The leading association and most influential advocacy association in the financial services industry undertakes a multitude of events in celebration of Women’s History Month

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has undertaken a series of events this month to raise awareness of the importance of women’s economic security in our country, as well as to highlight the importance of the voice of women financial advisors in their voting districts. The series of events was created as part of NAIFA’s participation in Women’s History Month and to deliver on several aspects of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative that is part of its 2025 Strategic Plan.

Women's History Month is a time many reflect on the challenges women have faced and overcame; except we are still in a space of change so many years later. So, March becomes a time of encouragement, empowerment, and exhaustion all at the same time. For many of us, myself included, this is just another day and month in our lives. 

If we expect real and lasting change to happen, then we must call upon all of those who do not look like us. We need our allies and diversity change agents to speak loud and proud - and only then will we start to round the corner towards equity. 

One formula I use while running a women-centric organization is called R.E.A.C.H. I created this more than 10 years ago and it continues to serve me well in 2022. It's pretty easy to remember.

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice, a day of remembrance for the 1.2 million men and women who answered the Nation’s call and protected the many freedoms that we have as Americans.  

As a U.S. Army veteran with two combat tours and 20 years of active service, this day will always hold special meaning. I was 19 years old when I deployed for my first combat tour to Afghanistan. It was unlike anything I ever experienced — going on convoy missions, to being mortared on our fobs, I was and am always aware of how fortunate I am that I was one to make it back home. 

NAIFA is pleased to announce the recognition by InvestmentNews of Aprilyn Chavez Geissler as a 2020 Woman to Watch. Aprilyn Chavez Geissler is one of our favorite NAIFA leaders who gives tirelessly to NAIFA Nation. From her work as a National Trustee, her work on the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity task force and her leadership at Gateway Financial Group as the first female Executive Vice President. Through Aprilyn's leadership at Gateway, Gateway Financial Group also became a supporter of our financial literacy initiative through financialsecurity.org.