Exploring the Impact of the Annual Center for Financial Planning’s Diversity Summit with Dawn Harris

Diversity in Action™

Welcome to the seventh episode of the Diversity in Action™ podcast Season 2!

In this episode we introduce our guest, Dawn Harris, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Center for Financial Planning.

Dawn discusses her career journey, transitioning from consumer packaged goods to multicultural marketing and the sports industry, ultimately leading to her current role. She highlights the parallels between risk-taking in NASCAR and financial planning, emphasizing attention to detail and numerical acumen in both fields. Dawn explains the creation of the Director of Diversity and Inclusion role at the Center for Financial Planning and its mission to drive year-round DEI efforts. Metrics for gauging the success of DEI initiatives, scholarships, and resources for diverse CFP professionals are discussed, along with the significance of the annual Center for Financial Planning’s Diversity Summit. Dawn also sheds light on the La Count R. Davis Scholarship and the WIN Scholarship, which promote diversity in the profession.

Looking forward, Dawn expresses hopes for increased diversity, inclusion, and financial education within the profession. Dawn also shares personal finance tips for starting financial education early and a course recommendation for millennials. Tune in for a wealth of insights and inspiration on making a positive impact in the industry!

Celebrate a significant milestone as we acknowledge the 50th year of the CFP designation, highlighting its enduring impact on the profession and the individuals it serves.

Episode Highlights:

>> Dawn shares her career journey from consumer goods to NASCAR to her current role

>> The parallels between NASCAR and financial planning

>> The role and goals of the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the CFP

>>Diverse CFP professionals' entry, retention, job leads, scholarships, Diversity Summit attendance

>> CFP provides resources, scholarships, mentorship for career growth and retention

>> Diversity Summit fosters inclusion, networking, features keynotes, and sessions

>> Initiatives like La Count R. Davis and WIN Scholarships promote diversity

>> CFP Board collaboration, DEI initiatives, and vision for progress

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by CFP Board, the professional body for personal financial planners in the US. CFP Board consists of two affiliated organizations: the CFP Board of Standards, which sets and upholds standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious Certified Financial Planner Certification, which is held by more than 96,000 individuals in the US. The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning At addresses diversity and workforce development challenges and conducts and publishes research that adds to the financial planning profession's body of knowledge. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the CFP Certification.

Connect with Dawn:

• LinkedIn | Dawn Harris
• Website | www.cfp.net

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Diversity Summit
• LeCount scholarship
• WIN scholarship
• Thought Leadership Paper: “Creating a DEI-Driven Culture of Retention in Financial Planning: Lessons Learned from Industry Leaders
• Center for Financial Planning: Career Center
• Consumer Website: Let’s Make a Plan
• Career guide - 12 different career paths
• Public Awareness Campaign & Toolkit
• Lauryn Williams - Financial Planning Course

Diversity in Action™ is all about showcasing real stories of individuals who are making an impact in the financial planning industry. You will learn how they got started in the industry, how they built their foundation, where they are headed in their careers, and their passion for making the financial industry more diverse.

It’s time to be inspired by those working to make a positive difference in the financial planning industry. It’s time to be part of this radical change!

Diversity in Action™ is a project of BLX Internship - a program for aspiring black and Latinx financial planners. Visit our website at www.blxinternship.org