Black History Month is a time to honor the strength, courage, resilience, perseverance, and determination of Black Americans. Notably, February is when we celebrate and recognize the contributions of Black Americans to the development and advancement of American society.

As a financial advisor with a diverse client base, I aim to positively impact the wealth trajectory for people of all races and genders. I’m grateful for my clients’ trust and confidence as well as the opportunity to build connections that run deeper than what separates us.

Unfortunately, Black men and women make up a small percentage of advisors within wealth management. Personally, it is important that I open doors for more women and minorities to work in financial services, something many may not have considered for themselves. As the only Black person in many rooms I enter, having a seat at the table is very important. It is through our daily interactions that perspectives can be broadened due to the exchange of our real-world experiences.

Black history is an awareness of our shared history. I celebrate the fact that I work in Chicago, a city founded by a Black man named Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. In addition, I appreciate that the vaccines developed to combat COVID-19 emanated from the cells of a Black woman named Henrietta Lacks, which were taken without her consent in 1951. Honoring the accomplishments of Black people doesn’t take away from American history; it enhances it.

February is rich with media, resources, and recommendations to help expand your knowledge. I hope you take this opportunity to find a new podcast, watch a movie or documentary, find a new television series or grab a good book. The possibilities are endless.

For many companies, diversity and inclusion are buzzwords. Wintrust is working to elevate and celebrate the employees, communities, and partners making significant contributions and I’m glad to be a part of it.

Happy Black History Month!