Support to Succeed

??Bridging the Wealth Management Talent Gap: The Power of Transferable Skills "The average age of financial advisors continues to rise, with more than one-third expected to retire in the next decade." As the industry prepares for a shortage of advisors by 2034, firms must reconsider how they attract and nurture new talent. One key solution? Hiring individuals with transferable skills from various industries. ?? Career Changers as a Key Talent Source Many customer service, sales, healthcare, and education professionals already have essential skills like relationship-building, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Companies that leverage these talent pools can speed up their hiring and training processes. Here are some of the unique backgrounds that Support to Succeed candidates bring to the table:? ??A home health aide who supported her clients with financial literacy ??A former entrepreneur and sales professional from a different industry ??A former team leader in a warehouse setting ?? Innovative Training & Certification Pathways Organizations such as Support to Succeed assist career changers by supporting certifications like the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Internal firm-led training programs are also vital for developing new advisors from nontraditional backgrounds. ?? Why This Matters A diverse and adaptable workforce offers fresh perspectives and strengthens client trust, particularly as the financial landscape evolves. By emphasizing transferable skills instead of solely traditional finance, firms can cultivate a more inclusive, dynamic, and prepared workforce background. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eUN7pdfj #WealthManagement #CareerChange #TransferableSkills #HiringTrends #SupportToSucceed Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

? Exciting News! ? At Support to Succeed, we believe in making resources and insights readily accessible to our community. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’ve added a Newsletter Archive to our website! ???? Now, you can revisit past editions of our newsletters anytime to stay updated on: ? Industry insights & best practices ? Success stories from our community ? Upcoming events & opportunities ? Expert tips to help you thrive We’re committed to keeping you informed and empowered—because your success is our mission! ?? Check out the archive here: https://lnkd.in/em4ud3pe #SupportToSucceed #NewsletterArchive #Marketing #CommunityEngagement #SuccessStories Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

??Breaking Barriers in Financial Services: A Journey of Resilience and Purpose?? Teunsha Vick’s career journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to helping others achieve financial security. Hailing from Newport News, Virginia, but having lived in New Orleans and Baltimore, Teunsha brings a diverse perspective shaped by lived experiences and an entrepreneurial spirit. ??Her path to the financial services industry was anything but traditional. Initially drawn to sales, she built a successful career in hospitality before stepping away to prioritize family. After navigating the real estate market crash of 2008, leading affordable housing initiatives, and even running a restaurant, she realized that financial literacy—particularly among communities of color—was a recurring challenge she wanted to address. Through sheer determination, Teunsha self-studied for her insurance and securities licenses, ultimately passing the SIE with the support of a dedicated mentor. Now, she’s exploring opportunities with State Farm, Allstate, and beyond—driven by a mission to empower individuals, particularly women and young athletes, with financial knowledge and investment strategies. ?Her advice for future SIE candidates? Find your "why." The journey isn’t easy, but with purpose and persistence, success is within reach. #FinancialServices #WomenInFinance #FinancialLiteracy #CareerJourney #InvestmentAdvisor #SupportToSucceed Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

?? Exciting News from Support to Succeed! ?? We are thrilled to announce the release of our March 2025 Newsletter, which highlights significant milestones and updates in our mission to connect talent from alternative skilling pathways to well-paid, licensed financial services roles. Key Highlights: ?? Candidate Success: Achieving a 100% pass rate among 17 candidates who took the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, surpassing industry averages. Additionally, we have an 80% job attainment rate in our first two cohorts, with candidates receiving offers from esteemed organizations like JP Morgan, Loomis Sayles, Vanguard, and the Retirement Advisor Council. ?? Eastern Bank Foundation Grant: We are honored to receive a grant from the Eastern Bank Foundation to support the development of employer partnerships. This grant demonstrates the foundation's commitment to empowering communities through impactful collaboration. ?? Partnership with the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM): This collaboration aims to enhance workforce development opportunities, empowering individuals to pursue high-demand, family-sustaining careers and improving financial literacy in the Greater Boston community. ?? Advisory Board Expansion: We welcome industry experts Kathy Martindale, Marcia Dukes, MBA, and Daniel Yifru, CFP? to our advisory board, bringing invaluable experience to our organization. For a detailed overview of these updates and more, read our full newsletter here: https://conta.cc/4iw576M ?? We sincerely thank our partners, supporters, and community members for their unwavering support. Together, we are shaping the future of finance by empowering nontraditional candidates to thrive in their careers. #SupportToSucceed #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment #SIEExam #WorkforceDevelopment Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

??Driving Toward Financial Freedom?? Gio’s passion for financial literacy and dedication to bridging the wealth gap in Black and Haitian communities, combined with the SIE exam, which he passed through Support to Succeed, have set him on a path toward becoming a Financial Advisor. Originally from Haiti and now residing in Somerville, MA, Giordany Joseph discovered investing in 2015 while working as a hotel shuttle driver. A chance conversation with a hotel guest transformed his financial outlook. The guest suggested depositing $100 into their account and guided them through purchasing their first stock on Robinhood. His curiosity about financial markets became a profound passion when their investment nearly doubled within three months. Eager to learn more, he pursued mentorship and fully engaged in financial education through YouTube. ??Since then, Gio has gained valuable experience, including a Senior Intern role at Each Enterprise LLC. He has developed a strong foundation in financial markets, retirement accounts like 401(k) and Roth IRA, and investment strategies such as 529 Plans and UTMA to secure their daughter's future. With a long-term goal of becoming a Financial Advisor, Gio is committed to increasing financial literacy in underrepresented communities. His experience with the Support to Succeed program played a crucial role in preparing for the SIE exam, providing a structured study plan, unwavering support from Meera Krishnan, and a strong community that kept him on track. ??For those preparing for the SIE exam, Gio offers this advice: “Follow the weekly breakdown plan and trust the process.” #Finance #FinancialLiteracy #Investing #SIEExam #CareerGrowth #SupportToSucceed Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

??New Talent Pipelines in Finance: The Growing Demand for Advisors?? The financial industry is facing a looming shortage of wealth management advisors, with McKinsey reporting that one-third of U.S. financial advisors are expected to retire by 2030. As firms seek to address these gaps, they are broadening their recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse and tech-savvy workforce. ?? New Entry Points for Talent: With demand outpacing supply, companies are increasingly looking to career changers, recent graduates, and professionals from non-traditional backgrounds to fill advisory roles. Support to Succeed is meeting this need - we work with workforce development nonprofits and community colleges to identify experienced talent with transferable client service skills and support them to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. ?? Tech-Enabled Wealth Management: Digital transformation is revolutionizing finance—AI, automation, and data analytics have become essential tools for modern advisors. Job seekers with digital fluency and analytical skills will gain a competitive advantage. ?? Soft Skills Matter: While financial expertise is crucial, relationship-building, empathy, and communication skills are equally important in wealth management careers. ?? What does this mean for job seekers?? ? Explore wealth management pathways – Firms need new talent! If you like building relationships with others, this may be the path for you.? ? Develop financial and digital skills. AI and automation will support advisors, not replace them, so being tech-savvy is essential.?? With financial firms rethinking their hiring strategies, now is the time for aspiring finance professionals to seize new opportunities. ?? #FinanceCareers #NextGenTalent #SIESuccess #SupportToSucceed Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eUN7pdfj https://lnkd.in/gJukvYNR Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

?? Trainee Spotlight: A Journey into Investments ?? Chris' unique combination of experiences across Amazon warehouse leadership and financial services, combined with the SIE which he earned through Support to Succeed, ultimately landed him a licensed position at JP Morgan Chase. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Chris Lopez has always been driven to grow and excel in the financial industry. After spending several years honing his leadership skills while working in a warehouse setting at Amazon, his interest in investments was sparked during the Year Up program, where he was able to intern at JPMC. This experience provided a strong foundation and exposure to the industry, ultimately shaping his career aspirations. After Year Up, Chris worked as a retail banker while pursuing a degree, leveraging his Spanish fluency, empathy, and client service skills to build meaningful client relationships. These skills have been instrumental in his success and have prepared him for his next chapter.? That experience, combined with his SIE exam, which he passed through Support to Succeed's 2nd cohort, landed him a new role as an Investment Professional at JPMC. Chris hopes to pursue a career in investment advisory or investment banking, with a strong focus on client relations. His experience with the Support to Succeed program played a crucial role in his journey, providing a structured study plan and additional support, making preparation for the SIE a much better experience. Chris offers advice for those preparing for the SIE exam: practice independently, take a day off work, and review the material the night before or the day of the exam. He is incredibly grateful for the Year Up and Support to Succeed programs, which have paved the way for a promising career in finance. #StudentSpotlight #Finance #InvestmentProfessional #CareerGrowth #YearUp #ClientRelations #SIE Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

?? The Advisor Retirement Wave: A New Era of Talent in Financial Services https://lnkd.in/eUN7pdfj "Retirements are outpacing recruitment, as advisors average ten years older than?professionals in similar fields" (McKinsey & Company, 2025). As highlighted by McKinsey, by 2034, the industry expects a shortage of 100,000 financial advisors. This highlights the?urgent need for firms to attract and train new talent to sustain industry?growth and meet increasing client demand. ? The financial services industry is at a turning point. With a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement, firms need talent from new pipelines to take over and advance the industry forward. This shift isn’t merely about filling seats; it’s about upholding a legacy of financial guidance, trust, and service. Traditional hiring pathways may fall short of meeting demand, and a new pipeline of high-potential professionals is prepared to step up. ?? A New Wave of Financial Professionals Support to Succeed’s SIE Success Initiative Pilot Program assists working adults from nontraditional pathways who possess strong customer service skills. These candidates didn't go to the target 4-year colleges that firms typically recruit from, but they have the necessary skills to succeed in these roles. ?? A bank teller with exceptional customer service, ready to enter a licensed role. ??A customer service manager looking to transition into finance. ??A financial operations professional seeking a front-office career. The retirement wave presents a unique opportunity—not just for firms to fill roles but to welcome a new generation of skilled financial professionals who will uphold the industry’s values and drive it forward. #FinanceCareers #NextGenTalent #RetirementWave #DiversityInFinance #SIESuccess #SupportToSucceed Meera Krishnan,?Giordany Joseph,?Bradley Xaltipa,?Abdirahman N. Warsame,?Anmarie Ciccolo,?Matthew Engler,?Kathy Martindale,?Mim Minichiello,?David DelVillar,?Jacob Harley, CFA,?Mary Montgomery,?Daniel Yifru, CFP?,?D'aron Hill,?Simone Allen,?Ramon Velarde,?Ty Nguyen,?Karthik Krishnan,?Ryan Overton,?Nate Anderson,?Nancy Stager

?? We are excited to introduce Katia Magalnick, our Program Assistant Intern at Support to Succeed! In this role, she assists Anmarie with project management for fundraising initiatives while pursuing her SIE license through the Support to Succeed program. ??Katia recently submitted her final project for an Associate's degree through SNHU/Duet and will soon begin her next academic journey, pursuing a Bachelor's in Business Management. Outside work and academics, Katia enjoys cooking and exploring new adventures with her 7-year-old son. Recently, she has taken up skiing and indoor rollerblading, embracing these exciting challenges together! ???? What excites Katia most about her role at Support to Succeed is the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and apply that knowledge to meaningful projects. One of the most life-changing pieces of advice they have received comes from The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman: “To do what I want to do, I have to be around the people who are doing it and the places it is happening.” We are thrilled to have Katia on our team and can’t wait to see all they accomplish!??? #LearningAndGrowing #SupportToSucceed #CareerGrowth Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager

?? The Results are In…..And They're Promising! https://lnkd.in/eUN7pdfj The financial services industry seeks client-facing professionals offering fresh perspectives and strong customer service skills. However, traditional hiring pathways often overlook talented individuals from non-traditional backgrounds. That’s where Support to Succeed’s SIE Success Pilot Program comes into play! ??Our Solution: Support to Succeed’s Approach We have been facilitating a pilot program of ~50 enrolled candidates to provide tailored support to working adults from non-traditional backgrounds (those who did not take the traditional college-to-career path) to pass the SIE exam and secure a job on a licensed pathway in financial services. In addition to connecting candidates to high-quality exam prep through Achievable and Kaplan, we provide: ? A community of support that fosters motivation and accountability ? ?Individual coaching for personalized goal-setting and exam preparation. ? Career path education and job readiness support ??Our Impact ??We have officially completed two out of five pilot cohorts - with 100% SIE pass rates of those who completed the training! ??Also, 80% of candidates landed a job or promotion in a licensed or content-aligned role within three months of passing the exam - with employers that include JP Morgan Chase, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, and Loomis Sayles We are proud of our early results - If you're an employer, community-based training organization, mentor, or job seeker ready to help fill this industry's talent, let’s connect!? #FinanceCareers #DiversityInFinance #SIESuccess #CareerGrowth #SupportToSucceed Meera Krishnan, Giordany Joseph, Bradley Xaltipa, Abdirahman N. Warsame, Anmarie Ciccolo, Matthew Engler, Kathy Martindale, Mim Minichiello, David DelVillar, Jacob Harley, CFA, Mary Montgomery, Daniel Yifru, CFP?, D'aron Hill, Simone Allen, Ramon Velarde, Ty Nguyen, Karthik Krishnan, Ryan Overton, Nate Anderson, Nancy Stager