WSR Pathfinder Awards – Top Hispanic Industry Leaders Of 2024

WSR Completes Third Year Of Pathfinder Awards By Recognizing Excellence And Achievement In Honor Of National Hispanic Heritage Month
By Janeesa Hollingshead
October 8, 2024
https://wealthsolutionsreport.com/2024/10/08/wsr-pathfinder-awards-top-hispanic-industry-leaders-of-2024/ 

WSR is excited to again call out excellence and distinction among wealth management leaders and professionals with the Pathfinder Awards – Top Hispanic Industry Leaders of 2024. The Pathfinder Awards honor outstanding achievement in wealth management among communities and groups that are underrepresented in the industry.

Previous 2024 installments include Pathfinder Awards in honor of Black History Month in February, Women’s History Month in March and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. With this installment in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, WSR completes a third year of Pathfinder Awards.

The Pathfinder Awards serve a second and equally important purpose – to highlight the voices of professionals from underrepresented groups concerning DEI and advancement, so that our industry may reflect, learn and improve. For this reason, WSR will publish a concurrent article providing a platform for the views of several of today’s winners.

Winners were selected on the basis of strong track records with demonstrated dedication to the industry, broad influence and solid reputations among the wealth management community, and the ability to serve as role models for others already in or considering entering wealth management.

Please join us in congratulating the winners, who are in alphabetical order below:

Hispanic Financial Advisor of the Year: Michael A. Cabanas, Regional Managing Director, Fiduciary Trust International

As the leader of Fiduciary Trust International’s wealth management business in Coral Gables, Florida, Regional Managing Director Michael A. Cabanas focuses on growing the firm’s presence in South Florida by raising awareness of its capabilities, working with existing clients and generating new business.

He is a 20-year veteran in the finance industry who has worked as a Private Banker at J.P. Morgan, a Senior Director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and EVP / Head of Wealth Management at Coconut Grove Bank, Trust & Wealth Management. Cabanas has spent nearly 12 years in total at Fiduciary Trust International, first from 2006 to 2013 and then from 2016 to present.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, foreign-born individuals comprise more than 20% of Florida’s population. This allows Cabanas to form closer relationships with prospects and clients who have Hispanic backgrounds; provide insights into what these clients may want or need most; as well as provide Spanish-speaking individuals and families an opportunity to converse in their native tongue.

Cabanas believes that companies that have a diverse leadership team are best positioned to deliver broader perspectives and ideas, attract and retain talent, as well as offer benefits that align with their employees’ personal and professional goals.

Hispanic Innovation Executive of the Year: Diana Cabrices, CEO, Diana Cabrices Consulting

Diana Cabrices, CEO of Diana Cabrices Consulting, introduced her Chief Evangelist offering in January 2023 to address a critical need – helping wealthtech companies balance effective leadership with operational demands while standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Her services are designed to allow these companies to leverage her strategic insight and leadership, while maintaining operational focus and enhancing their market presence without compromising their budgets. Cabrices has worked with brands such as Wealthbox, Nitrogen, Trust & Will, White Glove, Wealthtender and YCharts.

Her social media presence and marketing strategies have showcased her clients’ services to financial advisors by using diverse media and research-driven approaches. Cabrices uses video highlights and live-learning sessions to simplify complex concepts, as well as to educate and inspire professionals.

In 2023, she was named Carson Group’s Women in Wealth Management’s “Up and Comer,” is an active member of Women in Insurance and Financial Services, is on the leadership team of Advisors Growing As A Community, and serves on the advisory boards of several technology and service companies. Last year, she spoke at the SER Latino Advisor Summit.

Prior to launching her firm, Cabrices served in executive positions assisting advisors with growth strategies in marketing, branding, technology, succession, M&A and more.

Hispanic CEO of the Year: Jeff Concepcion, CEO, Stratos Wealth Holdings

Jeff Concepcion is the Founder and CEO of Stratos Wealth Holdings and host of The Evolving Advisor podcast. Stratos, which launched in 2008, supports financial advisors across business models and affiliation structures.

Its companies include the RIAs Stratos Wealth Partners, which manages over $12.8 billion in advisory assets, and advises through LPL Financial over $9.8 billion in brokerage and third-party managed assets for a total of $22.6 billion; Stratos Investment Management, which manages over $1.8 billion in advisory assets; and Stratos Wealth Advisors, which manages over $3.6 billion in advisory assets and over $303 million in third-party managed assets; all as of June 30.

During the past year and a half, Concepcion has overseen a shift in approach. This included a new valuation program, which has resulted in the affiliation of midsized practices to the Stratos platform as well as minority investments in practices already on the Stratos platform.

The launch of Stratos Private Wealth and its incorporation of two practices was part of the firm’s strategy to support the high net worth segment and further its investment in its affiliated firms. Fundamentum also rebranded as Stratos Investment Management, and welcomed a Chief Market Strategist and a Head of Distribution.

Hispanic Retirement Executive of the Year: Lisa Drake, Retirement Plan Consultant, SageView Advisory Group

Lisa Drake joined SageView Advisory Group as a Retirement Plan Consultant in 2019, providing investment and plan advisory services to employer-sponsored retirement plans. She helps clients ensure every aspect of their retirement plan is structured according to the plan’s goals. Drake is passionate about developing relationships with her clients to become their trusted advisor and helping individuals better understand their finances.

For more than three decades, SageView has advised on 401(k), 403(b), 457, defined benefit and deferred compensation plans, and provided comprehensive wealth management services to individuals and families. The firm’s team has fostered trusted relationships with more than 1,700 retirement plan sponsors representing more than 2 million participants.

Today, SageView provides fiduciary services to thousands of institutions and individuals, advising on 2,300 defined contribution, defined benefit and deferred compensation plans in addition to providing wealth management advisory services.

In addition to her role at SageView, Drake was a participant in a 2022 panel discussion commemorating Latina Equal Pay Day at the U.S. Capitol, and she has served on the National Association of Plan Advisors Leadership Council where she is now the President-Elect of the organization. Drake is also a member of the SageWomen and SageLatinos Employee Resource Group committees.

Hispanic Technology Executive of the Year: Marco Galvan, Director, Information Technology, Prospera Financial Services

Marco Galvan has been Director of Technology at Prospera Financial Services for 14 years, guiding the firm through the strategic direction and management of its technology infrastructure. He has developed a toolbox of methods to enhance the user experience of both staff and advisors. His achievements include the implementation and management of a help desk that provides highly rated customer service and technical support.

Galvan also has developed and maintained policies and procedures regarding firm technology and data to exceed industry and regulatory standards; engaged and managed technology and platform venders, including RFP procedures, negotiating and contracting; as well as established and overseen standard practices and resources to ensure network and data security.

He continually seeks ways Prospera’s advisors can maximize client relationships. Galvan’s dedication and approach to finding solutions for Prospera’s advisors have allowed the firm to become nimble and competitive.

Prospera was founded in 1982 as a boutique wealth management firm that provides flexibility and resources traditionally found at some of the nation’s largest broker-dealers. The Dallas-based firm supports a nationwide network of independent advisors.

Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year: Vanessa N. Martinez, CEO and Managing Partner, Expressive Wealth

With over 15 years of wealth management expertise, Vanessa N. Martinez is dedicated to aligning her clients’ financial goals with holistic well-being. She believes that in order to attain holistic success, one must connect with their “why.”

Martinez launched Chicago-based Expressive Wealth in March. As CEO and Managing Partner of the eight-person team, she has selected a community that shares her focus on comprehensive wealth planning, understanding clients’ unique needs and goals, and fostering a lasting legacy. The firm serves individuals, families and organizations.

Earlier in her career, Martinez was Managing Partner and before that Chief Operating Officer of the Lerner Group, a Deerfield, Illinois, and Boca Raton, Florida-based team affiliated with Hightower Advisors. Before that, she worked at J.P. Morgan Chase. She traveled abroad for her undergraduate studies and earned her BBA in Guatemala. She later she received her MBA in finance at North Park University in Chicago.

In 2020, Martinez co-authored her first book, “Family Value at Risk: Inclusive Communication to Pass on Your Family’s Wealth and Legacy.” As a female advisor, Martinez has been recognized by both Barron’s and Forbes and has been a guest on CNBC Power Lunch, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg and industry podcasts.

Hispanic Consulting Executive of the Year: Michael G. Perez, Managing Director, Consulting – Family Office Practice, F2 Strategy

Michael G. Perez has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including private banking and trust companies. His expertise in asset management and systems has driven multiple finance transformation programs, including business process outsourcing, financial systems implementation, merger conversion and integration, performance improvement and process redesign.

Since joining F2 Strategy in 2023, Perez has led the Family Office consulting division, serving clients that provide wealth management to some of the wealthiest individuals and families in the country. F2 Strategy provides tailored technology and marketing solutions for firms across the wealth management space.

Previously, Perez was President and Owner of a New York-based technology consulting firm, serving some of the oldest trust companies in the U.S. that manage personal wealth for high net worth individuals and families both domestically and internationally. He also was Managing Director, Family Office Practice at Oakbrook Solutions.

His background includes roles at Grant Thornton, where he was a Manager focusing on the banking sector; Fiduciary Trust International, where he managed a staff of more than 20 programmers, analysts and consultants; and Chase Private Banking, where he helped convert accounts and transfer assets for acquired banks’ books of businesses.

Hispanic Planning Executive of the Year: Silvia Tergas, Financial Planner, Prudential Advisors

Silvia Tergas began her career in corporate finance, but her desire to make a tangible impact on households drove her to transition to financial planning.

Since joining Prudential in 2012, Tergas has been a tireless advocate for financial education, particularly in underserved communities. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. At Prudential, Tergas has been a driving force behind recognizing the Hispanic consumer market opportunity and the need to equip advisors to serve it effectively.

She has been instrumental in shaping Prudential’s Hispanic Market Certification Program for advisors, a training program that prepares professionals to serve the community. It integrates cultural awareness with targeted marketing strategies designed to resonate with Hispanic consumers.

Tergas also leads the Hispanic National Bar Association’s (HNBA) financial wellness program. This program, known as HNBA/VIA Su Dinero, provides more than 67,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, law students and legal professionals with critical financial education and resources, helping them protect their families and build a secure future.

She also is a nationally recognized speaker and presenter on financial planning topics, sharing her expertise with organizations such as Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA).

Hispanic COO of the Year: R. Scott Victoria, Chief Operating Officer, TradePMR

As Chief Operating Officer of TradePMR, R. Scott Victoria is responsible for the overall advisor experience, overseeing Product, Operations and Advisor Services. He enacts the company’s custodial services business strategic priorities and day-to-day operations. Victoria also leads TradePMR’s business committee, which determines the strategic initiatives and direction of the company.

TradePMR was featured in the 2024 T3 Inside Information Software Survey as the highest ranked custodial platform, and also received the highest average user rating among online portfolio management tools. Earlier this year, TradePMR enhanced its integration with the wealth management technology and investment management platform Advyzon.

Victoria has extensive experience in the financial services industry, ranging from working with wirehouse registered representatives to independent RIAs. He has held multiple positions in brokerage firms including time in Trading, Transfers, Account Services, Cashiering and Advisor Services departments. Victoria also played an integral part of a broker-dealer custodian conversion and guided firms moving to RIA independence.

He joined TradePMR in 2009 as a Trading Associate, serving in various roles before being appointed COO in 2018. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance and his MBA from the University of Florida. He also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Hispanic CMO of the Year: Erika Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, Sound Income Group

Erika Wilson is Chief Marketing Officer over all three divisions of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Sound Income Group. The diversified financial services company focuses on enabling financial advisors to deliver customized income solutions and resources to investors.

Sound Income Academy provides coaching and mentoring support, the Retirement Income Source is a network of advisors who deliver income-generating investment strategies and Sound Income Strategies is an SEC-registered RIA with more than $3 billion in total AUM.

Wilson oversees Sound Income Group’s advertising, social media, website, events, communications and marketing projects. She also is the driving force behind numerous creative and marketing initiatives at the company, including the recent rebrand of Sound Income Academy from Advisors’ Academy, and was instrumental in launching Sound Income Group in October 2022 to align all three subsidiaries.

She is a proponent of leveraging AI for marketing in the financial industry and has been a speaker on the intersection of marketing and technology. Wilson has extensive experience executing lead generation, cost savings and sales strategies to influence growth.

Prior to joining Sound Income Group, Wilson worked for media corporations including Tribune Company and Comcast. Wilson holds a B.A. in Communications from Florida Atlantic University, where she graduated summa cum laude.

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