Mentorship and community are the quiet engines behind women’s advancement in financial services, and intentional support is what turns talent into leadership.
Crystal Alford-Cooper, CFP
2026 President-Elect, Financial Planning Association
Returning to the firm where my career began helped me reflect not just on how far I’ve come, but on who helped me get here. Like many women in financial services leadership, I know my success is not a solo achievement. It’s built on the guidance of mentors and quiet champions who opened doors, made introductions, and pushed my pursuit of credentials.
Throughout my career, and thanks to several key mentors, I was able to find and hone my strengths. My story is not unique. It’s what’s possible when women are intentionally supported.
Mentorship builds belonging
As the 2026 president-elect of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), I care deeply about how we create more of those moments for more women. Mentorship isn’t just career advice; it builds confidence, connection, and belonging. It’s about seeing someone thriving who looks like you or believes in you.
Throughout my journey, community has been everything. Organizations like the Association of African American Financial Advisors’ (Quad-A) WIIN Initiative and Raymond James’ Women Financial Advisors and Black Financial Advisors Networks showed me how powerful it is when women are supported, visible, and connected. These spaces don’t just develop talent; they amplify it.
Progress that isn’t yet enough
We’re seeing progress, like the CFP Board’s WIN to WIN program, which created more than 1,600 mentor-mentee relationships in its first two years. That’s meaningful, but it’s not enough. There are still many women who deserve access, guidance, and advocacy.
Women may feel like natural mentors, as we’re builders, supporters, and connectors. However, it’s just as important that we feel empowered to ask for mentorship to gain valuable support and new perspectives. That includes reaching out to male leaders. Oftentimes, they are willing, if not eager, to support.
Being intentional now
While workplace priorities shift around diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must be even more intentional. Supporting women in financial services doesn’t always require sweeping programs. Sometimes it’s sponsoring exam fees, hosting small-group networking events, or creating pathways for women to earn their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
I’m encouraged by the deep support I’ve found throughout FPA, the CFP Board, and other peer organizations. I’m energized by the next generation of women entering this profession with ambition, purpose, and a desire to lead.
Leadership isn’t just about the seat you hold. It’s about who you bring with you. We must keep inviting women to the table until it’s no longer an invitation but an expectation.
