Challenge At a Glance:
- How to continue professional development with limited employer-funded resources
Results At a Glance:
- Earned a Symposium Scholarship
- Progressed from attendee to presenter
- Obtained her AFC
- Advocated for the AFC at work increasing staff certification
The Challenge
A. Denae Hannah, AFC®, CFEI®, shifted from dancing professionally to financial services after a major injury and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her journey to becoming debt-free fueled a passion for financial literacy, but limited professional development support made it hard to pursue the AFC certification.
The Solution
Denae applied for and received a Symposium Scholarship, which enabled her to attend in 2020 during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Since then, she has attended every Symposium. Symposium helped her find a community of mission-driven individuals and organizations, sparked her interest in public speaking, and introduced her to the AFC certification.
The Results
Professional Growth and Client Impact:
- Progressed from Symposium attendee to introducing speakers and presenting her own research
- Recognized for strong performance in debt reduction and client retention, emphasizing cultural competence and empathy
Certification Achievement and Leadership:
- Advanced from exploring AFC certification to earning it and mentoring others
- Supported AFC adoption within her organization, resulting in multiple staff certifications
“I leave Symposium energized and more connected to my national and global community of financial counselors, educators, and researchers. The range of perspectives encourages me to stay curious and open to new ways of improving my practice. Each year, my presence as a Black woman with deep experience serving communities of color allows me to contribute my unique insights and help shape the future of the profession.”
A. Denae Hannah, AFC®, CFEI®
Comments are closed.