ALPFAmilia: My Second Job, My Third Child, and the Heart of My Journey

My name is AnaCristina. Originally from Cartago, Valle del Cauca, a small town in Colombia, I moved to the United States as a teenager and settled in Naples, Florida with my mother. With 18+ years of experience in the financial industry, specializing in international wealth and relationship management, I’ve had the privilege of working at prestigious institutions such as J.P. 摩根 , 美林证券 , 摩根士丹利 , and Scotiabank . I hold an associate’s degree in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Economics from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). My journey has not been without its challenges. Coming to the US at 15, barely speaking English, was one of the most difficult transitions in my life; as a first-generation immigrant, I also became my mother’s voice as she struggled to learn English. Navigating a new culture and education system was daunting. I often found myself translating not just words but entire concepts and cultural nuances for my mother. This responsibility forced me to grow up quickly and develop resilience. My role as my mother’s interpreter extended beyond simple conversations. I helped her navigate essential tasks like doctor’s appointments, parent-teacher meetings, and even job interviews. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and patience. It also strengthened our bond, as we faced and overcame these challenges together. Looking back, I realize that these experiences instilled a deep sense of responsibility, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to new situations. I am proud of our progress and the person I have become through these trials.

My career path has been anything but conventional: initially pursuing a degree in biotechnology and working as a certified pharmacy technician at Walgreens; despite my fascination with science, after advanced courses and lab work, I realized my true calling lay elsewhere. Borrón y cuenta nueva! Switching majors was a tough but crucial choice that reshaped my career and life. It required deep reflection and renouncing my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. For as long as I can remember, I aspired to join the medical field, but as I progressed in my education, my interests shifted. Initially, business classes seemed easy compared to advanced science courses, but they grew more complex. My first day at J.P. Morgan was an eye-opener: walking into a large room filled with rows of cubicles and dual monitors at each workstation was overwhelming. As a first-generation professional in corporate America, I had no one to guide me through this new chapter of my life. Despite these challenges, this transition opened doors to unexpected opportunities and allowed me to excel in roles combining precision and creativity. Reflecting on this journey, I see that decision as a defining moment, demonstrating the value of embracing change and pursuing new passions, even if it means letting go of a lifelong dream.

My ALPFA Story: From a Life-Changing Convention to Leading with Purpose – I’ve been an active member of ALPFA since 2009, and it’s more than just a professional association for me—it’s where I’ve grown and thrived, both personally and professionally. It provides me with invaluable knowledge, opportunities, and connections. I am honored to serve as the Co-President of the ALPFA Miami Professional Chapter and the Director of Programming on the Strategic Development Committee (SDC) for Women of ALPFA (WOA). But this journey wasn’t instantaneous. My ALPFA story began in the summer of 2008, as a rising senior at FGCU, when one of my closest high school friends called me and told me about his friend who had joined an organization, gone to their convention the year before, and landed an amazing job. The convention was coming up again and, despite heading to Colombia for vacation at the time, he had already registered. He told me: “register, book the flight, get a hotel, rent a car—and we’d go together.” I understood the assignment. What I initially saw as a mere opportunity quickly turned into a life-changing event. That August, I attended my first ALPFA National Convention in Scottsdale, AZ, where I was inspired by the workshops, people, and networking opportunities. During the career fair, while I was wandering around, he came over and told me there was someone I had to meet. He said, "My GPA isn’t good enough for this, but yours is. Let’s go." Seven interviews later, I was offered a job on the spot—at J.P. Morgan Investment Bank, starting after graduation. Those nine months were a whirlwind. Alongside completing my degree, I got married and then moved to Delaware to start my career. Shortly after arriving, I discovered that a small group of people had just founded the ALPFA Delaware chapter. I eagerly joined the board, taking on various roles, sometimes without a title, giving back to the organization that had provided me with one of the greatest opportunities. Since then, ALPFA has been a constant in my life, shaping my career and deepening my understanding of the power of community. It marked the beginning of my ALPFAmilia—people who share my values, experiences, and even my struggles.

Navigating a career in finance as a Latina has come with its own set of hurdles, and I’ve navigated many obstacles along the way. There were times when I felt unseen or underestimated, struggling to balance my cultural identity with corporate expectations. But these challenges also made me stronger. Each time I faced adversity, I remembered that my voice mattered, not just for myself but for those who would follow. This realization fueled my desire to pave the way for others. Overcoming stereotypes and breaking through assumptions required resilience and a deep belief in my capabilities. Initially, I envisioned a career in corporate finance, working behind the scenes with financial statements and internal budgets, far removed from the dynamic worlds of banks, the NYSE, and wealth management. I anticipated a more controlled, predictable environment, focusing on financial planning and risk management within a corporate structure. However, my career path led me into these very areas I had once viewed as distant. I embraced the shift and made the most of it, finding that it opened new doors and opportunities. I started my career in the investment bank at J.P. Morgan. A year later, I moved into the private bank and earned my Series 7 and 63 licenses without fully understanding what they were at the time. Then, in 2011, thanks to a recommendation from an ALPFA friend, I relocated to Miami and joined Merrill Lynch in the international division, then I earned the 65 license. Two years later, the financial advisors I worked with moved to Morgan Stanley, and despite being three months pregnant, they took me with them. This presented another unique set of challenges, both personally and professionally. In 2023, after a decade of growth and achievement with Morgan Stanley, I embarked on a new chapter at Scotiabank, embracing fresh challenges and opportunities. I am pursuing the STEP Diploma in International Trust Management.

Access, Opportunity, and Family: Why ALPFA is My Lifelong Commitment – Early in my career I learned? a valuable lesson that has become my motto: "When it comes to your network, build it before you need? it." ALPFA has provided me with the space to do just that. It’s given me access—to opportunities,? knowledge, people, and fun. I’ve been involved with ALPFA for 15+ years and, in some way or another, it's? from where the vast majority of my friends today have come from. They’re my ALPFAmilia. My personal? life has also been a journey – becoming a mother, going through a divorce, and changing jobs – where? ALPFA has been a constant, offering not only career guidance but also personal support. These? experiences, though difficult, have shaped my leadership style and instilled a deep appreciation for the? importance of community and support. The many commitments I juggle help keeping me grounded. It is essential for my mental health. The challenges and triumphs of life, including the rollercoaster of emotions? that come with it, are balanced by my ALPFA responsibilities—events to plan, workshops to curate, and? new goals to materialize. These projects keep me focused and driven. For me, ALPFA is deeply personal.? It’s my second job and, in many ways, my third child.

Growing as a Leader: My ALPFA Journey of Mentorship, Opportunities, and Resilience – Through ALPFA, I’ve learned the importance of mentors and sponsors. I’ve found both within this community, and I’m honored to serve in those roles for others. The conventions in 2016 and 2019 were pivotal moments for me, as I experienced full-circle moments when I found myself advising students who reminded me of my younger self. I then recalled the immense value ALPFA brings to our professional growth and sense of belonging.

At Morgan Stanley, I built a thriving career, but when I faced a career crossroads, I remembered what a mentor had said to me years before: “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” I decided to grow as a leader. I channeled my energy into ALPFA—at Morgan Stanley, nationally with Women of ALPFA (WOA), and locally with the Miami chapter. During the pandemic, while leading virtual events, I helped create opportunities for connection and growth.

In 2022, I attended the in-person convention as the Director of Leadership for the Miami Chapter, a committee member of the SDC of WOA, and the COO of Morgan Stanley ALPFA. Later that year, I was honored to be named a Latina to Watch on ALPFA’s list, a testament to the impact this community has had on my career and personal growth. Returning to the convention in 2024, reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new ones into my ALPFAmilia, reminded me of the power of our community.

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates our culture and the strength of Nuestra Comunidad. We honor our professional achievements and the deep connections that make us stronger. Siempre pa’lante. As I transition to the presidency of the ALPFA Miami Professional Chapter and step back from my leadership role with WOA to a committee member position, I reflect on how ALPFA has shaped me as both a leader and a person. The network, mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership opportunities have been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to work with talented professionals. Together, we’ve celebrated, supported, and uplifted each other’s careers, exchanging ideas and leaning on one another through personal events.

Serving as a mentor and role model has been deeply fulfilling, contributing to others’ development and success. My involvement with WOA has been particularly rewarding, leading initiatives to empower Latina professionals and seeing them come to life at conventions. As a local chapter leader, I’ve had the privilege of shaping initiatives, creating meaningful programs, and fostering a supportive environment. This reminds me that collective effort yields incredible outcomes and creates lasting change.

ALPFA's Impact on My Life: A Journey of Growth, Leadership, and Love – ALPFA has given me the tools,? guidance, and confidence to lead authentically, and for that, I am forever grateful. As I approach my 40th birthday in January, I am excited about this new chapter. I look forward to continuing to give back, mentor the next generation, and contribute to our amazing community filled with passionate, like-minded individuals, who belong to this incredible organization that has shaped my life and career. Celebrating? Latino excellence daily fuels our drive and empowers us all. I am committed to this journey of growth,? connection, and empowerment. Together, we can uplift our community and ensure that the path to success is open to all. We must always remember the importance of Nuestra Comunidad—because together, we are unstoppable!