07 Mar WLA Mentorship Program Profile
East Meets West (Coast)
Ashley Warne & Dr. Pamela Grey
Statistically, women outlive men, and they control 51% of personal wealth in the United States. Sounds like we live in a women’s world, right? Not when 84% of financial advisors are men. That gender gap means the future holds unlimited opportunities for women to step up and take their place at the table.
Which is where the WLA’s mentorship program comes in.
Room for Growth
Ashley Warne earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from USC and a master’s in applied finance from Pepperdine University. After working in the Raymond James home office in St. Petersburg, Florida, she joined her father Phil’s Southern California practice, Corporate Financial Partners. She’s a CFP® and CDFA®.
But something was missing.
“I knew I needed a mentor. I’ve been an advisor for six-and-a-half years, and I think like most semi-young advisors, you just hit a wall of productivity and inspiration,” Ashley reveals.
Enter Pamela.
“A Calling to Teach”
Pamela Grey has been a professional financial advisor since 2000. Thanks to her master’s and doctorate degrees, she’s taught undergraduate and graduate level courses throughout her career. Despite her success, Pamela also realized something was missing.
“I’ve been in practice for 19 years – all work, work, work, work, work. A couple of years ago, when I reached a point in maturity in my practice, I just felt this calling to teach.”
Enter Ashley.
Strike a Match
“[The WLA] did a really good job of matching me with someone that really solved a lot of the problems that I was facing every day,” Ashley says.
Pamela and Ashley didn’t let a little thing like living on opposite coasts prevent them from teaming up. From Ashley’s base in Santa Monica to Pamela’s office in Jacksonville, Florida, they speak by phone every couple of weeks. During the year, they also carve out “face time” at financial conferences. It’s been a win-win for both women in the six months they’ve worked together.
“My role is to be [Ashley’s] champion. I know it can be done because I’ve walked that gauntlet,” Pamela reports. “I know what it feels like to be on the other side.”
Insights & Impact
Having Pamela in her corner has made a tangible difference in Ashley’s work – and her confidence.
“I really feel your encouragements when I’m across the table from a new client,” Ashley tells Pamela with a smile. “I hear Pamela’s voice saying, ‘You can do it,’ and that really is meaningful and impactful to feel just a little less alone in a pretty intense industry.”
For more on the WLA Leadership program, click here.
To donate, click here.
