Commonwealth Launches Mentorship Program for Female Advisors
The firm aims to boost support and career development for this group of financial professionals.
Commonwealth Financial Network has introduced a mentorship program for female advisors in response to feedback that these women want more networking and education from their peers. Its first group in the six-month program includes 40 mentees and 12 mentors.
The firm, which has more than 400 female advisors among its 2,000-member independent advisor community, says that rather than one-to-one mentoring, its program groups advisors with “similar goals and affinities.”
“We’re elated that so many of our women advisors have chosen to take this journey with us and with one another,” said Jessica Fougere, vice president of conferences, events and community outreach.
“We’re committed to giving our women advisors everything they need to succeed personally and professionally, and that starts with asking the right questions, listening to feedback, and putting programs together that foster a sense of belonging and fulfillment,” Fougere added.
The themes listed as most important to Commonwealth’s female advisors are work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, career development and stress management.
“This mentoring program and the new relationship with my mentor have helped boost my confidence and given me the support and guidance needed to take the appropriate steps in furthering my career as an advisor,” said Jennifer Statler, a paraplanner with Five Point Wealth Advisors in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a statement.
Commonwealth’s program is led by Sarah Mann, principal of Spark HR Consulting, a veteran executive coach who participated in the design of an executive women’s leadership curriculum for the Northeast Human Resources Association.
“My definition of success is doing a great job for my clients and helping other women learn why being a financial advisor is such a great career path. I’ve mentored other women informally and was super excited to be part of the program,” explained Danette Lowe, CFP, president, TruNorth Wealth Management in Carson City, Nevada, who will co-mentor a pod in the inaugural group.
Commonwealth, which operates as both an RIA and broker-dealer, launched a Women’s Leadership Network for home office staff in 2011, the Summit for Women Advisors in 2019 and the Women of Commonwealth initiative earlier this year.
(Shown in photo: Jessica Fougere)