshopped ‘til we dropped!
Their presence at BISA is a direct result of FARE’s work with educational institutions, where we create opportunities for students like Imani and Jasmine to thrive in an industry historically lacking representation. But access alone isn’t enough.
As we move into the next quarter, our focus is on the entire career journey—ensuring that financial services firms are not just hiring innovative talent but also fostering environments where they can succeed.
This dual approach—empowering students and ensuring workplaces provide real opportunities for real growth—is how we’re turning momentum into lasting impact.
This is just the beginning. As you read this edition of FARE Forward, I hope you’ll see the impact of our collective efforts and feel inspired to be part of this next chapter.
Nicole Ridley
Nicole Ridley Executive Director/Head of Operations FARE
Student & Young Professional Spotlights
FARE Student Ambassadors Attend BISA Conference
The BISA (Bank Insurance & Securities Association) Annual Conference is a premier event where financial professionals connect and discuss industry trends. Held in Fort Lauderdale from March 4-7, it provided FARE student ambassadors Jasmine Pierce (Virginia State University, Senior) and Imani Washington (Delaware State University, Senior) with invaluable exposure to the financial services industry.
As FARE’s Industry Association Partner, BISA welcomed us to the conference, where Jasmine and Imani expanded their professional networks and deepened their industry knowledge. Through opportunities like this, FARE continues to bridge the gap between education and career success in financial services.
FARE's Executive Director and Head of Operations, Nicole Ridley also attended the conference, representing FARE in key discussions and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to increasing representation and empowerment in financial services. The impact of FARE’s involvement was further amplified through features in a BISA podcast and an article, where Nicole, Imani, and Jasmine discussed the importance of investing in young financial professionals.
FARE extends its gratitude to BISA and Black Voices United for their ongoing support in creating opportunities like this for students in financial services. Their commitment to fostering access and inclusion within the industry continues to play a crucial role in empowering the next generation of financial leaders.
“ I am so proud to represent Virginia State University and the HBCU community at this conference! A big thank you to the FARE team for their commitment to supporting emerging talent in finance.”
–Jasmine Pierce
“ The insights and strategies I gained at the BISA Conference will undoubtedly shape my personal and professional growth. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank Candice Young, Nicole Ridley, and the entire FARE team for their support in making this experience possible!”
–Imani Washington
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR STUDENT AMBASSADORS
WSSU Students Complete ARA Courses
Fifteen students at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) completed the American Retirement Association (ARA) courses, earning certifications in Introduction to Retirement Plans and Retirement Plans Fundamentals. These credentials provide a strong foundation in retirement planning and give students a competitive advantage as they enter the financial services industry.
Congratulations Iyaila Edwards , Brianna Wall , Patience Verene , Samuel Elliott , Vincent Lewis Jr. , Tajah Paulk , Trevor Willard , Ashley Gotay , Aqui Thompson , Audrianna White , Chloe McGhee , Jazmine Edwards , Raven-Alexas Howell , and Brandon Jackson
FARE also thanks Dr. Terrance Martin , Professor at WSSU; Will Hansen , Chief of Government Affairs at ARA; and Erika Goodwin , Director of Advocacy Engagement at ARA, for their dedication to expanding academic and career opportunities for students.
From HBCU Graduate to Financial Professional
Lexi Tatum , a recent Winston-Salem State University graduate, is already making an impact in the financial services industry. With a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Corporate Finance, she’s now thriving as a Revenue Assurance Analyst at Verizon. Lexi first connected with FARE through a scholarship opportunity, which led to something even bigger—a community that empowered her to confidently step into her aspirations.
As she continues her journey, Lexi is committed to helping others embrace financial education and claim their space in the financial sector.
Lexi shared,
“ FARE has not only empowered me to pursue my aspirations with confidence but has also inspired me to actively contribute to creating opportunities for others in the financial industry.”
FARE Scholars Pass the SIE Exam
FARE proudly recognizes Nylan Taylor , Destney Johnson , Brian Reed , and Adam Campbell for successfully passing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam—a key milestone in their financial services careers. As recipients of the FARE SIE Scholarship, these students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to advancing in the industry.
Senior
“Engaging with the SIE has shown me great potential within the securities industry. It’s expanded my understanding and opened up new opportunities to be the best version of myself for my career.”
State University, First-year graduate student
“This scholarship has provided both financial support and the confidence to pursue ambitious career goals in financial services, equipping me to become a leader and innovator in this space.”
" This scholarship has been life-changing, allowing me to focus on finance and shaping my career. It reinforced my commitment to success while uplifting my community.”
" Thanks to FARE, I now have the tools to take my passion for financial services to the next level. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to keep learning and making an impact in finance."
Nylan Taylor Virginia State University,
Destney Johnson Grambling
Brian Reed Howard University, Senior
Adam Campbell Howard University, Sophomore
NEW FARE Partnership
FARE welcomed a new partner this quarter: North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T). This partnership brings valuable expertise and exposure to FARE’s mission to increase access and opportunities in financial services.
This collaboration strengthens FARE’s network and ensures that more students and young professionals—especially from underrepresented backgrounds—have the resources and connections they need in financial services.
North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest HBCU, has a legacy of producing top talent in business and STEM. Their partnership with FARE will give students more career, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
KRISTI RODRIGUEZ NAMED NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL MARKETING LEADER
FARE Founder and Board Member
Kristi Rodriguez has been appointed Nationwide’s Financial Marketing Leader, where she will oversee strategic marketing initiatives to strengthen Nationwide’s brand and industry presence.
FARE Featured in NAPA for Work with HBCUs
This quarter, FARE was highlighted in the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) article “Bridging the Wealth Gap: How HBCU Partnerships Are Creating Pathways for Black Financial Professionals.” The piece highlights FARE’s partnership with the American Retirement Association (ARA), which connects HBCUs to financial services through certification programs in retirement planning.
FARE's Executive Director and Head of Operations, Nicole Ridley emphasized the importance of longterm career development: "We're not just looking to provide internship opportunities; we want to ensure our students are continually developing in this space."
Winston-Salem State University, one of FARE’s HBCU partners, is leading the way with the first cohort completing the curriculum. So far, 15 students have completed one or both ARA courses, including Introduction to Retirement Plans and Retirement Plans Fundamentals!
FARE UPDATES
This year, FARE’s Black History Month and Women’s History Month social media campaigns focused on leadership and representation in financial services. Throughout February and March, we highlighted trailblazing Black and women financial professionals, shared student success stories, and sparked conversations on empowerment in the industry. Our goal was to educate, inspire, and amplify the voices of both current changemakers and future leaders.
Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Legacy and Leadership in Finance
In February, FARE’s Black History Month social media campaign embraced the theme “Legacy and Leadership in Finance: Trailblazers, Changemakers, Visionaries.” This campaign celebrated Black excellence in finance, educating our audience on key historical events and organizations that have shaped representation in the industry. Through our content, we honored the pioneers who paved the way and spotlighted today’s leaders who continue to drive progress and innovation in financial services.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: Empowering Women in Finance
For Women’s History Month, FARE’s campaign honored the impact and leadership of women in the financial industry. We highlighted the transformative contributions of women who have shaped the field, from early pioneers to today’s influential leaders. Our campaign also spotlighted the Women of FARE–our female members, board members, and alums who are making impactful strides in finance. Our content provided career advice and thought leadership to empower and inspire the next generation of women professionals in finance while fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges women face and the progress being made toward equality.
Looking Ahead With a FARE Scholarship Awardee
Jaunell Silvera, a Client Relationship Associate at EP Wealth Advisors and a 2022 FARE CFP® Certification Inclusion Scholarship recipient, shares her journey to CFP® certification.
Tell us about your path to a career in financial planning.
In my data analytics career, I made “good money” but lacked impact. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I recognized financial planning as an opportunity to share my gifts — heart and smarts. I have a heart for those building wealth for the first time in their family — it takes courage to be the first, and I want to be alongside them.
What difference did the FARE scholarship make in your journey to CFP® certification?
It takes time to build your book of business, like running a start-up. The scholarship was my start-up capital; I invested in my education so that I could focus on building my expertise for clients.
What advice do you have for others considering a career in financial planning?
Understand what a financial planner is and does. Have conversations with other planners to understand a “day in the life” across different firms and roles. Lastly, know your why. There are so many career options available — find what resonates with you.
Why is it important to increase diverse representation in the financial services industry?
Trust is critical when it comes to finances, and we are more inclined to trust those who relate to us. We must challenge ourselves to learn about each other — who we are is more than skin deep. We are as different as our fingerprints, so our approach to every client should be unique, too.
The FARE CFP® Certification Inclusion Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing CFP® certification who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to increasing access and representation in the financial services industry. It is currently accepting applications through April 8. You can apply at cfp.net/scholarships
JANUELL SILVERA
FARE RESUME BOARD
If you are looking for a new job, you need to make sure your resume is getting in front of the right employers. Start with the FARE Resume Board! Upload your resume to connect with firms looking for top talent to fill internship, part-time, and full-time roles.
By joining the FARE Resume Board, you’ll gain:
• Access to top employers
• Increased visibility
• Connections to mentorships, networking events, and resources
• A head start on your career journey
FARE FORWARD
