Can you believe it's2020?  I remember being a kid and thinking how cool itwould be when it was the year 2000, but so much training we havehad as adults has been "Vision 2020" and such, so it seems a littlesurreal.  One of the things we are having everyone in ouroffice do this year is identify their "B HAGS" aka "big hairyaudacious goal" and we are all excited for the "stretches" we arewanting to accomplish this year!  This month, I'd like tointroduce you to Barbara, Sarah and Haley.  These threewomen took 2019 on in full force and are excited about what's instore for them in 2020!

Barbara J. Provost, EdD, Purse Strings and PCI

"I was honored in 2019 to consult again with the InternalFinance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank. We partnered to createtraining for banks in Ecuador and Vietnam to teach them how toengage with and serve the female market.

The role of the IFC is to helpbusinesses innovate and create jobs and opportunities for people indeveloping countries. They know the power of the female marketacross the world and once banks invest in women and their startupbusinesses, women will reinvest back into their business, theirfamilies and their communities. It creates a powerful ripplingeffect of investment and growth.

With my education in adult and higherlearning, my 25+ years creating education in insurance andfinancial organizations, along with my deep research on serving thefemale market, this work is my sweet spot and what I love todo!"

Sarah Borders, Benefits Compliance Solutions

"2019 was a year of tremendous change and growth for me and myfamily. After 15 years of working as an account manager andlater vice president of benefits compliance with a top-5 nationalbenefits firm, I left in April to start my own complianceconsulting company. Frankly, it was terrifying to leave such anestablished company and my brilliant colleagues, but I knew it wastime to take a leap of faith.

I saw a major gap in compliance that wasn't being addressed andknew that with my years of experience in account managementcombined with my compliance expertise, I could truly help mid-sizedemployers actually get into compliance.

Recently, I helped an employer eliminate over $300,000 inpotential fines and lawsuit exposure that would have been acomplete surprise to them. Needless to say, their broker was veryhappy.

I'm excited for 2020. It will be my best year yet!"

Haley Tolitsky, Financial Planner at CookeCapital

"My biggest accomplishment in2019 was passing the CFP exam in July! I am proud of my commitmentto study for such a prestigious exam in under a year and to pass onmy first try at the age of 23, all while working full-time as afinancial planner and getting connected in my new city.

I am honored to have been featured in InvestmentNews, the CFPBoard's "Ask the Expert Session," and several CFP Board marketingcampaigns within the last year. I also have served on the FinancialPlanning Association of the Triangle's Board of Directors as theirfirst Communications Director.

I am looking forward to completing the experience requirementfor the certified financial planner certification in 2020 andcontinuing to help our clients set and achieve their financialgoals!"

This year is already filling up with incredible women doingincredible things, but I do have space available. If you know ofgreat women in the field who are working hard to make this thisindustry even better, send me an email introduction at [email protected]. I'd loveto connect!