AAAA Conferences & Awards
Conferences
Throughout the year, AAAA hosts a variety of national and regional conferences. These events are the perfect time for our members to come together and create lasting professional and personal relationships with one another. Each unique conference holds a special purpose within our organization, allowing our members to grow personally and professionally.
V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference
AAAA’s highly anticipated 2024 Annual Flagship V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference is taking place at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel on September 11th from 11 AM EST to September 13th at 1 PM EST 2024.
This prestigious event serves as a gathering ground for top-tier financial professionals, advisors, and experts, all united with a shared vision of forging a path toward a prosperous future.
Regardless of whether you are an established B/AA Financial Advisor or just starting out in the profession, this conference offers a dynamic platform to elevate your expertise, broaden your professional network, and stay at the forefront of industry trends.
Regional V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conference
Introduced in 2023, AAAA’s flagship V.I.S.I.O.N. conference was expanded to offer a series of shorter, regional conferences – V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite’s. AAAA’s Regional V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conferences are a way for AAAA’s organization to connect with its members at a regional level as well as support the communities where our B/AA Financial Advisors and home-office professionals serve with wealth management advice.
These regional conferences will also bring Black/African American Financial Professionals together from across the region to share insights, discuss industry trends, learn from experts in the field, and, in many cases, earn Continuing Education (C.E.) credits for participation.
During AAAA’s Regional V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite conference, B/AA Financial Advisors, home-office professionals, and attendees will have exclusive access to a diverse array of sessions and workshops skillfully led by esteemed speakers. These engaging sessions cover a wide range of topics, including wealth management, investment strategies, retirement planning, and more.
WIIN Regional Conference
The Women’s Impact Initiative Network (WIIN), within the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA), was formed to serve the vital purpose of addressing the underrepresentation of women in the wealth management sector of the Financial Services Industry. WIIN is driven by the Financial Services industry’s historical gender disparities and the urgent need for a more diverse and inclusive workforce where there is shared equity and inclusivity. By fostering an environment of empowerment, continuous learning, and collaboration, this network aims to reshape the industry landscape and create new opportunities for Black/African American women, particularly in the field of wealth management.
Images from Past V.I.S.I.O.N. Conferences
V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conference NY 2023
V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conference MS 2023
Awards
Beginning in 2020, The Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) established a tradition of honoring exemplary Black/African American Financial Advisors, Financial Planners, Financial Consultants, Home Office Professionals, and industry executives annually. These individuals stand out for their extraordinary leadership within their organizations and the industry.
These professionals are not only the torchbearers of our profession—the Wealth Management/Financial Planning Profession—but also the vital links that have enhanced the stature of wealth management and financial planning within the Black/African American community. They have played an integral role in bridging the gap between expert financial advice and a community that greatly benefits from a tailored, culturally sensitive approach to engagement.
Additionally, these accomplished professionals are spreading financial planning knowledge in the Black/African American community. Their expertise, combined with a profound understanding of the unique needs and challenges of their clients, has enabled them to offer unparalleled advice, ensuring that their clients feel secure and empowered in their financial decisions.
But their influence extends beyond their clientele. Each nominee’s leadership, fueled by passion and creativity, has inspired other advisors, planners, and consultants. Their commitment has not only uplifted their clients but also supported their fellow professionals and the communities they serve. In doing so, they have truly become the driving force that has significantly propelled AAAA’s mission forward.
Those accomplishments highlight the potential within our community and underscore our resolve to continue using financial planning to build bridges to financial prosperity.
AAAA’s Fifty Under 50 Top Distinguished Professionals
The goal is to curate a list of 50 exceptional Financial Advisors or industry professionals assisting advisors under 50. The list recognizes not just newcomers but those who have already made a significant impact in the industry but were not seen.
Beyond their accomplishments, the committee evaluates the nominees’ leadership qualities. It selects leaders who inspire their teams, lead by example, and make strategic decisions to drive their organizations forward.
Honorees are also considered based on their potential, or ‘promise’. This encapsulates their capacity to continue to grow, innovate, and influence the industry positively. As well as their dedication to mentoring the next generation, commitment to increasing the numbers of Black/African American Financial Advisors and Financial Planners, or engagement in community outreach and education.
Qualification Criteria:
- Must be a current member of AAAA in good standing.
- Must be a leader within his or her organization.
- Must have had demonstrable career achievements.
- Must have substantial community involvement outside his or her day-to-day job.
- Must not be a previous winner.
- Nominees will be required to provide a brief biography about their careers and interests.
50 Under 50 - 2024 Winners
Celebrate this year’s esteemed winners.
Ashley Davy
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Ashley Price
- Baird Private Wealth Management
Brenda Titus
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Chris Jay
- Merrill
Christopher Belcher
- T. Rowe Price
E Lawrence Smith
- ELS Vision Wealth Management
Edgar Jackson
- J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Eliana Carrier
- Carrier Wealth Management/ LPL Financial
J.D. Garnier Sr.
- Merrill
James Martin
- J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Jeretha Peters
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Joel Chery
- TIAA
Jonathan Cole
- Morgan Stanley
Julius Agbonbhase
- Morgan Stanley
Keevin Davis
- Fidelity Investments
Kenan Peterson
- Baird Private Wealth Management
Kim Wren, CFP®
- Baird Private Wealth Management
Krystal Broussard
- J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Leonid "Leo" Onyiego
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Lesley Gadson
- Merrill
Mai Skyles
- The American College
Marcus Briscoe
- Morgan Stanley
Naomi Lynn
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Naomi Rhodes
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Patrick Reid
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Prince Thomas
- Morgan Stanley
Rabera Moranga
- Merrill
Ramona Ivy
- Edward Jones
Rashonner Lillie
- Ameriprise Financial/ Reveal Wealth Strategies
Rozlyn Paige, CRPC®
- Fidelity Investments
Sabrina Brathwait
- Merrill
Schimiri Yoyo
- Fidelity Investments
Shana Starks
- Morgan Stanley
Shawn Cunningham
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Sheila Strickland
- Fidelity Investments
Shevawn Adams
- RBC Wealth Management
Tiffanie Gray
- Wells Fargo Advisors
Tiffany Harrison
- UBS
Toni Polk
- Edward Jones
Tre Carruthers
- Ameriprise Financial
Excellence in Community Service Award
This award recognizes one member of the Association of African American Financial Advisors every year who is a Financial Advisor, Financial Planner, or Home Office Professional and has made a significant contribution to their community while achieving other substantial career advancements.
The winner demonstrates leadership within their organization and a commitment to serving our community beyond their professional duties.
Qualification Criteria:
- Must be a current member of AAAA in good standing.
- Must be a leader within his or her organization.
- Must have had demonstrable career achievements.
- Must have substantial community involvement outside his or her day-to-day job.
- Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
- Nominees will be required to provide a brief biography about their careers and interests.
Top Producer Awards
The Top Producer Awards, presented by the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA), serve as a celebration of the exceptional performance and dedication of licensed Black/African American Financial Professionals within the Wealth Management industry.
This prestigious recognition aims to honor top-performing financial advisors and financial planners who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to their clients, and a consistent record of excellence in their work.
Qualification Criteria:
- Must be a current member of AAAA in good standing.
- Has not won the award in the previous 24 months.
- Has been in business longer than 4 years.
- Is consistently a top performer & team player.
- Has documentation proving top performance.
- Has a good reputation among colleagues.
- Has a social/community involvement profile.
- Has none or minor regulatory infractions on U4.
Exceptional Employers in The Wealth Management Industry
Each year, the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) celebrates exceptional employers in the Wealth Management industry through a unique recognition program.
The recognized firms span a diverse spectrum—from boutique practices employing fewer than 20 people to expansive companies boasting hundreds of professionals on their rosters. Each one, regardless of size, has made a conscious investment in cultivating a workplace atmosphere and culture that not only attracts top-tier talent but also inspires the best in its team members.
The heart of this recognition lies in the commitment these firms demonstrate towards creating an inclusive, supportive, and motivating work environment.
Qualification Criteria:
(Minimum of two responses required to qualify or can be nominated by AAAA.)
- High B/AA Employee Engagement Scores: The company should have high employee engagement scores. Engaged employees often reflect a positive workplace culture.
- High Employee Satisfaction Scores from B/AA Employees: Measures of employee satisfaction should indicate that employees are content with their work environment, compensation, and opportunities for professional development.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity for B/AA Professionals: The organization has committed to hiring B/AA talent and should have a diverse workforce. It should also demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusivity at all levels. The company should promote and support a healthy work-life balance for its employees. Finally, the organization should have a strong commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all its operations.
- Opportunities for Growth: There should be clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.
