What is unique about your background?

I was born and raised in Tucson and am part of a Tucson lineage that traces back to 1880. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from the Eller College.

What type of professional experience have you had so far?

I have been a financial advisor for 15 years working at major firms such as Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo Advisors. I completed my Series 7 and 66, Life and Health Insurance, and Options licenses and specialize in comprehensive holistic financial planning. I also teach a class called Modern Retirement Planning to empower individuals to take control of their financial future.

What has surprised you about financial and investment advisory services?

When I started in the industry, I thought it was just about managing money. What surprised me is how it’s so much more than that. I never imagined how close I would get with my clients and that is a big part of why I love my job so much. You really form close relationships—going through marriages, divorces, kids, grandkids, loss of parents and spouses and retirements with clients.

How did the MMF prepare you for your current role as senior vice president with Catalina Investments?

The MMF program gave me an in-depth understanding of how investments and financial markets work. This allows me to bring a different perspective to my clients’ accounts. 

What is the one thing you know about the field now that you wish you knew as a student?

Public speaking! I never imagined how much public speaking I would do as an advisor. I wish I had taken more public speaking classes in college to better prepare myself.

What would you look for if hiring new MSF graduates?

I like to see graduates who volunteer in their communities. I thrive in my philanthropic interests across Tucson and was a 2014 National Philanthropy honoree and a 2015 “40 Under 40” honoree. I am an active member and officer of a number of nonprofit organizations, including past board president of the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona and on the board of directors for Casa de los Niños.

In 2015, my husband and I welcomed our son and hope he will one day share my passion for finance!